Aluminium panel protection

[TrevS]

Hi all

I've recently had my aluminium panels powder coated in matte black colour. The powder coating should be fairly though but I was wondering if there is any kind of coating I can add to the panels to give them extra protection.

I was wondering if something like 3M venture shield would work or some other kind of protective film.

I realise this might seem a little excessive but I'd like to protect the panels during the build to avoid scratching or scuffing anything

Any advise is welcome

Thanks

Trevor

 

[Ron Scarboro]

Truck bedliner? Also makes for decent sound deadening.

 

[Jack]

I use Rust Bullet hardshell or POR-15..

 

[Terry Oxandale]

Trevor, it sounds like you're only needing this protection during the build stage? Have you considered contact paper, such as that used to protect kitchen shelving? Easy to apply and remove once the work is done.

Ox

 

[Jack]

Ah, it seems that I misunderstood. The shelf paper is a very good idea as is the use of cardboard sheets taped in place (depending on location).

 

[TrevS]

I want something that has the potential to stay on the car permanently or that if I choose can be easily removed. I've stumbled across 'helicopter tape' which looks interesting. It's apparently a strong clear tape that is traditionally used on helicopter and turbine blades to protect them.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com<img src=" /><o></o>
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Does anyone have any experience with the stuff? It's used widely on bike frames to protect against stone chips.<o></o>
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Trev

 

[Jack]

Trev, have a look at 3M Clearmask products. A quick search will bring it up.
Supposed to be excellent for preventing stone chips, etc. Have not used it myself (yet).

 

[Andy Sheldon]

Trevor,

Ask Scott to send you a roll of the tape that he uses on the Falcon 7X navigation light lenses.

Cheers,
Andy

 

[cal]

3M POLYURETHANE PROTECTIVE TAPE 8674 - CLEAR 1 INCH X 36 YARDS from Aircraft Spruce

 

[Terry Oxandale]

I used this stuff on a previous car. Soapy water, hot air dryer to soften the sheeting, and flat panels will make this a breeze to install. You'll need to ensure there are absolutely no bumps, trash, or imperfections in the powder coat to ensure bubbles will not form. Even the slightest separation of the sheeting from the applied surface is readily visible. I don't know if I've ever seen a perfect powdercoated panel.

 

[TrevS]

Hi guys

I found this stuff online, it's 3M which I think would be good and nice and wide so good for coating the panels in. It's also UV resistant so shouldn't go yellow over time.

I am going to try and get a price for a roll and try and order a few samples to see how it fits to the powder coat and what the finish looks like

3M 8672 Polyurethane Protective Tape 48in x 36yds

Trev

 

[TrevS]

Trevor,

Ask Scott to send you a roll of the tape that he uses on the Falcon 7X navigation light lenses.

Cheers,
Andy

Cheers Andy

Scott has kindly offered to send me some proper tape but the width is a little too narrow so I sent Scott a link to the 3M tape I found and he thinks this should be good to use.

Trev

 

[TrevS]

Bit of an update on this. I've found a company that can supply me with rolls of 3m ventureshield that is 60cm wide, enough to cover my panels and that I can cut to size myself.

Just wondered if anyone has used ventureshield before and will it take to the powder coated aluminum surface of my panels and chassis?

Thanks

Trevor

 

[Chris]

Hi Trevor
I've found ventureshield tends to lose its clarity over time and really doesn't look so good on a nice painted surface. It may be different for your application though.

 

[TrevS]

Hi Trevor
I've found ventureshield tends to lose its clarity over time and really doesn't look so good on a nice painted surface. It may be different for your application though.

I thought Ventureshield didn't yellow, at least that's what 3M claim. It's not going on all areas of the car, just the wheel arches and sills. If it yellows then these areas are easy to access to replace.

Going to try and order a sample piece to do a test this week

Trev

 

[Chris]

I've seen it mostly used on front bumper covers and some sections at the front of the hood. I don't think it yellows but does get clouded enough that it hides any gloss on the paint underneath. This is on daily driven Audis though and may not be an issue with your 40.

 

[TrevS]

Hi all

I've just finished fitting a Zagg protective invisible shield to my new Macbook Air. I thought it would be a good test to see how 3M ventureshield takes to an aluminium surface as effectivly Zagg make thier shields from the same material.

I think my panels will end up with a similar glossy finish to the macbook and overall I am very happy with the results. I will still be ordering a test piece to try on my black panels but if it's anything like the Zagg then it should be perfect for what I need.

Trev