michael.a Posted March 27, 2017 Report Share Posted March 27, 2017 (edited) My OCD has gone way down, but few things tick me off more than standing in a lift line and having plebs beat the ever loving crap out of my board and it's not like they care what happens to their stuff either. I still don't get it, didn't they spend their hard earned money on this stuff, why scratch it all up? Anyway, even carrying the board and clipping in before I grabbed the chair didn't cut it, not too long ago some guy who was trying to cut in line just ran over my board leaving a nice sharp cut. Some of my previous cars had paint protection film so I decided why not, let's try it. So here ya go, this is my third application and I'm quite happy with the results. At the end some final thoughts. The film I got was 3M's Scotchgard, pretty thick stuff at 8 mm. I previously used odd sized scraps I picked up for free, but for my new SG I decided to buy a 12 x 75" precut peice on ebay. $50 shipped so its definitely not a cheap investment, next time I'll get a no-name knockoff. Topsheet was cleaned with isoproyl alcohol mixed 1:1 with water. Any, and I mean any, dust or crumbs left on the surface will leave little bumps in the film that are almost impossible to remove once you start applying the film. I rolled out the film to make sure everything was straight and taped the film down on one end so everything would stay aligned. Fill a spray bottle with water and a nice squeeze of dishwasing liquid. Start peeling the film away from the backing and give everything a nice wet spray but not soaking wet. Roll out the the film on the board. Using a plastic card or better yet a rubber squegee (I found credit cards to be too stiff and actually ended up scratching the film), start pushing out all the air bubbles. Rinse and repeat, peel some film back, spray it and the topsheet with your water/dishwashing solution and get rid of the bubbles. Nose and tail are a PITA as the film does not want to stay down flat and lifts up at the edge. Take some scissors and cut the film but leave at least 0.5 cm. So something like on the right side below: Start waiting. It's best to do this in a warm room so the water mixture can evaporate quicker. You can always use a hair dryer. Check in every so often and see if any air bubbles have formed, it's still easy to push them out. Takesa bout an hour or two to dry out. Afterwards, brab a really sharp razor blade and cut the film as close to the topsheet as possible, even try to cut a mm or two before the edge. You do not want any extra film protruding from the board, it'll catch, collect snow and water, and lift up the film. That's it Couple of things I learned. One application on a softboot board has held up for 2 years with no peeling. However, I ran into a problem with this SG as the topsheet has an eggsheel texture to it that prevents the film from completely sticking. After a couple of runs it started to peel off rom the nose and tail. I basically left it as is and just smooth it out at the end of the day. Doesnt look sexy when it starts to peel off but whatever, at least I'm protected ;) What I'll later do is trim the film a couple centimeters shorter. You definitely do not need 8 MILS film. I think 5 MILS is more than ample for protection against errant ski poles and the such. And no need for the name brand, 3M is obviously good stuff but any other paint protection film will do. edit: sharp eye from John E, I meant 8 MILS film not 8 mm. So use something half that. Edited March 27, 2017 by michael.a 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drschwartz Posted March 27, 2017 Report Share Posted March 27, 2017 Great suggestion, might give it a try... Or you could just follow my old adage - a kayak isn't a kayak until you've scratched a few rocks with it.?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corey Posted March 27, 2017 Report Share Posted March 27, 2017 You could seal the edges with clear nail polish to stop lifting. I got sick of the graphics on a board and covered it with cheap 'carbon fiber' vinyl. Like this: http://www.banggood.com/200x40cm-DIY-Carbon-Fiber-Vinyl-Wrap-Roll-Film-Sticker-Car-Decal-Sheet-p-985756.html Black covered the darker graphics on that board, but grey was pretty translucent on a Thias Easy Jungle. I assume any light color will be like that. It's held up well with nail polish along the edges. It still gets cut and even peeled from pole plants and other gaper stunts. It's no where near as durable as 3M paint protection! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1xsculler Posted March 27, 2017 Report Share Posted March 27, 2017 (edited) I bought a used Coiler to which the previous owner had attached self adhesive spikes across the tail and no one has run across the tail of that board in the lift line. Edited March 27, 2017 by 1xsculler 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neanderthal Posted March 27, 2017 Report Share Posted March 27, 2017 1 hour ago, 1xsculler said: I bought a used Coiler to which the previous owner had attached self adhesive spikes across the tail and no one has run across the tail of that board in the lift line. Awesome!!! That comment begs a picture :) I may have to replicate Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John E Posted March 27, 2017 Report Share Posted March 27, 2017 I've used 3M Scotchcal for other things. Works pretty good. I think you mean 8 "mils" (0.008"). This would be about 0.2mm thick. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michael.a Posted March 27, 2017 Author Report Share Posted March 27, 2017 1 hour ago, John E said: I've used 3M Scotchcal for other things. Works pretty good. I think you mean 8 "mils" (0.008"). This would be about 0.2mm thick. You are completely right, 8 mils not mm. So any 0.1 mm film should do. 3 hours ago, 1xsculler said: I bought a used Coiler to which the previous owner had attached self adhesive spikes across the tail and no one has run across the tail of that board in the lift line. Pics please or didnt happen :) 5 hours ago, drschwartz said: Great suggestion, might give it a try... Or you could just follow my old adage - a kayak isn't a kayak until you've scratched a few rocks with it.?? I completely understand, but then I dont think there is anyone who wouldnt go apeshit if someone sideswiped or keyed their brand new car with a "oh what, well it was just standing there". Let alone the resale value, you actually lose money every time someone gouges your poor board. 4 hours ago, corey_dyck said: You could seal the edges with clear nail polish to stop lifting. I got sick of the graphics on a board and covered it with cheap 'carbon fiber' vinyl. Like this: http://www.banggood.com/200x40cm-DIY-Carbon-Fiber-Vinyl-Wrap-Roll-Film-Sticker-Car-Decal-Sheet-p-985756.html Black covered the darker graphics on that board, but grey was pretty translucent on a Thias Easy Jungle. I assume any light color will be like that. It's held up well with nail polish along the edges. It still gets cut and even peeled from pole plants and other gaper stunts. It's no where near as durable as 3M paint protection! Does the nail polish "melt" the finish? From what I know most snowboards have a coat polyurethane so it should be quite resistant to nail polish. I didnt mention this part but you can easily remove the 3M film for whatever reason, literally just lift up an edge and pull. Itlll leave a lot of residue but some elbow grease and top secret Goo Gone does the trick. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lonbordin Posted March 27, 2017 Report Share Posted March 27, 2017 (edited) 35 minutes ago, michael.a said: Pics please or didnt happen :) So lots of posts about this in the past, lots.... Here's my favorite- http://s1125.photobucket.com/user/ktv118/media/Snowboarding/_KTV3989.jpg.html Edited March 27, 2017 by lonbordin why not?! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JRAZZ Posted March 27, 2017 Report Share Posted March 27, 2017 I'm usually the one riding on other people boards so.... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
big mario Posted March 28, 2017 Report Share Posted March 28, 2017 22 minutes ago, erazz said: I'm usually the one riding on other people boards so.... of this I know you're not allowed near my newest.... 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lordmetroland Posted March 28, 2017 Report Share Posted March 28, 2017 1 hour ago, big mario said: of this I know Erazz may feel he's betraying the spirit of The Plow by not taking the name literally. I promise I will not lend him my Assault. Or my Big Gun. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michael.a Posted March 28, 2017 Author Report Share Posted March 28, 2017 11 hours ago, lonbordin said: Here's my favorite- http://s1125.photobucket.com/user/ktv118/media/Snowboarding/_KTV3989.jpg.html I remember that one! I think the conversation then moved on to liability and that's what scared me off, people are nuts these days. This film is a passive defense tool against the assholes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slopestar Posted March 28, 2017 Report Share Posted March 28, 2017 17 hours ago, big mario said: of this I know you're not allowed near my newest.... my good friend and I...actually, the brother I never wanted used to intentionally ride over the other guys tip or tail leaving as deep a gouge as possible. Usually started with "hey, is that a new board" followed by scraaaaaaape. What are friends for?! i don't protect my boards in that manner but I do seal topsheet nicks and almost always run a file around the topsheet edges after a day of riding to stop those nicks from spreading. I'm all for the laminations. Anyone try it on carbonium or ptex tops? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michael.a Posted March 28, 2017 Author Report Share Posted March 28, 2017 I might have a piece of the 3m film left over, will find it and see how it sticks to my ptex board. Also good point on filing the topsheet edges, strongly recommended for SG boards otherwise they chip really bad. I think Sigi himself has a video saying it is a must Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barryj Posted March 30, 2017 Report Share Posted March 30, 2017 Hey Michael I was just thinking how am I going to protect my new 175cm Swoard Gen5 EC carver from the lift noobs and here you go and spell it out for me - Thanks!! What do you guys think of this - 3M Scotchgard PRO Series Paint Protection Film Clear Bra 12" x 72" Sheet $35.95 and Free Shipping!! http://www.ebay.com/itm/142322569722?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT Great price with free shipping - I've seen this 12x72 inch size/cut for as much as $51 Supposed to be the latest generation of 3m film protection. It doesn't say anywhere but from looking around the internet I'm pretty sure this pro stuff is 8mil thick - my only concern is the thickness.......is 8mil too thick?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barryj Posted March 30, 2017 Report Share Posted March 30, 2017 Ha! Jim you may be right but I'm always tinkering on something and looking for a new project - Additionally this topsheet protection idea has been on my mind because with my Swoard Dual I've noticed scratches on the edges of the topsheet from ECing the board. When laying out toe or heel side turns the board is tipped over to around 90 degrees and it's dragging the sidewall and about a couple of inches of the topsheet through the snow!!.... so this could be the answer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barryj Posted March 30, 2017 Report Share Posted March 30, 2017 Here's a 4mil 12x72 for $69 https://www.amazon.com/Rshield-Paint-Protection-Film-Sheet/dp/B0058NW13S?th=1 I would think 4mil is the way to go - Anybody found anything better?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michael.a Posted March 30, 2017 Author Report Share Posted March 30, 2017 9 hours ago, barryj said: Hey Michael I was just thinking how am I going to protect my new 175cm Swoard Gen5 EC carver from the lift noobs and here you go and spell it out for me - Thanks!! What do you guys think of this - 3M Scotchgard PRO Series Paint Protection Film Clear Bra 12" x 72" Sheet $35.95 and Free Shipping!! http://www.ebay.com/itm/142322569722?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT Great price with free shipping - I've seen this 12x72 inch size/cut for as much as $51 Supposed to be the latest generation of 3m film protection. It doesn't say anywhere but from looking around the internet I'm pretty sure this pro stuff is 8mil thick - my only concern is the thickness.......is 8mil too thick?? That is a smoking deal, jump on it, I had to buy my stuff here in Europe where we get screwed with VAT. From what I gather the PRO stuff is 8 mils thick. Is it too thick? Well no, my comment was more in line that you should be able to score thinner film for a lower price. 8 hours ago, Jim Callen said: You guys have way too much time on your hands... Leisure time has afforded humanity great gifts :) Philosophy, art, democracy, awesome hobbies, this thread.... 1 hour ago, barryj said: Here's a 4mil 12x72 for $69 https://www.amazon.com/Rshield-Paint-Protection-Film-Sheet/dp/B0058NW13S?th=1 I would think 4mil is the way to go - Anybody found anything better?? Don't understand the negative review, are they saying a thinner film is bad or just the quality of the film per se? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barryj Posted March 30, 2017 Report Share Posted March 30, 2017 Ok....went with the original: 3m Pro 8 mil 12x72 USPS Priority - -$4 extra for Priority = $39.95 Should be here Monday http://www.ebay.com/itm/142322569722?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barryj Posted April 6, 2017 Report Share Posted April 6, 2017 Alright ...just about ready to do this with my new Swoard Gen5 So Michael......are you saying you sprayed the board with diluted dish washing liquid AS your laying down the film??? What's the reasoning there?? compared to laying the film on a dry board?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corey Posted April 6, 2017 Report Share Posted April 6, 2017 Dry is extremely hard to do correctly without air bubbles. If you do it wet, you can squeegee out the water progressively and ensure there are no bubbles. Watch a video of someone putting on car window tint. Everything is dripping wet, and you can slide it around to get it positioned properly. Then squeegee to lock it in position. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barryj Posted April 6, 2017 Report Share Posted April 6, 2017 Now It makes sense - Thanks for the clarification Corey! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michael.a Posted April 6, 2017 Author Report Share Posted April 6, 2017 Bingo, do not lay down this film dry, you are guaranteed to F up. Remember its just water with a few drops of dishwashing soap. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barryj Posted April 9, 2017 Report Share Posted April 9, 2017 (edited) OK.....here's the final results with the 3M Pro film applied. There are some minute air bubbles I could not get out.......but whatever. I'm ok with it but we will see how well it holds up. I used Corey's technique for sealing the edges with clear nail polish Additionally you will see I put a thick piece of white crab grab on the tail to keep the lift line goobers off the tail and from pulling up the clear vinyl.......looks tacky but I thought the softness of that crab grab would stick better to the tail than the stiffer hard plastic spikes.......and possibly deflect more ski tips....we will see....... I'm gonna turn it loose on the Mtn. tomorrow! Edited April 9, 2017 by barryj 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barryj Posted April 9, 2017 Report Share Posted April 9, 2017 Well day 1 was a success......the board at 175cm is pretty long for out here and there were lots of lift line goobers who ran up on it or over it and nar a nick or scratch!! The 3M film is holding strong on the edges with the nail polish. Michael... I still have some bubbles that still have air trapped?? I'm thinking of puncturing them with a safety pin to get the air out.........what did you do? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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