I don't know if this is the correct sub-forum for this question.

I got my first paint chip on my 5 days old Sport. The rear hatch dinged a shopping cart as it opened.

While the Door Edge Film would not have prevented that, it did make me aware of how easily the paint chips, so I thought I'd better get the kit pronto!

While the kit can be found at places like Bernardi for around $28, the instructions also state that I will need 3M Protective tape application solution. That ALSO goes for around $28!

Is this stuff basically required to get a long lasting application of the film? Is there a cheaper solution?

 

link to the door edge film?

 

This is the door edge film:
Honda Door Edge Film Fit - Bernardi Honda Parts and Accessories

Here is the 3M solution:
Honda 3M Protective Tape Application Solution - Bernardi Honda Parts and Accessories

 

You do not need the solution. I installed the door edge film in May 2010 & wondered the same when I read the instructions--the film comes with a little bottle of some liquid, you can also make a mixture of water and alcohol which is basically the same stuff. My door edge has been on fine for over two years. Don't worry about buying anything extra.

 

I ended up removing my door edge trim because I didn't like the way it looked and also figured there's little chance it would really stand a strong chance of getting nicked there. So far all my little nicks were elsewhere.

 

we do these at work. hit it iwth a hammer.

 

Several times a year I take the Cross Sound Ferry to Long Island, which means parking within inches of others, so not only would this tape be good, but I think the body side molding as well.

 

The door edge film is pretty invisible from most angles. If you look really closely you can see it.

 

all it does is protect the edge of your door when you slam it into another car, no?

 

That's the hope. At some point I'll end up next to a steel bulkhead on the ferry, trying to squeeze out. And I'm not a thin person.

I saw it on a Crosstour at the dealership. Like sooznd said, only visible from up close.

 

Well mine finally did have an opportunity to prove itself.I was camping over the weekend and unknowingly parked next to a large rock on the driver side and opened it straight into the rock- so no chips!

 

So you guys thinks it's worth it? Easy to install? I'm trying to protect my new baby as long as possible.

Thanks,
Dawn

 

I understand the feeling of wanting to protect the car but the door edge trim really isn't very useful IMO and detracts from the look of the car. I imagine it is fairly easy to apply.

The rear bumper applique might be more useful if you are using the back hatch for moving a lot of things. I had a folding dolly do a flip out the back and it hit the bumper and put a few chips in it. Touch up paint made the chips less noticeable.

 

Hmm food for thought for the edge film. Does the bumper applique just stick on? Will it do anything to the paint beneath or is it more like a stick it on and that area is done thing. Oooh I rhymed lol

Would it be wise to buy a touch up paint kit now if they are discontinuing my color?

Thanks!
Dawn

 

I would definitely pick up a bottle of touch up paint, not so much that they will discontinue the color but more because you will eventually need it. As others have already pointed out the paint is thin and fragile. I had to order the touch up paint and it took awhile to arrive. I believe Honda will continue to carry the touch up paint despite it being a discontinued color.

I don't actually have the rear bumper applique but I may if I get any more dings on the rear bumper to hide the dings lol! Once applied though odds are that it will not be pretty underneath. So perhaps just wait and see what type of wear and scratches you get and then apply something like that later to cover them up?

Now would also be a good time to apply a good coat of quality wax for added paint protection from dirt and rain.