Road Trip and Paint Protection

jacker1991 · May 20, 2019

So, will be doing a 900 mile road trip this weekend. Thought about using 3M painters tape to protect my front bumper from rocks chips and bugs.

Has anyone else done this before? Did it work? Did you use something else?

HillbillyHotRod · May 20, 2019

I have used blue tape for a 200 mile trip and works fairly well. It does start to peal back about that time tho. Found frog tape is better is that it does not leave adhesive on the paint. Finally went to a bra to keep it clean.

CobraBob · May 20, 2019

I went on a few long trips when I had my '03 Cobra and when I sold it, the paint was 99% perfect. My secret, which worked for me, was to avoid driving behind big rigs and other trucks on the freeways. That dramatically reduced the amount of debris I had to contend with. I never used a bra or temporary cover. Didn't need it. I only suggest this if you prefer not to use a bra. Granted, it takes some effort to avoid trucks. A bra, on second thought, might be your best solution. Or 3M clear film.

nxhappy · May 20, 2019

Yes the blue tape will work well

DAVESVT2000 · May 21, 2019

Tape works well but the first time I used it, I started at the bottom and worked my way up. Bad move, the leading edge of each strip was exposed, and the wind caught it and it began to lift up not to long into my trip.

Start about 10 inches up the hood and work your way down with each strip, so each leading edge is covered.

CV355 · May 21, 2019

@Norton had some interesting advice about blue tape and the chemical composition in the adhesive.

There are also spray-on bras you can consider, but they seem like way more of a pain than the tried and trued "redneck wrap job"

BlackHrtStang · May 21, 2019

Possibly some clear plasti dip? Stuff held up pretty damn well on my roof and wheels.

Sent from my ONEPLUS A3000 using the svtperformance.com mobile app

jacker1991 · May 21, 2019

Thanks for all the answers. The trip is this weekend so I don't really have a lot of time to buy a lot of stuff, which is why I thought of painters tape (blue tape). I am possibly picking up a 2018 Mustang and wanted to protect the front bumper and hood as much as possible. Obviously I will avoid trucks and such in the highway and drive as far from others as possible.

Was planning to use 2 or 3 layers of tape on the bumper since I believe that has the higher chance of getting hit by a rock.

Norton · May 21, 2019

CV355 said:
@Norton had some interesting advice about blue tape and the chemical composition in the adhesive.

Definitely exercise care when choosing tape. Pics are no longer coming through for me, but this thread remains informative. What the pics showed was extensive discoloration and mottling of plastic trim, due to the use of inappropriate tape. "Avoid tapes with chemical edge additives (examples - 3M edgelock tapes, frog tape, etc) These tapes feature a chemical additive that reacts with moisture to form a barrier and prevent 'bleed' when painting. This is a great and handy little bit of chemical engineering when you're painting a bedroom, not so much when you're detailing your car."

The bottom line is I've had good luck with 3M ScotchBlue Painter's Tape, but make sure you SKIP FrogTape and any type of Edge-Lock options.

CV355 · May 21, 2019

Norton said:
Definitely exercise care when choosing tape. Pics are no longer coming through for me, but this thread remains informative. What the pics showed was extensive discoloration and mottling of plastic trim, due to the use of inappropriate tape. "Avoid tapes with chemical edge additives (examples - 3M edgelock tapes, frog tape, etc) These tapes feature a chemical additive that reacts with moisture to form a barrier and prevent 'bleed' when painting. This is a great and handy little bit of chemical engineering when you're painting a bedroom, not so much when you're detailing your car."

The bottom line is I've had good luck with 3M ScotchBlue Painter's Tape, but make sure you SKIP FrogTape and any type of Edge-Lock options.

And boom, that's the info I was looking for!! Thanks @Norton !!

jacker1991 · May 22, 2019

Norton said:
Definitely exercise care when choosing tape. Pics are no longer coming through for me, but this thread remains informative. What the pics showed was extensive discoloration and mottling of plastic trim, due to the use of inappropriate tape. "Avoid tapes with chemical edge additives (examples - 3M edgelock tapes, frog tape, etc) These tapes feature a chemical additive that reacts with moisture to form a barrier and prevent 'bleed' when painting. This is a great and handy little bit of chemical engineering when you're painting a bedroom, not so much when you're detailing your car."

The bottom line is I've had good luck with 3M ScotchBlue Painter's Tape, but make sure you SKIP FrogTape and any type of Edge-Lock options.

Great info like always! I actually thought about posting this in the "Show'n'Shine Saloon".

Road Trip and Paint Protection

jacker1991

Active Member

HillbillyHotRod

Hooligan rabble rouser

CobraBob

Authorized Vendor

nxhappy

Well-Known Member

DAVESVT2000

Well-Known Member

CV355

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BlackHrtStang

METAL!

jacker1991

Active Member

Norton

Long-time SVT Enthusiast

CV355

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jacker1991

Active Member

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