Paint Protection

[bfi2906]

I've only ever paid for paint protection once - about 20 years ago, and I've regarded it as a rort ever since.

While I was at the panel shop today (about door handle), the owner told me about a paint protection that he thinks very highly of. The panel shop is Stow Smash repairs. Anyone on the north side of Sydney that's been involved with BMW's for a while, knows what a perfectionsit Michael Stow is. So for him to speak highly of something, is unusual, and is based on some pretty solid experience.

Stow doesn't sell or do it, so he has no direct benefit from it. What caught my attention was when he said that he can't remove the coating with paint thinners, they have to sand it off before they work on a car that's had it done.

http://www.infinityauto.com.au/index.htm

They do a $500 version and a $700 version. The latter has a lifetime warranty. That includes all the prep work. Apparently it takes about 6 hours to do, and involves 6-8 different steps.

Just thought I'd share. I think I'll look into it further.

[MickyD]

Originally Posted by bfi2906

I
While I was at the panel shop today (about door handle), the owner told me about a paint protection that he makes lots of money on

fixed

[bfi2906]

Originally Posted by MickyD

fixed

LOL

He may make something - I don't know. But since he doesn't sell it, or do the work, it can't be much. After you take product, 6 hours labour and the margin for the guy doing the work, from the $700, there can't be a lot to go around.

And given that he does work like restoring gull-wing Benz's, I'm not sure the $50 (or whatever) he might get for a referral is going to "light his fire".

But you never know......

[Zuzu]

Just spoke with Vijay at Infinity Auto protection and he quoted me $700 for the vert with a 10 year money back guarantee if my swirl marks come back in that period. He also supply's you with a after care kit to wash the car with..

He also said its a 10 stage prep and he will have 2 guys on the car for 7 hours and he will even provide a dvd if required to show the work being carried out.

Told me he has a M6 there now and welcomed me to come and inspect his work.

Inside the tyre wells / inside the door jams /windows/ everything gets the treatment for protection..

He does all the paint protection for Sylvania/Canterbury/Trivett BMW.

Might treat myself to a Fathers day present...getting sick of claybarring/polishing the swirls..

[bfi2906]

Mee too.

Since I posted this, I too have spoken with him. He's certainly passionate about his work. Being a spray painter by trade, seems to give him insight, and presumably techniques, to deliver a quality result.

Zuzu, If you go ahead, I'd be very interested to hear (and see) what you think of the work, process and result.

Keep us posted.

[bfi2906]

Originally Posted by Zuzu

He does all the paint protection for Sylvania/Canterbury/Trivett BMW.

I wonder what they charge for it?

[Zuzu]

Originally Posted by bfi2906

I wonder what they charge for it?

They would have to at least double it...

You are correct in Vijay being passionate about his work..He explained that he wasnt a detailer, but a perfectionist... And he sure sounded like it..

He explained how all the dealerships get $2500 from BMW for the pre delivery dealer charges which obviously go straight into their pockets for doing sweet ZILCH..

[Zuzu]

I forgot to ask Vijay whether he touches up the small stone chips aswell...

[bfi2906]

It would be good to know that, because touching up cars with ceramic clear coats (which our cars have) is huge PITA. I'm not sure that it's possible to get the "new colour" to bond to the clear coat. I think this has something to do with the colour on our cars being water based.

So if he'll fix them up, that be a BIG bonus.

[bfi2906]

Originally Posted by Zuzu

They would have to at least double it...

You are correct in Vijay being passionate about his work..He explained that he wasnt a detailer, but a perfectionist... And he sure sounded like it..

He explained how all the dealerships get $2500 from BMW for the pre delivery dealer charges which obviously go straight into their pockets for doing sweet ZILCH..

Before I took delivery, I begged the dealer not to let the "swirl installation man" near my car. But, Oh No! That's part of the process, and they had to do it.

Luckily it's not too bad, so I haven't bothered to whine about it. But why do they have to do it at all. I'd happily take the car in whatever condition it come in, just so it was free of marks. I could then decide to do it myslef, or pay someone competant to do it - not their apprentices.

[BMWRX]

Does anyone know who does this paint protection in Queensland?

[bfi2906]

Originally Posted by BMWRX

Does anyone know who does this paint protection in Queensland?

Give them a call on 02 9560 6556 / 02 9560 6948 and ask.

[bfi2906]

I mentioned this to one of the guys I work with. He's booked his Audi RS4 wagon in for next Tuesday week.

I'll keep you posted.

[BMW86]

Originally Posted by BMWRX

Does anyone know who does this paint protection in Queensland?

I got paint protection and leather protection for my 135i and ordered it through the dealership. THey contracted it through www.sixstarsolutions.com.au and they offer a life time warranty on their product although they need to inspect the car annually.

[BBK]

I had paint protection done on mine, it looked great when I picked her up too. But within a day I had noticed holograms on the paint... What is the point of having a warranty for it if it didn't come out correctly to begin with?

I would be interested to see something that has a gaurantee that no swirl marks come back especially on a black car!

[sparoz]

I had paint protection on my old cars the E46 and E87, and they've got holograms, swirl marks and that happens less than 1 year. I would rather spend it on a tub of Cyrstal Rock, get a Festool Polisher and you can even make a mint from other 1addicts member wanting you to do their car up!

[BBK]

Originally Posted by sparoz

I had paint protection on my old cars the E46 and E87, and they've got holograms, swirl marks and that happens less than 1 year. I would rather spend it on a tub of Cyrstal Rock, get a Festool Polisher and you can even make a mint from other 1addicts member wanting you to do their car up!

Wish I had thought of that!

[wkthyk]

I got my rx8 with paint protection from six star before… and it was only good for first two months. I think it still protect the actual paint quite well even from some minor parking accidents, but it doesn't help much in terms of washing, waxing or shining after 2 months.

For your interest here is a site selling DIY kits for paint protection which use same products as those paint protection shops. If you get 5 hours on weekend sitting in the garage, you can save a lot... Even more if you get two small cars.
http://www.paintprotectiondirect.com...uth_paint.html

Stephen