Paint Protection

[holdenhsv2004]

First and foremost, this is a great site and indeed very helpful to newcomers who are getting started in auto detailing.

My question relates to paint protection that is offered by car dealerships when purchasing either a new or indeed used vehicle.

I'm from Australia, and hence, I'm not sure if paint protection that is offered in the USA for example is the same thing. However, nevertheless, my question relates to the fact that if the "paint protection" package is selected when purchasing a vehicle, exactly what do they apply to the paint? Ie. is it some kind of film? Or is it more of a liquid/paste sealant?

If such paint protection is selected, then does polishing enhance the paint at all? For example, if an extra layer of paint protection is applied to the vehicle, will the film applied for example, act as a barrier to the polish?

Moreover, does this paint protection ever wear off?

Perhaps a handful of questions here, but I am interested in finding out somehow from anyone who has knowledge of this subject.

Thanks in advance!

By the way, the new NXT Tech Wax arrived in Australia only last week... and what can I say... but WOW! It's like having a new car gloss /glaze on the car, which actually doesn't wear off within a day!

[Acuracl99]

Most "protection" packages are just regular sealants applied to your car for a huge profit by the dealership. Their no different than zaino, the megs polymer sealant, etc. Its quite a ripoff.

[holdenhsv2004]

I see what you're saying... indeed, they charge about AUD800 here in Aust. for paint protection from some dealers, and quite frankly, I think this is quite expensive.

However, I has seen that some paint protection is in the form of a "film" that is stuck onto the paint finish. I would think this would seal the paint, which may not be a good thing on a new paint finish. Nevertheless, thanks for your comments and any other opinions anyone else may have.

[sky8811]

Hi holdenhsv2004,

I'm also new in detailing and I'm from Singapore.
Ever since I found this forums about 3 - 4 mths ago, I've hook on Meguiars' products........

All I can say, if you mentain your car with Meguiars' prdoucts, there is no need to pay for any paint protection.

I mentained my car using Meg's clay, #80, NXT Tech wax and final detail. I actually started with Deep Crystal #1 & #2 about 4 mths back (a really solid product that restored my car to better than brand new condition before switching to #80).

Then you will always hear people saying "WOW" about the beauty of your paint work.


sky8811

[Acuracl99]

Im familar with clear bras that are applied to the hood, the front bumber and the mirriors but ive never heard of a full car protection film

[holdenhsv2004]

Does anyone know then what is meant when these car dealers offer "full paint protection" (that is over the entire car)? Is it a a clear film that is cut to measure and stuck on to the car? Or would this more likely be some kind of liquid/paste sealant?

Thanks for all of the input.

I bought a car recently and didn't opt for paint protection. I'm just wondering weather I did the right thing.

I noticed with a previous vehcile I had, I am led to beleive it did have paint protection, but after the car was 10years old+, the paint started cracking where there was stress placed on the panel /bumper... not sure if by sealing in the paint, this occurs? Or it could have been simply because of the actual paint?

Thanks All!

[sky8811]

Hi,

Over here in Singapore, full car protection usually means that they will apply a layer of liquid sealant which will harden to form a layer of solid clear coat like film over the paint work.

Another type is a film from either 3M or GE which is pasted onto the front portion of the car (Not the whole car yet).

IMHO, I think you done the right thing because I did the same thing when I bought my car 18 months ago.

When I found this forum about 4 months back, I spend one quater of the money save from the paint protection package to buy Meg's products.

And is all worth the money and effort because now after 18 months of driving the car, the paint work is even better then the showroom's car. Not to mentioned the satisfaction everytime after I detailed my car (which I do every weekend).

sky8811

[C32 AMG]

I had the paint protection on my 1990 Acura before and the dealership called them "Perma-Shine". This kind of stuff is only the sealant (similar to #20) made for industrial use. It looked smooth and shiny when you picked up the car in the dealership. I still remember the salesperson told me that I will never wax the car with this Perma-Shine. It cost around $600 Cdn. back in 1990.

However, what I had found these protections cannot be survived after 6 months. After this, you have 2 options, one is polish and wax the car if you want the car to have good shape; and the second option is don't wax or polish the car because you believe the car is protected by the sealant.

[RedRSXGrrl]

QD ok?

We got the paint protection package from the dealer for our black TL, and I was wondering if using Meg's QD on it would do any harm?

So far I've only washed it and have not put any polish or wax on it (I'll wait till 6 months later ...) I just wish I could use QD for in between washes ...

[C32 AMG]

First of all, I believe the paint protection from the "Stealership" is a rip-off from our pockets.

Second, if your car is brand new, I beleive, you should evaluate your paint as suggested by Mike Phillips in order to make further action. Try "Search" button, I forgot which test

However, I believe using NXT techwax regularly can maintain your paint in top condition.

Why don't you take a picture of your car and show it to us.

If you want to be a car crazy like us, you should buy the G-100 polishing machine to acheive the highest results.

[sky8811]

sky8811

[Mike Phillips]

Re: QD ok?

Originally posted by RedRSXGrrl
We got the paint protection package from the dealer for our black TL, and I was wondering if using Meg's QD on it would do any harm?

So far I've only washed it and have not put any polish or wax on it (I'll wait till 6 months later ...) I just wish I could use QD for in between washes ...

Hi RedRSXGrrl,

Welcome to Meguiar's Online!

Using Meguiar's Quik Detailer will not harm your cars finish or the paint sealant the dealership applied. Quik Detailer is perfect for removing light dust and other contaminants in-between regular washings.

Since purchasing our black Pilot, I've made a habit of wiping the finish down every other day or so with Quik Detailer because it's easier and faster than washing the Pilot. Since it's garage kept, the only time it gets dirt is when we drive and park somewhere.

Question: Does the paint protection package require you to bring it back at different intervals for re-application of the paint protectant?

Is there a cost for this?

Thanks

[RedRSXGrrl]

Sorry for the delay in replying. Thank you all for the information here are a couple of pictures of my TL:






Mike, to answer your question, yes the kit they provided us was from "Carecraft". There is a bottle there that we have to use every 6 months I think to renew the paint. There is also an interior leather cleaner. Other than those two, the kit also came with a car wash solution, bug/tar remover, glass cleaner, etc ... Not sure of the cost, but I think it was around $500.

I'm glad to know that QD is safe, and so I can use it for the TL. It's starting to rain here and the cars are getting so dusty.

Thanks again!