Temporary Protective Film?

[snowmatt1]

Hi all,

My new to me 06 LC still has a very clean paint job. I want to go off road, but really don't want to scratch it up. I also don't want permanent protective film, as I don't like the look and don't off road too much, just a few times a year.

Is there a film you know of that is cheap, easy to apply, and easy to remove? The look doesn't matter, as I'll literally put it on the day I head out for the weekend, then take it off when I get back.

I'm looking at stuff like this:

https://www.amazon.com/Scotchgard-C...58361&sr=8-6&keywords=vehicle+protection+film

Where I don't have to take the time to cut it perfectly, just good enough to cover it properly, and want to remove it easily.

Thanks!

 

[Spike555]

You'll go broke buying that for the whole truck.

Wax it. Off road it. Buff it. The scratches will only be surface scratches and most will buff out.

Scratches are like tattoos, once you get one, you will want more.

 

[REZARF]

Yeah, a little pin striping is a badge of honor. I would use a good wax before heading out but just know some pin striping is part of the equation if you're gonna have fun. I still polish, clay bar, wax and buff my paint but up close it has it scars from wheeling. If you don't want to scratch it in any form, then this isn't a good sport for you. However, I don't think that means you have to abuse your rig to enjoy it either. But some light scuffs scrapes and pin striping is all part of the game. Personally, I would avoid tight trails if this is important to you and spend the money on gas to a new spot rather than protective film. YMMV.

For me it is like seeing sliders late in the season with no rock rash underneaht... I think, "Poor fella spent all that coin and hasn't had the time to enjoy the mountains this season." If I see a "well loved" set of sliders with some rock rash, I think... "Atta' boy!"

As a closet detailer and paint snob, you gotta make peace with the fact that the tree's, branches and rocks are gonna leave their mark. I keep my Porter Cable polisher busy in the off season and my Cruiser looks great nearly 20 years later.

Go have fun, make some memories... you can't take it with you.

 

[Kabanstva]

Find a reputable PPF shop that installs a high quality self-healing film like XPEL Ultimate, Suntek Ultra, or 3M Pro Series.

A good installer will make the film nearly invisible. We wrap full vehicles at my work almost every day, mainly new sports cars and exotic cars but have done a few SUVs as well. The new films look incredible, do NOT confuse them with the old crap that would oxidize, dull, and yellow in a matter of months.

I plan on wrapping my entire LX in the next few weeks. Right now I only have the partial front kit installed that we did a few years back.

Make sure it's self healing film though. Do NOT buy the Scotchgard in your link, you'll be throwing money away. The films I mentioned all have a 10 year warranty and the 3M even comes with optional insurance, up to $3,500 compensation per panel to repaint/fix in case a rock chip ever punctures the film and chips (not dents) the paint.

You're lucky you're in CA, plenty of excellent detail shops out there that can do a great job, just get ready for a sticker shock because this stuff is pricey to do it properly.

 

[Spike555]

It's the imperfections that make her so beautiful.