Track Paint Protection

[dmk08]

Has anyone sprayed Pasti-Dip all over the car or used other methods as paint protection for a weekend event? I am looking for a non-permanent solution to use 2-4 times a year.

Thanks

[FTS]

Not that this will answer your question, but... I never used such protection, even track tape, because I do not think track time damages the paint of the car any more than driving on the street in winter. So, if you have protection, such as Xpel or similar, that should be sufficient and more practical. However, I do use cleaners and quick spray wax to get rid of tire marbles leaving marks on the car, that's about it.

[Black Gold]

usually blue painters tape, but im typically too lazy and just leave the car naked haha

[Nex]

I use this.
http://www.trakktape.com/

[stevenc]

Don't spray plastidip. It does not come off as easy as you would think and is really thin providing minimal protection.

[schmitzna]

Originally Posted by stevenc

Don't spray plastidip. It does not come off as easy as you would think and is really thin providing minimal protection.

Applying several coats will fix both problems. The thicker it is, the easier it is to remove.

[dmk08]

Originally Posted by Nex

I use this.
http://www.trakktape.com/

It seems like it would take a while to apply this. Do you clay first?

[thebishman]

Originally Posted by FTS

Not that this will answer your question, but... I never used such protection, even track tape, because I do not think track time damages the paint of the car any more than driving on the street in winter. So, if you have protection, such as Xpel or similar, that should be sufficient and more practical. However, I do use cleaners and quick spray wax to get rid of tire marbles leaving marks on the car, that's about it.

If you are running on a newly surfaced track then yes. Unfortunately many aren't and the speed that stones can be blasted into the paintwork and windshield will absolutely damage the finish far more than street driving. Another thing: some owners have cars that are tuned and without much in the way of emissions control. Getting unburnt fuel, especially if it's E85 etc thrown onto the windshield is almost guaranteed to pit the crap out of it. Hence if you care about the car's finish, get it protected would be my advice.
Bish

[turbo8765]

The front on my track car has been destroyed by debris from R-comps at high speed.

I'd say the accumulation of road rash happens about 10x as fast on track v street.

I've used tracwrap in the past. PITA to instal, PITA to remove but provides really good coverage.

Painters tape protects from very small impacts, but is useless against the bigger stuff (the stuff you really want protection against).

For an expensive car that you want to keep looking nice, best to have clear film paint protection professionally installed.

[Reid]

Originally Posted by turbo8765

For an expensive car that you want to keep looking nice, best to have clear film paint protection professionally installed.

Personally, I rather have the paint be sand blasted by R compounds than to get dinged/dented in a parking lot.

Also, when you head out on track it is good to be sure that you are prepared to deal with writing the car off.

I always wonder how the guys with painter's tape covering the nose of their car will cope with a brush with the Armco.

[evanescent03]

Originally Posted by Reid

I always wonder how the guys with painter's tape covering the nose of their car will cope with a brush with the Armco.

most people aren't too happy about that kind of damage, but preventing wear-and-tear when possible also makes sense. i did chuckle at the idea of spending $500 to get clear bra (good deal from my finance guy) on my car and then hitting a dear and just destroying it. since i want to keep the car a while, i figure it's worth protecting some of the higher-risk (albeit lower on the damage spectrum) areas.

Originally Posted by dmk08

Has anyone sprayed Pasti-Dip all over the car or used other methods as paint protection for a weekend event? I am looking for a non-permanent solution to use 2-4 times a year.

Thanks

i know a guy who does it for road trips on his 328i and loves the method. i can ask what specifics he used. definitely mind areas that fall beyond your intended area (e.g.: behind the grilles, etc) because it basically does come out just like spray paint and gets on everything (like my forearms when i was painting the grille surrounds and side markers despite wearing gloves).

i definitely think you're more likely to catch debris when you're driving hot on someone's tail … small debris and sometimes only rubber, sure, but enough to cause chips that can be avoided with a simple coating of some sort. good luck man and most importantly, have fun out there!

[consolidated]

Perhaps try 3M Paint Defender System. I have a kit but have yet to use it. From what I've read it takes time, can be hard to apply and have it look smooth, but as a temporary solution it's certainly better looking than blue tape. For those looking for an alternative to PPF, this isn't it.

http://www.amazon.com/3M-90100-Paint...otection+spray

Invisible, seamless protection applied as a liquid and dries to a continuous invisible film
Removable and safe for clear coat
Protects for over 1 year
Protects any painted surface such as hoods, bumpers, fenders, mirrors, rocker panels, and more
Contains 3M paint defender spray film (17.5 ounce plus 1 ounce of wax), 3M paint defender application kit (12 foot x 16 foot plastic sheet and 1 inch x 20 yards masking tape), 3M paint defender spray trigger, and 3M microfiber detail cloth

[aus]

Cheap and not too hard to install (unless you're OCD) is clear shelving paper from Walmart or Target. It works great and comes right off.

A much easier option is an old school Calgon bra, like on Smokey and the Bandit. It goes on in 5 minutes, and is much thicker for better protection. They don't make one for the F8x yet, but it's what I've found to be the best option. If the edge of the hood piece flaps, but put a piece of painters tape under it so it doesn't chafe the paint.

.

[03///m3]

Originally Posted by Nex

I use this.
http://www.trakktape.com/

I use this as well. Works very well for its intended use.

[bigjae1976]

I'd just clear bra the entire car. If you drive with other cars with r comps on, you'll get a whole bunch of debris chucked at your car. Especially if they go off the racing line or drop a wheel in the dirt...prepare for some sandblast action.

I've got rock chips on my rear quarter panel from the track.

[PrimeBMW]

Clear bra the entire front, rocker panels and behind the rear wheels and forget about it.

[nicknaz]

Wow, you guys really care about rock chips!

I used to do the blue painter's tape and decided to just F it and go without anything

My car's a daily anyway and it will pick up rock chips no matter what I do

[Nex]

Originally Posted by dmk08

It seems like it would take a while to apply this. Do you clay first?

Nope, I just slap it on.
Very easy to apply as long as you're not picky on how it looks. There will be creases, bumps, bubbles, etc.
If people worried about how their car looks with tracktape on the track, then they have their priorities wrong.