Small stones that fly out from under the wheels; dry branches fallen from trees; birds perching on the roof or hood can all cause scratches on the car body. It's good if these defects are noticeable only on close examination, in which case appearance the car will hardly deteriorate. But if we are talking about large deep scratches or chips, protection of the car paint becomes an absolute necessity.
Why do you need body protectors?
On the modern market there are a huge number of means that allow you to protect the paintwork of the body: polishes, waxes, "liquid glass", vinyl films. They are used not only to prevent scratches and chips. These products can also be used to decorate the bodywork (for example, vinyl films with patterns), as well as to create dull and gloss effects.
Many of these products help protect paint from premature sun-burn. For example, PVC films are capable of absorbing ultraviolet radiation, which often leads to premature aging of paintwork. Protective waxes and “liquid glass”, in turn, not only protect the paint from scratches and chips, but can also repel dust and dirt particles. Therefore, their use allows you to forget about regular trips to the car wash and keep the vehicle in good shape for a long time.
The main types of protective equipment for the car body
Modern motorists most often prefer these types of protective compounds:
There are other means to protect the body from damage. Among them: fabric covers, plastic deflectors, etc. But their popularity, in comparison with the above materials, is simply negligible.
Technology of applying protective compounds
- Application of polish. Before proceeding with the elimination of scratches with this compound, the car body must be completely cleaned of dust and stubborn dirt. Then a thin layer of polishing paste is applied to the paint - this can be done using special tool (polishing machine). If one is not available, it is better to drive the car to a service station, where professionals will do it. And trying to apply polish with a sponge or brush is a surefire way to throw money away.
- Application of "liquid glass". After the car body has been thoroughly washed and cleaned of any dirt residues, a thin layer of "liquid glass" is applied manually (using a sponge). Then its surface is carefully polished with a soft cloth and dried using a special hair dryer or by natural ventilation.
- Vinyl application. Before starting work, it is necessary to carefully process the part to be pasted with a special degreasing solution. Then the film is carefully applied to the desired area of \u200b\u200bthe body (bumper, hood, fender, or even headlights) and "fitted" to it with a powerful stream of hot air from a car hair dryer.
Thus, given the necessary tool, supplies and certain skills, a motorist will be able to apply a protective coating to the body of his car without any problems, without resorting to the help of specialists. At the same time, it is important to choose high-quality material that is right for your vehicle. On this issue, you can always get advice from managers.
SHINE AND TRUST IN THE SIGHT
FEEL THE DEPTH ...
1. SHINE! The shine of the cheapest or most expensive coatings is very similar. In the conditions of multi-point lighting of a car dealership, you can mistake the gloss from wax for multi-remotes, nano-quaso coating, and with good polishing, it is easy to be fooled by the presence of a coating on the body.
2. REAL COMPOSITION! You, with 99% probability, do not have a laboratory that can check the real composition of the applied coating.
3. REAL LAYER THICKNESS! It is impossible without special equipment to measure the actual thickness of the applied coating and understand the number of layers and strength.
4. DON'T UNDERSTAND! What exactly has been applied to the car, you can determine only after, so to speak, "flight tests", within 2-12 weeks of active operation of the car.
QM-AUTO ©
1 MYTH ONE:
“THE NEW MACHINE IS ENOUGH PROTECTED AND NO ADDITIONAL COATINGS NEEDED. NOW SAY: - "SHINE LIKE NEW" ".
It's a myth, just like a myth that new car free from scratches. Let's make a reservation right away that we are not talking about anti-corrosion protection, which in most cases is at a high level, and as you know, is the subject of guarantees and insurance.
Everything is different in terms of protection against color fading, micro-scratches, water-repellent and reagent-resistant properties of the body. There are several reasons for this. The main reason for the relatively soft "native" paintwork coating is that more and more manufacturers are taking care of environmental standards cover cars with less durable varnishes than, for example, 3-4 years ago. These paints are often water-based and scratch easily. A large percentage of new cars already have scratches (the gaze of a car dealer is, of course, more tenacious and fastidious), so the body may need prelaunch preparation.
Our experience of observing patient machines, even from the "premium" segment, says that the factory paintwork in a year fade and fades much faster than it, but with a protective coating. These are objective factors, but we must not forget that manufacturers of protective coatings have stepped further than automakers and can make paintwork more durable and more resistant to life in our time.
QM-AUTO ©
QM-AUTO ©
QM-AUTO ©
4 MYTH FOUR: “WE WILL APPLY YOU A COATING WITH WHICH TO WASH
AND DON'T NEED TO DEGREASE THE HOOD, THE DIRT WILL FLY BY ITSELF! ".
Care is required. Advanced coatings will cut the number of washes by 2 or 3 times, but you still need to wash. It has been noticed that coating properties are lost at different rates. For example, durability and shine last longer, and water and dirt repellent properties are lost more quickly. Therefore, it is better to take care of paintwork from time to time (1 in 4-6 months). Worse, if you were not warned about this, reassuring mega-effects from the coating.
TIP: when you come to a car service to apply a life-extending compound, make sure that you really applied it, and did not polish the body in places.
Wash only in modern sinks. Rag with sand from previous car will do with your expensive coating the same as the grandmother's powder from the previous Myth # 3 about chips.
QM-AUTO ©
5 MYTH FIFTH: ”WITH OUR COATING, DO NOT POLISH THE BODY. IT'S ENOUGH TO EXTEND THE FACTORY VARNISH, IT WILL WASTE! ".
It is a myth! You need to polish. Polishing is included in the technological preparation of the surface before coating. The car is polished in the process, cleaned with special compounds, and brought to a shine. Even if the car is new, it needs to be polished, albeit less intensively. (The reasons for this in Myth # 1.) Of course, you can apply the coating on an unpolished surface, but it will not be a 5-star shine at all. micro-scratches, often shaped circular movements from a rag, will glare, and mirror reflection and shine will not be achieved. Most modern coatings are not self-leveling like floor mortars. They will not hide all the shortcomings of the body, but they will help to increase its service life and allow you to polish the body more cycles than if you had nothing to protect it. You may be offered, for example, a varnish, calling it also a "protective" coating, which will spread, add thickness, etc. But varnishes do not have the same strength and adhesion as the protective coatings analyzed by the authors of this article.
QM-AUTO ©
QM-AUTO ©
7 MYTH SEVEN: “SHINE IS A QUALITY GUARANTEE. SEE THAT THE HOOD SHINES BETTER THAN IT WAS LIKE A STAR IN THE NIGHT? YES! MEANS I DIDN'T GUESS! ".
Our Asian shopping experience has taught us a lot about the unreliable first impression of a product. For instance, good polishing plus cheap wax will create an excellent effect, but they will not be durable, and will not add additional strength to the paintwork. Alas, "a divorce for shine" walks along the roads of cities. You buy a mega-coating, pay for super-protection and shine, you leave everything in a "blaze of glory" from the hood, but after 3 washes you realize that the shine is gone.
Roads, parking lots, aggressive driving - these are risk factors for the paintwork of cars, which leave their tracks mercilessly from day to day. That is why protecting the body from chips and scratches is becoming a serious problem for motorists. The car market presents a lot of solutions to this issue for every taste, color and wallet.
A popular option for providing scratch protection is body stickers. It looks like a transparent film. There are two types:
- anti-gravel - protects due to the peculiarities of the technology and the composition of the material;
- vinyl - Provides protection to the vehicle due to its thickness.
Since both types of coating are almost the same in appearance, you can independently understand which one is in front of you using a test. Try to pierce or break it. It turned out - vinyl, no - anti-gravel.
Both films have advantages and disadvantages. Pros of vinyl film:
- budgetary cost - 5-6 times cheaper than polyurethane;
- protection of vehicles from minor abrasions and scratches, sand and minor damage during careless driving;
- decorative component.
- the film is subject to temperature extremes - shrinks when heated, freezes and hardens when it gets cold;
- fades relatively soon both under the influence of ultraviolet radiation and from exposure to various chemicals.
The main disadvantage is the cost of anti-gravel, which can be five times higher than the cost of vinyl.
The polyurethane sticker is capable of transmitting sunlight. On the one hand, there is no protection against body fading. On the other hand, if you have protected not only certain areas of the car with a film, the car will fade evenly.
Both coating options are applied both to the entire surface of the vehicle and to its most vulnerable parts. Most often in need of protection:
- headlights;
- wings;
- windshield;
- front bumper;
- hood.
Installation of the film as protection against scratches and chips requires special skills and techniques. The car part is pre-treated with a special compound and, under the influence of hot air currents, the film is carefully and tightly pressed to the surface.
The sticker will serve as scratch protection for more than one year if you contact a specialized company. Professionals will make sure that the film is removed without consequences.
Protective polishes
Special compounds will protect the body from scratches and the harmful effects of the environment, as well as mask existing paintwork defects. Protective polishing is reduced to the process of applying a polymer layer to the paintwork of the machine. On the auto chemistry market, polishes are widely represented. By composition, there are:
- Waxes are considered the safest, most affordable, easy to apply, but they do not last long.
- based on teflon. They are classified as professional. To cover the body with polish means to keep the car from ultraviolet radiation, chemicals, water and dirt. The service life of the Teflon coating during intensive use of the vehicle is up to twelve weeks.
- Based on epoxy resins. This protection lasts up to 1 year. Interacts with LCP at the molecular level to form a micro-carapace. Good protection against organic stains.
- Nano-polishing is the most durable type of polish. Resistant to mechanical and chemical attack. Thanks to nano-polishing, most of the road debris simply flies off the body - it is so slippery.
Protective polishes compare favorably with stickers in that they keep the car from rust, and paint from the harmful effects of sunlight.
Liquid glass
Many consider liquid glass to be a type of protective polish. The substance is relatively new, interacts with the paintwork at a chemical level, forming a glass film. Car enthusiasts who value the exterior of their vehicle especially prefer liquid glass. It is able not only to protect the car body from scratches and chips, but also to transform the car externally, giving the impression of a solid varnish coating.
In terms of service life, liquid glass is distinguished by its durability - up to 12 months of effective protection. It does not scratch, holds well the mechanical shocks of fine gravel on high speeds, retains the original color of the car, helps to protect the body from corrosion. You can apply liquid glass both in the cabin and on your own, processing includes:
- surface preparation of the machine - cleaning and degreasing;
- even application of the composition with a sponge;
- hand polishing the body with a soft cloth.
Liquid case
The most affordable option for protecting paintwork from minor road hazards (scratches from branches, gravel, sand) is a liquid cover. The material is quite convenient for application and subsequent care. It is applied to a thoroughly cleaned car body in three to four layers with a regular paint brush, dries quickly. Lasts up to two weeks, can be removed easily. This is a universal protection of the car body from chips or scratches during short trips. Its additional plus in preserving the car from corrosion; he is not afraid of heat and cold. But this composition also has a negative side:
- makes the main body color dull, streaks may appear;
- peels off in contact with water.
Protective hood cover
The easiest way to protect vehicles from external influences and scratches is a cover. This type of protection belongs to the middle price category, its cost is influenced by the intricacy of the design, brand awareness, and the quality of tailoring. Covers are sewn from artificial leather - a textile imitation of an expensive material. Such protection against scratches repels moisture, is frost-resistant, does not change texture from high temperatures.
When choosing a "hood-mask", pay attention to the degree of adherence of the cover to the car: the tighter, the better protection and less interference when driving. It has two significant drawbacks:
- There is no universal protection for all cars, you need to select a product for a specific brand;
- It is required to regularly check the paintwork under the cover. If dirt, dust, debris, water gets there, scuffs, scratches and stains cannot be avoided.
Hood deflector
It only makes sense to install the hood deflector if you often drive high speeds... The main task of protection is to protect the windshield and wipers from scratches. For example, on a highway at a speed of over 70 km / h, gravel, grains of sand, and gnarly flies into the front of the hood and windshield along with oncoming air. A deflector will be protected. It creates an updraft that prevents collision. Of the pros:
- affordable price;
- easy installation - the protection is attached at a small distance from the body, you can also cover the headlights additionally.
Among the cons:
- works only at high speeds;
- impairs the aerodynamics of the vehicle;
- corrosion will develop under the deflector over time if the appropriate measures are not taken.
Each of the modern methods of technological protection of the body from scratches or chips has its own advantages and disadvantages. With a large assortment, it is quite easy to choose the most convenient protection option for your car.
Probably every sane person who owns a car dreams that a faithful iron friend would please the owner's eye with the shine of the paintwork for as long as possible. But, unfortunately, modern world often gives us very unpleasant surprises.
So, for example, leaving the house one morning, you may find a branch falling from a tree on the hood of your car. You pick it up and see a scratch ... Or another example. Once, on a hot summer day, you take on your own car wash with feeling and pleasure. After washing, inadvertently leave it to dry under the rays of the scorching sun. Needless to say, such actions will lead to quick paint fading.
And besides this, there are a huge number of birds on the planet, and some of them live in your area. The acids contained in poultry droppings can significantly spoil the paint. In winter, things are even worse ... In our country, the road services do not feed bread, but let the streets sprinkle with a ton or two of chemical reagents that corrode everything in their path. And if you do not wash your car in winter, then by spring you may find a noticeably faded paint layer. You need to wash your car! No matter how dirty and slushy it was on the roads.
What about those drivers who want to protect their car from danger? Today, there are quite a few ways to protect a car's paintwork on the market. We will focus on three of them and tell you about the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Vinyl is not only records ...
And the first number on our list is car wrapping. The fashion for vinyl came to Russia after the first part of the movie "Fast and Furious" was released. Having seen enough of the sports cars pasted along and across, our compatriots set to work. At first, when there were no smart craftsmen in the country, the whole thing looked pretty funny. After a couple of weeks, the film became covered with waves, torn or simply peeled off. But as time went on, the skills improved, and today a fairly large number of professional gluers work in Russia.
Now more about the vinyl itself. There are two types of film - calendered and cast. Calendered film is usually a film produced by the careful hands of Chinese workers. Such film occupies the lion's share of the market. Why? It's cheap. However, you can choose from a truly huge number of textures and colors. The trouble is that only a true professional can stick such a film with high quality. And that is not in 100% of cases. In addition, such films are characterized by low resistance to external factors, over time they wrinkle and fade. Cast film is another matter entirely. The price tag for it is significantly higher, but you will also get the quality many times better. Such vinyl will provide reliable protection for the paintwork.
What is the main advantage of vinyl film? Probably, this is a wealth of colors, shades and textures. You can choose from pearlescent, metallized, carbon and other options. If you want passers-by to curl their necks as they watch your car, you can use vinyl. For example, stick a bright Chinese dragon all over the board. In addition to the wealth of choice, a plus this method is time. Pasting a small part will take experienced master 2-3 hours. Compared to traditional painting, the advantage is obvious. And it will be cheaper to paste over a small damaged area of \u200b\u200bthe car than to paint it.
And now about the cons. The biggest one is that when removed the film can damage the paintwork itself. Not very good, huh? And you will have to remove it sooner or later. So, for example, many calendered films last half a year or a year, after which they need to be replaced. Therefore, if your car has freshly painted areas, think ten times before sticking vinyl on them ... Also, the disadvantages include the laboriousness and high cost of the process. Pasting the whole car can cost you almost more than repainting. And such work will take a lot of time ...
The case when rubber can be liquid
And we smoothly approached the second method of protecting the paintwork of a car. Have you heard anything about liquid rubber? This is a composition that, due to its waterproofness and elasticity, has found wide application in construction. Liquid rubber is a mastic based on a polymer-bitumen water emulsion. Simply put, rubber is in liquid form, which is applied by a spray method. When applied to the surface, the compound forms a solid rubber layer, slightly soft to the touch. Such a composition does an excellent job of protecting the body and other parts from mechanical, chemical, thermal and other influences.
Let's go straight to the pluses, because there are a lot of them. Firstly, the composition is very quickly applied, and you do not need to disassemble half of the car. You won't even have to glue the headlights with tape, since the rubber layer can be easily removed from them after hardening. The composition is applied by simple sequential spraying. If you cover a car with several layers of the compound, then all together they form a strong, solid layer of rubber. It doesn't matter what surface you apply the liquid rubber to. It adheres perfectly to plastic, painted and bare metal. Secondly, you do not have to worry about the integrity of the paintwork of your car, because when removing the rubber does not leave traces behind and does not pull fresh paint after it. Thirdly, applying liquid rubber will cost you less than pasting with vinyl. If you need to protect a small part, then you can easily do all the work yourself. Liquid rubber is sold in regular aerosol cans, and with a little practice you should be able to apply it yourself without any problems. We will keep silent about the variety of colors and shades, let it turn out to be a pleasant surprise for you ...
There were no obvious disadvantages to this method. Although if you dig around on the Internet, you can find reports that rubber cracks and falls off in pieces over time. But this information can only be called rumors.
Car in shell
The third method on our list is the ceramic coating of the car. This method has not yet become widespread in our country, but it already has its supporters. In terms of the degree of protection of the paintwork, hardly anything can be compared with it at the moment. This coating has uncompromising resistance to mechanical damage, and also reliably protects the body from chemical influences and ultraviolet rays. The manufacturers of these formulations claim that the coating lasts almost forever, does not crack and does not lose its properties with proper care.
About appearance. When applied, a real transparent ceramic shell is formed, which can significantly enhance the gloss of the factory paint. The composition can cover both the entire car and its individual elements, including wheels.
It should be noted right away that the price for such a service is high. And you will hardly be able to apply the composition with your own hands without special equipment. But fortunately, in large cities, you can already find enough companies that deal with ceramic coatings. Yes, their services are decent. But in return, many of them offer warranty service for a long time.
So, if you want to protect your car in the best way, emphasize its pristine beauty and are ready to spend good money on the procedure, then ceramics is your choice.
Outcome
As you can see, each method is good in its own way. And each of them has a place to be. You just need to decide how much money you are willing to spend on "armor" for your car and how the whole thing will look like in the end. We strongly advise you to contact specialized companies that have been involved in the protection of paintwork for a long time and have a good reputation. Otherwise, you risk just throwing your money down the drain. If you still want to do the work yourself, then first practice on some small detail that you will not mind throwing away. The more time you spend on practice, the better the result will be.
Let us know in the comments if you have used any of the above methods of protecting paintwork? If so, what are the results.
For most motorists, it is very important how his pet looks. Dreaming of purchasing it, each of them wants to buy only their favorite model, in the desired configuration, with their favorite color. After the purchase, many of them make it out to their taste, make their own "touches" in the original picture of the exterior and interior of the car to give it the desired look. Some of them make more radical changes in her appearance and technical part, i.e.
These drivers love their car. They remember the location of each scratch and with pain in their souls perceive the appearance of a new one, and if, with careful driving and timely replacement of consumables, special fluids, lubrication of units, etc., you can keep your car in perfect technical condition, then it is much more difficult to keep the paintwork unchanged. More precisely, in order for it to always remain in this state, it is better not to leave the garage, and even cover it so that it does not gather dust.
Of course, a lot depends on the accuracy of the driver and the quality of the paintwork, but external appearance the car is still gradually losing its original appearance. And this happens because with its intensive use (and why is it still needed), under the influence of various environmental factors, the paintwork often loses its decorative properties and technological characteristics. This is due to the impact of various negative factors and can lead to deformation of the structure of the paint, its destruction and, as a consequence, to the appearance of corrosion on the body.
Methods for protecting the body paint layer.
In order to protect paintwork from negative factors, for example, various stains, including bituminous, tree resin, bird droppings, stains from chemicals and gasoline, stains from adhering insects, graffiti and paint applied by vandals and hooligans, a special protective layer is applied. It is applied directly to the paint and varnish layer and protects it from the effects of the indicated negative factors.
A protective layer can be applied using several basic technologies:
- using polishes and waxes;
- using special compositions for the protection of paintwork (“liquid cover” and “liquid glass”);
- by applying a protective film;
- using a hood-mask (covers on a fabric basis);
- by installing plastic deflectors.
Let's dwell on each method in more detail.
Polishes and waxes as the main way to protect paintwork.
The main way to protect the paintwork of a car from external negative influences is the use of polishes and waxes. In this case, we are talking about protective polishing, which involves the application of a layer of a special substance on the paintwork, which forms a thin microlayer at the molecular level, which effectively repels moisture and dirt. Also such polishing:
- prevents paintwork from burning out under the influence of ultraviolet rays;
- protects the body from the effects of salt, aggressive chemical substances and reagents;
- protects from abrasive particles (dirt and sand), preventing the appearance of scratches and microcracks;
- increases the decorative properties of the paintwork, giving it a rich color and shine.
Waxes and polishes differ in a number of basic parameters:
- degree of resistance of the applied coating ( this parameter directly affects the frequency of applying polish or wax);
- visual, decorative properties such as gloss and transparency;
- the degree of stability when exposed to ultraviolet and infrared radiation;
- degrees of protection against various mechanical damage.
Polishes differ from each other not only in the specified parameters, but also in chemical composition, that is, in their basis. Currently, polishes are used to perform protective polishing on:
- Teflon based, lasts up to three months on paintwork;
- Based on various epoxy resins, in most cases acrylic polymers. This coating remains on the body for up to one year;
- Based on nanoparticles, for example, quartz-ceramic coatings. This is one of the most durable and stable types of polish, it can stay on paintwork for up to three years.
Wax polishes are made on the basis of hard wax (common beeswax, carnauba) and a number of other components. This is the least durable type of protective polish. As a rule, it washes off within three to four washes. Note also that protective polishing can be superficial and deep.
Polishing can be done in two main ways:
- Manual. As a rule, it is used for a small amount of work or at home. A polish is applied to the previously cleaned paintwork surface and rubbed with a napkin or other soft applicators, and after drying it is polished with a dry and clean cloth;
- Mechanical. It is used when it is necessary to perform protective polishing of the entire body. It consists in the need to use special equipment, for example, a polishing grinder or at home a drill with a special nozzle for applying polish to the paintwork. This method requires professional skills and abilities, therefore, not available to everyone.
Polishing cannot be performed in the sun, at low and negative temperatures, high humidity. The best place Is a heated garage or box. When hand polished the sponge or napkin must be changed periodically to prevent the appearance of a cloudy film. The polishes are applied to the paintwork in a uniform layer, starting from the roof and going down, and the efforts on the treated areas of the body must be applied evenly. Do not apply too much or too much, as this can result in an uneven protective layer. Do not polish within two months after the body has been painted.
In order to check the quality of work, pour water over the car. On a high-quality protective layer, water will collect in large droplets. If you applied the polish incorrectly, water will drain from the car body.
The use of special compounds to protect the body paintwork. "Liquid glass".
The second method by which a protective layer is created on the paintwork is the application of special compositions that differ in many parameters. Among the most common compositions, we note the "liquid cover" and "liquid glass".
"Liquid glass" performs not only protective functions, but also enhances the aesthetic appearance of the car, creating the effect of a high-quality varnish coating. Moreover, the protective layer is thicker than when applying conventional polishes and waxes.
The main components of the drug are alkaline solutions of potassium and sodium silicates, which enter into a chemical reaction with the vehicle paintwork, forming a glass protective film that can protect the body from the unwanted negative effects of various aggressive environmental factors for a rather long time (up to three years).
At home, "liquid glass" ( read the instructions!) is evenly applied to the previously cleaned surface of the vehicle body using a sponge or other soft applicators. After the surface acquires a matte shade (after 5-30 minutes, it all depends on the ambient temperature), the preparation is polished with a soft cloth with smooth longitudinal and circular movements.
If "liquid glass" is purchased in the form of a spray or aerosol, then it should be simply sprayed evenly over the surface of the body and polished, for example, with a microfiber cloth. That is, the principle is practically the same as when applying polishes and waxes.
One nuance. Apply "liquid glass" in stages to specific areas of the body to prevent premature hardening.
"Liquid cover" is the most democratic and affordable tool for all motorists, which allows you to create an effective protective layer on the paintwork. Remember - this is a one-time, once again we emphasize, one-time composition for temporary application. "Liquid cover" refers to quick-drying compositions and is somewhat similar to rubber goods No. 2 or a film from a balloon.
The application technology is quite simple. On cleaned of various contaminants the vehicle body is applied with a regular paint brush, then hardens and forms a protective layer. The procedure must be repeated several times in order to obtain a more durable layer, which adheres better to the paintwork, and is much easier to remove.
The aesthetic appearance of the car, of course, decreases, but the paintwork is reliably protected from stains, abrasive particles of sand, dirt and even scratching by branches of trees and bushes.
Last but not least, use the Liquid Case strictly in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. That is, it must be removed on time. If the manufacturer indicated a period of use of 10 days, then after ten days the “liquid cover” must be removed, otherwise one cannot do without visiting a service station and abrasive polishing, and this is an extra cost. Removing the product is easy. It is only necessary to rub against the edge of the coating, which begins to curl, and then slowly remove. Wet the places where the "liquid cover" is difficult to remove with water.
Application of a protective film.
One of the most expensive, but at the same time the most effective ways creating a protective layer on the paintwork is the use of a special self-adhesive film. The film allows you to ensure reliable protection from exposure to infrared and ultraviolet radiation, aggressive chemicals and reagents, various mechanical damage.
There are several main types of protective films:
- Matte (vinyl), used to enhance the decorative characteristics of the body, has low protective functions. It is used both for covering the entire body and individual parts and is cheaper than other types of film;
- Anti-gravel, the main purpose is to protect the paintwork from damage. It is a very tough film that can withstand not only abrasive particles of sand and dirt, but even minor accidents. Anti-gravel film is intended for pasting body parts most susceptible to corrosion (hood, bumpers, pillars, side mirrors rear view, fenders, sills, headlights), and chrome parts. This type of protective film can be used for three years or more;
- Carbon fiber. In most cases, it is used to give high aesthetic characteristics to a car, but at the same time it protects the paintwork. That is, in terms of its characteristics, this PVC film is similar to vinyl film, but it has a carbon fiber texture and feels like leather. High decorative characteristics are provided by a wide range color solutions... There are two types of carbon film available - 2D carbon and 3D carbon.
There are two main technologies for applying a protective film:
- Lamination. It is used, for example, for applying an anti-gravel film, it involves attaching a film to the paint and varnish surface using hot air. LCP must be pre-treated with a special solution;
- Aqua Print. The most costly technology, providing a higher quality of pasting, involves the use of water pressure and a water-soluble polymer film. It is usually used for decorative purposes.
Such a film allows you to increase the decorative characteristics of the car, to make its appearance more attractive, for example, with an individual pattern, texture, mirror, glossy or matte.
But note that lamination and / or aqua printing requires professional tools, skills and experience, so one cannot do without a service station, otherwise either the film will stick poorly or folds will appear on the body, which does not look very nice.
If you want to make your own pasting with a protective film, then use "Autoskol". It's budget polyurethane film, is not expensive and has a high degree of elasticity, and protects the paintwork from the adhesion of insects, mechanical damage, and the effects of chemicals and reagents, and other difficult to remove contaminants. In addition to elasticity, the protective film "Autoskol" differs from professional-type films component composition glue that does not leave marks on the paintwork is also important.
The technology for applying this film is simple. It is necessary to cut the material along the contours of the bonded body element. Then we glue the film onto the previously cleaned surface. To do this, it is necessary to carefully separate it from the substrate and sprinkle abundantly with an aqueous solution from the side of the adhesive layer ( detergent, for example Fairy, in a proportion of 3-4 teaspoons per liter of water). The film is carefully applied to the place of pasting, and then, starting from the middle to the edges, an aqueous solution is expelled. After the film is glued, you need to take a hair dryer and warm it up. Important! Do not overheat the film.
Hood-masks (covers on a fabric basis) as a way to protect paintwork.
The hood mask is one of the most simple ways ensuring the protection of paintwork. They are produced both directly by car manufacturers for certain car models, and by third-party companies. Hood masks differ in design, characteristics of the material used and cost.
Putting a cover on your car is easy. You just need to follow the manufacturer's instructions. We only note that the tighter the hood-mask (cover) adheres to the car, the better the protection of the paintwork and the dynamic characteristics of the car. It is also important to periodically check the condition of the body under the cloth. If chemicals, moisture, abrasive particles get there, then the paintwork and, accordingly, the body may deform, for example, corrosion will appear.
Plastic deflectors as elements of car protection.
The last, local method of protecting the paintwork of a car, which we will focus on, is deflectors that protect the body from mechanical damage, including from the effects of abrasive particles of dirt and sand, dust, stone chips and insects.
The deflector is, as a rule, a thin shield made of hardened acrylic glass or plastic, structurally repeating the outline, silhouette of a particular car model.
There are two types of deflectors available:
- For windows (window visor, side visor) - "visor";
- For the hood (bug shield) - "fly swatter".
You can buy deflectors for your model at any specialized auto shop. The hood deflector is attached quite simply, in most cases using special brackets (clips, plastic or metal) or stop screws. It all depends on the design of a particular deflector, therefore, install strictly according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Deflectors on windows can be attached in different ways. There are "visors" that are installed directly under the seal, these are the so-called inserts. A more preferable option is deflectors glued over the glass to the door frame using acrylic tape.
The choice of a way to protect the paintwork of a car directly depends on financial capabilities, preferences of the motorist, as well as on the intensity and operating conditions of the car.
