Clear bra and seams?

[Vermillion3]

Ok folks looking for some info on clear wrapping? With many packages offering different levels of hood and forward facing surfaces covered, does a clear wrap leave a visible seam if the entire panel/hood is not covered; and if so how noticeable is it? This would be on a Black 2018 G80.

 

[Don88]

Ok folks looking for some info on clear wrapping? With many packages offering different levels of hood and forward facing surfaces covered, does a clear wrap leave a visible seam if the entire panel/hood is not covered; and if so how noticeable is it? This would be on a Black 2018 G80.

We have a 2018 Genesis G80 Ultimate Caspian Black with Dealer installed Clear Hood Cover. (front of hood ~18"). Below is a pix. I had a 2014 Avalon with a hood cover that the seam was noticeable but Genesis does a pretty good job of stage makeup. See below. Sorry for the dirty wheels but this is the State of Washington, it rains here.

 

[Vermillion3]

Thank you sir for the pic, you can’t see it at all. I’m on the fence of getting the clear wrap and ceramic coating or just the ceramic.

 

[Mr. Incredible]

I think the seam appearance is more apparent on some colors. I have a white 2018 G80 sport and can see the seams, my white Lexus RCF was the same.

I had a custom clear wrap done on a candy apple red 1939 Ford Tudor hot rod and you can’t see the seams, my neighbor has a black 335i and the same guy did my G80 and his BMW and you can’t see the seam on his, where mine stand out.

Lighter colors seem to show it more IMO.

 

[Vermillion3]

Thank you gents for your input. That’s good news! For my Black ride anyway.

 

[bubbaG80Sport]

I had the entire front end wrapped up to the drivers door on my Black 2018 G80 Sport. The exterior mirrors, door handle cups and trunk step were also done. The wrap was done around/under the hood edges. For obvious reasons there is a seam on the A pillars and front grill. The A pillars seams are noticeable because it is at eye level, the front grill not so much so as it's low to the ground.

I've seen a 1/2 hood wrap on a white car. It will show a distinct black line from dirt over time at the wrap to paint transition line. I would wrap the entire hood and around the edges.

I did a full body/paint ceramic coating on my 2011 Genesis 3.8 sedan at 3 yrs/50K miles. Detailer cleaned up/took out paint swirls before applying. It looked amazing and reduced maintenance (easier to clean and less waxing). I sold this vehicle at 6 years/100k miles and other than paint chips the paint looked great. Ceramic coating provides little protection from road debris (i.e. rocks) though. This is why I chose to go with a wrap on my most recent purchase. It would be a waste of money to both do both a wrap and a ceramic coating IMO.

If you are looking to prevent paint damage from road grime and bird doo, ceramic coating is a good choice. If you want to additionally reduce damage from road debris; go with wrapping. Wrapping will be 2-3x the cost of a ceramic coating.

The 2018 G80 sport front bumper has a lot a sharp curves/edges. This makes wrapping very difficult. Find a good/experienced detailer.

 

[Vermillion3]

Thanks folks I ended up getting the full hood wrap and front end wrapped with side mirrors too. Then ceramic all over and paint correction. I’m really looking forward to picking her up tomorrow. I’ve always done my own detailing and having someone else do it seems odd. I wish I had my 2010 wrapped like this, when I sold her the hood looked like a star field. Thanks again for all the input again.