permanent clear coat, does it really exist?
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Joined: Mar 2004
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permanent clear coat, does it really exist?
I have a black 2004 TL with Navi. Here in NE ohio with all of the snow and Mud, it's practically dirty all of the time. Wish I would've went with silver which is what I had with my previous TL. To keep it as clean as I would want I would have to go to a car wash almost every day.
I've heard about some types of products that are permanent clear coats that can be applied. Has anyone does this? If so, how much does it cost? What are the results?
Getting frustrated keeping my TL clean. Please let me know. Thanks.
I've heard about some types of products that are permanent clear coats that can be applied. Has anyone does this? If so, how much does it cost? What are the results?
Getting frustrated keeping my TL clean. Please let me know. Thanks.
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Joined: Dec 2004
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All cars these days have "clear coats" on them. They are the last layer of paint that is applied. Now, there are products that can be applied to protect from scratches and chips, but to do the entire car is overkill and expensive. But, you'll still need to wash your car when it gets dirty no matter what product you have on it. Unless you want to drive with a plastic bubble around your car, you're going to have to do what everyone else does; wash your car when it gets dirty.
05WDP Midlife crisis
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: CT
Your car has clear coat paint on it, this is what always gets scratched, then buffed out by a detailer, or yourself. There is no product that you can apply that is permanent on top of this. Some sealers can be applied in coats that will add protection, but will have to renewed sometime during the year. As for car washes, most have some sort of brush system that can pickup sand or whatever from a previous wash customer, embed itself into the brush and scratch the crap out of your car! Also most washes recycle their water, if a previous customers use a wheel cleaner before entering you now will have this cleaner applied to your finish. Now granted, it will be dilute, but given enough customers doing this, and it will at least strip off that expensive and labor intensive sealer that you applied to protect your car for the winter.
05WDP Midlife crisis
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From: CT
This is where I go for answers and info. I hate to keep posting this link, but I found it to be loaded with info and fairly non-biased.
http://www.autopia-carcare.com/carwax.html
http://www.autopia-carcare.com/carwax.html
Safety Car
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From: NYC
Originally Posted by atomarchio
What are some brands of sealers? Is it something I can do or does it have to be done by a professional?
How long does it last?
How long does it last?
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 4,171
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From: San Diego, CA
I opted for "Premium Finishing" when I purchased my car. Theres a 3 year warranty on the paint and interior from unremovable stains (sap, tar, bird droppings, bugs, oil based stains, etc..).
Can someone enlighten me on what exactly was done? Did they apply what others have called "clear bra" on the whole car? I think it costed around $300 for it.
Hopefully I didn't get suckered in to it.
Its still okay if I did, the car looks great! 
Can someone enlighten me on what exactly was done? Did they apply what others have called "clear bra" on the whole car? I think it costed around $300 for it.
Hopefully I didn't get suckered in to it.
Its still okay if I did, the car looks great!
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Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: NYC
Originally Posted by datmrman
I opted for "Premium Finishing" when I purchased my car. Theres a 3 year warranty on the paint and interior from unremovable stains (sap, tar, bird droppings, bugs, oil based stains, etc..).
Can someone enlighten me on what exactly was done? Did they apply what others have called "clear bra" on the whole car? I think it costed around $300 for it.
Hopefully I didn't get suckered in to it. Its still okay if I did, the car looks great!
Can someone enlighten me on what exactly was done? Did they apply what others have called "clear bra" on the whole car? I think it costed around $300 for it.
Hopefully I didn't get suckered in to it.
Its still okay if I did, the car looks great!
05WDP Midlife crisis
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 653
Likes: 0
From: CT
Live and learn as the saying goes. I had the unfortunate opportunity to work at a dealership where I applied this miracle finish from a tube no bigger than a small tube of toothpaste. Well now that you have this kevlar finish on board you make sure to apply a really good sealant over it. Look at it this way you made a really good choice when you purchased the car!
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 4,171
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From: San Diego, CA
Originally Posted by caball88
no nice way of putting it but any "special" finish the dealer claims to put on is just a sealant (and a pretty cheap one most the time).
Originally Posted by joed40
Well now that you have this kevlar finish on board you make sure to apply a really good sealant over it.
Should I be following it up with a layer of something else?
05WDP Midlife crisis
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 653
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From: CT
Yes they put something on your car, and yes put a good sealant on your car as well. You have a new car, with a bonding rustproof agent applied to your car before paint. It shouldn't rust regardless of what you put on top. What you have to worry about is your paint, protect it, and don't worry or think about the guarantee they give you.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,589
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From: NorCal
Originally Posted by datmrman
I opted for "Premium Finishing" when I purchased my car. Theres a 3 year warranty on the paint and interior from unremovable stains (sap, tar, bird droppings, bugs, oil based stains, etc..).
Can someone enlighten me on what exactly was done? Did they apply what others have called "clear bra" on the whole car? I think it costed around $300 for it.
Hopefully I didn't get suckered in to it. Its still okay if I did, the car looks great!
Can someone enlighten me on what exactly was done? Did they apply what others have called "clear bra" on the whole car? I think it costed around $300 for it.
Hopefully I didn't get suckered in to it.
Its still okay if I did, the car looks great!
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,589
Likes: 1
From: NorCal
Timed out, Paint Protections Film (PPF) known also as Clear Bra is a polyurethane film applied to the vehicle protecting the leading edge from road debris. Do a search, you'll come up with numerous threads. Cost installed, anywhere from $600 and up.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,589
Likes: 1
From: NorCal
Originally Posted by atomarchio
I have a black 2004 TL with Navi. Here in NE ohio with all of the snow and Mud, it's practically dirty all of the time. Wish I would've went with silver which is what I had with my previous TL. To keep it as clean as I would want I would have to go to a car wash almost every day.
I've heard about some types of products that are permanent clear coats that can be applied. Has anyone does this? If so, how much does it cost? What are the results?
Getting frustrated keeping my TL clean. Please let me know. Thanks.
I've heard about some types of products that are permanent clear coats that can be applied. Has anyone does this? If so, how much does it cost? What are the results?
Getting frustrated keeping my TL clean. Please let me know. Thanks.
Originally Posted by teranfon
I've used an alternative to the 3M film for close to seven years now. I found the 3M would dull over time. What I do is have the body shop I deal with apply aluminumized clear to the surface being protected. First the surface to be cleared is masked off. This works very well because you get the desired angles and surfaces to be covered without having to compromise with the constraints of the 3M film. The surface is then etched with a product that dulls the factory clear and allows the aluminumized clear to be applied. It is then applied over several coats and left to dry for 12 hours. Aluminumized clear is the same product applied to factory wheels. It is extremely durable yet does not become as hard as factory clears coats. This allows for a surface that is able to withstand contact from road debris. The finished product is just beautiful. Its looks like a factory clear coat and can applied to most difficult of angles. Once the masking tape is removed you have a very slight ridge than you have to look for. And it will not fade or yellow.
The last four vehicles I have had done with this procedure have been new vehicles and I have yet to receive a single chip. This includes a pickup that is for farm use and sees a few gravel roads. I've also had this procedure done to the lower rockers of my Grand National and corvette as I hate splash guards. You cannot see the finished product and no chipping since its been applied.
It may be a consideration for you.
Terry
I've used an alternative to the 3M film for close to seven years now. I found the 3M would dull over time. What I do is have the body shop I deal with apply aluminumized clear to the surface being protected. First the surface to be cleared is masked off. This works very well because you get the desired angles and surfaces to be covered without having to compromise with the constraints of the 3M film. The surface is then etched with a product that dulls the factory clear and allows the aluminumized clear to be applied. It is then applied over several coats and left to dry for 12 hours. Aluminumized clear is the same product applied to factory wheels. It is extremely durable yet does not become as hard as factory clears coats. This allows for a surface that is able to withstand contact from road debris. The finished product is just beautiful. Its looks like a factory clear coat and can applied to most difficult of angles. Once the masking tape is removed you have a very slight ridge than you have to look for. And it will not fade or yellow.
The last four vehicles I have had done with this procedure have been new vehicles and I have yet to receive a single chip. This includes a pickup that is for farm use and sees a few gravel roads. I've also had this procedure done to the lower rockers of my Grand National and corvette as I hate splash guards. You cannot see the finished product and no chipping since its been applied.
It may be a consideration for you.
Terry
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