[jayem]

Hi to everyone I have not yet met .

I am soon to expect a CRDi i30 in my driveway, and the thought of protecting the paintwork comes to mind.  I have read quite a few forums that say paint protection is a big waste of money, particularly from new car dealerships as they make an absolute killing out of selling the product (and it's usually a third party that does the work as I understand it). I have also read some good things but mostly bad.

I have read about teflon coatings and also glassplexin (I'm interested in seeing if this works) in which two coats of silicate (not silicone) is applied and turns to glass upon drying. It supposedly bonds to the paintwork and gives it a mirror-like finish.  Claims of protection from environment, bird droppings etc. It's available as a DIY or professionally applied (for a substantial amount). Oh...also with proper maintenance, will last 5 years.

Has anyone in here used any such paint protection products with any success?

[LuciferDarklord]

Personally, I got sucked into putting paint protection on by the dealer once - found out it was canuba wax...  What a waste of money - dunno about the other types you mentioned tho.

[jayem]

- found out it was canuba wax...  .

Thanks for your feedback LuciferDarklord.  I checked out a place who does exactly what the dealership is offering for 1/4 of the price.  But it still costs $450 (inc fabric and vinyl protection) - much cheaper DIY.  I don't imagine it's overly hard to do, just time consuming.  These guys do the teflon coating x2 and then top it up with a polish that contains teflon also, as well as the canuba (sp?).
I'm tempted to try the glaxplexin though.  A little dearer, but apparently can be used for other applications such as repairing scratches in eye glasses.

[redi30]

Made a phone call yesterday to a mate who is a panel beater to ask his opinion on paint protection. He said that in his experience it is a waste of money. When he works on a car that has been treated with paint protection he sees no evidence of anything on the paint and the paintwork is in no better condition than a similar car of similar age.
I have phoned the dealer to cancel the paint protection and saved $795......well I saved $595 as it included free window tint which I can get for $200.

[jayem]

in his experience it is a waste of money. When he works on a car that has been treated with paint protection he sees no evidence of anything on the paint and the paintwork is in no better condition than a similar car of similar age.
I have phoned the dealer to cancel the paint protection and saved $795......well I saved $595 as it included free window tint which I can get for $200.

Thanks red.  I cancelled my paint protection with the dealer as well but I'm going ahead with trying this glassplexin solution.  Costs $165 (I also got the fabric protection on top on that). Should be receiving it in the mail early next week (hopefully my car will be in the mail at the same time