Model S Exterior: Paint Armor

[AnOutsider]

[mod note: copied part of this post from It's Time to Build Your Model S thread to provide context for paint armor discussion. b.]

Just did my configuration call.

• The $950 option for the paint armor is SO worth it. See the below picture of everything they cover. No need to go aftermarket when you can get this much coverage from the factory!

View attachment 6447

Waiting on my paperwork now... I already did the math in my head... sheesh.

*edit* sig red, black/red interior with lacewood, pano roof, carbon 21" wheels, kept the spoiler and no child seats.

 

[jerry33]

Paint Armor

It looks like it only covers part of the hood. Won't there be a dirt line there?

 

[AnOutsider]

It looks like it only covers part of the hood. Won't there be a dirt line there?

goes about halfway up from what I can see (the nose cone gets completely covered). It's about typical for these installations. I've only ever had one car go the whole length of the hood and fenders, but if it's done well, you shouldn't notice the line.

I do wonder if maybe you can option the whole hood done though. I'll ask.

Odd that the charge port door is covered, didn't think that was painted? Though i guess with how much use it will get, it could get scratched/scuffed

*edit* she came back fairly quickly and said that what's on the diagram is all they offer, so if you want to go full hood/fender you'll need to go aftermarket. I'm going to go with what's there and if the coverage is insufficient, I'll just have the hood redone.

 

[crzyskl]

If anyone is willing that has armor on a car, I have never seen (not to my knowledge anyway) a car that has it, could you post some pictures, so I can see how noticeable it is, if at all? Thanks in advance.

 

[AnOutsider]

If anyone is willing that has armor on a car, I have never seen (not to my knowledge anyway) a car that has it, could you post some pictures, so I can see how noticeable it is, if at all? Thanks in advance.

Not a close up, but the silver car here has partial hood done:

*edit* never mind, I just checked and I actually have full-hood coverage on this car

 

[strider]

If anyone is willing that has armor on a car, I have never seen (not to my knowledge anyway) a car that has it, could you post some pictures, so I can see how noticeable it is, if at all? Thanks in advance.

Here's a high-res pic of my Roadster. If you follow the line of the headlight over the fender towards the front wheel you can see a faint line where the paint armor ends. Also there's a strip on the rear edge of the door. The area below the door is covered as well as the entire area around the charge port and the mirrors.

Now I've never seen a "dirt line" and I've had PPF on several of my cars. What does end up happening is wax builds up there leaving a white line. I'm just too lazy to keep it clean. You can see it in this pic if you follow that same line from the rear of the headlight over the fender towards the wheel:

 

[vfx]

Armor is nearly invisible at first. After time dirt gathers along the edge. Wax buildup may also be an issue if not attended to while polishing.

Bottom line is that it shows if it is not kept clean. If properly maintained you can't see it while standing in front of the car.

Would never have a car without again.

 

[DaveVa]

Paint Armor Coverage

Just recieved the following from Tesla on the Paint Armor - seems pretty comprehensive....

 

[NigelM]

@Bonnie: "Paint Armor" already posted here with some discussion.

 

[Man_Utd]

I wouldn't get the paint armor. It's pretty extensive for what you get. Plus it doesn't cover the headlights or rear bummer.
Probably get a more comprehensive package for less money through an aftermarket.

 

[DaveVa]

I wouldn't get the paint armor. It's pretty extensive for what you get. Plus it doesn't cover the headlights or rear bummer.
Probably get a more comprehensive package for less money through an aftermarket.

I like the idea of it being factory installed. While the process would be the same, I would think that the installer would get pretty good at installing this particular Model S package since they would be doing nothing but Model S installs. There might also be a delay of for third party template availability - since I am a signature model - it might be my only option for paint armor.

 

[AnOutsider]

Get it and add on more if you need additional coverage. Perhaps the paint armor discussion Nigel linked can be brought out into this thread?

 

[rlawson4]

With paint armor do you still wax the car? What changes in the way you care for the car?

 

[dsm363]

With paint armor do you still wax the car? What changes in the way you care for the car?

You still wax the car. There aren't really any changes to make. It may yellow over time so the need to replace it at some point is there. Dirt can collect along the edges too but if cleaned properly, shouldn't happen.

 

[KBF]

I have some dealership-installed paint protection on my Ford Explorer, and they told me not to wax. I don't know anything about this kind of stuff; maybe there are different types of protection on the market? Please enlighten me.

 

[gg_got_a_tesla]

Frequently asked questions about Scotchgard[SUP]TM[/SUP] Paint Protection Film and VentureShield[SUP]TM[/SUP]

 

[NigelM]

Saw VIN #29 today in Sarasota, and it's got the paint armor. Visibility of the lines is the same as the Roadster - almost invisible.

Here's the hood in sunshine:

If you can't see where the line is, I met fellow forum member Larry there and he helpfully points it out:

Here's a close-up:

In artificial light it's a little easier to see. Here's a close up of the rear door and wheel arch:

 

[spatterso911]

With paint armor do you still wax the car? What changes in the way you care for the car?

I have had venture shield protection for over 6 years, no replacements. There is slight yellowing in that time. The car is waxed like any other, just be very careful with waxing around the lines. It is very durable, and you can also remove most scuff marks that will inevitably accumulate (especially visible on silver or white cars).

 

[DrDave]

Has anyone ever seen the protective film eat into their paint job? Like if bird poop or bugs are left on too long?

Does anyone know who is making the paint for Tesla Model S -DuPont, PPG, etc? Is one more resistant to chips or scratches than the other? Even if so, I would imagine the film offers more comprehensive protection.

Thanks.

 

[spatterso911]

I'm fairly impressed with the areas of coverage, although I will add coverage for the headlamps as well; maybe have the whole hood wrapped.