Scotchgard - Does It Really Protect YOur Finish?

[nsxt2000]

I see more and more "add-ons" being suggested by Acura dealers. One being strongly recommended now is to Scotchgard painted impact surfaces. These are generally rocker panels, air scoops, leading wheel edges, side mirrors and any place subject to stones and other road debris. This is essentially a durable, high-grade, colorless urethane film that is applied to these high impact areas of your vehicle to take the brunt of damaging road clutter.

Proponents say it keeps your paint looking great by siginificantly reducing chips and bug damage. The line is that to have it done is an investment and will boost your trade-in value enough to cover the cost.

I had it on my Lotus, but did not keep the car long enough to get any real value out of it. However, I can see where this may be an option to consider. I was a little concerned that over time it may discolor or peal making the finish look worse than it would otherwise.

Any forum members had experience with Scotchgard or other similiar products.
-Mike s.

[scottRDX]

Not sure if Scotchgard is the same thing, but I had a 3M clear bra put on my RDX. I had it put on the hood, front fenders, front bumper, headlights, rear parcel shelf, and door handles.

I have mixed feelings about it. Although it is pretty clear, you can see it, and it doesn't have the same feel as freshly waxed paint. I also feel that I'm probably just keeping the paint nice for the next guy when I sell it. Plus, there's something kind of charming about a car full of rock chips. It shows off it's battle scars so to speak. It shows the world that your car has been driven and not pampered.

On the other hand, I like taking good care of my cars, and so far, it's done a good job protecting the paint. I guess the real test will be how well it holds up during our famous Colorado winters.

Scott R.

[Randy]

I also have the 3m clear bra on my car.It only covers the hood though.Doing the whole front of the car is a little expensive and besides that the hood is the only part that will chip and rust being metal.

This is my 2nd Acura with this product and I say if you get a deal it is worth the investment.

It is a great alternative to the plastic hood deflectors or leather bra's.

[derf]

Hmm, Scotchguard for painted surfaces....

As someone with a strong polymer (plastics) background, Scotchguard to my knowledge is designed to provide stain resistance for fabrics and water resistance for porous things like leather and shoes.

So although I can see it possibly helping to keep chemicals from attacking the clear coat and paint (tree sap, bug guts, road grime, etc), I don't see where the impact resistance would come from...unless they have added a bunch of elastomers (molecules that can absorb energy on impact and "spring" back in response) to a newer version of the formula. But you'd have to add a LOT for it to make a difference.

I suppose the other possibility is that it presents a smoother surface than the clear coat, and things tend to literally slide off it as opposed to catching and gouging the clear coat...

What does the surface actually feel like???