My piano black slope is cracked pretty badly at all the corners as well as pretty scratched up. I ordered a new one from ambits and was curious if anyone has put any 3M film on theirs to try to protect it as well as keep the scratches and swirls down. If so, what are the pros and cons of doing that and what products do you (or don't you) recommend?

Thanks!
Ethan

 

Hi...I work with some film on wood. It has an adhesive back...Once put on you will ruin the surface when you remove...UV can discolor overtime...ie sunlight...A vinyl thin type static hold will not stay in place I believe...In addition when applying the film it must be clean and no air bubbles....On wood the bubbles will go away into the wood as it breathes but on a solid surface I doubt...If you want more protection take old piece and clear coat with urethane or water base...But remember...You may want satin type as gloss may reflect and bother you in heavy sun...Good luck with your project...If you want to join the crazy club...I have glow in the dark type...Just add black light...haha

​​​​

 

Thanks for the info. I was hoping there was something to prevent the new one from cracking and getting the scratches.

 

I would think PPF just like on the paint. I believe the piano black has a clear coat same as the paint. Maybe wrong on that, but I think so.

Yes you will have some cleanup to do if you remove the film, however, if its the same clear as on the paint, then it will clean up also. That would be the best bet.

It will cut down on the glare a bit also. I would try it on the old piece as a test. If you like it, then do the new one. You likely wont ever remove the PPF or at least for many years. If the car is garaged 95% of the time, then the PPF likely wont ever need to be removed. They don't discolor like they used too. ie.... the glue doesn't discolor like it used to.

Hope that helps further

 

If I keep my 15 GT instead of ordering an 18 Vantage I'm switching to Bamboo ski slope

 

I'm glad I don't have the piano finish. It looks like a bear to keep pristine. I have the carbon slope and recommend it. Maintenance free.

 

Was out in the weather yesterday. I've only had my piano black installed for about a month so it's still relatively flawless. At first glance it almost looked like the water was on the the inside of the car. I've got my old cracked wood one to play with now. Might try a flat black wrap to match the leather.

 

Agree that piano black is a pain. Hard to keep scratches away on the center console area by the shifter/ashtray.

 

I'm going to be facing this very soon as well. I'll be taking my fascia and console apart in the coming weeks to fit my newly refinished nickel plated ***** and bezels as well as installing the glass switches. My piano black parts are pristine right now but they're definitely vulnerable and a constant concern I have. My thought was to take the pieces to my detailer for a light polish when I have everything removed and then have wrapped in the best clear wrap available right now.

I have a really good quality product on the exterior hood and side sills currently and it's a "self healing" product that is really quite amazing and basically invisible. I wonder if it will disappear just as well on the interior pieces...? My plan was to run it all past my paint correction / detailer guy and see what he thinks as he works with the clear protection wrap as well. Another thought was to apply a "ceramic pro" type paint protection product after the polishing of the black interior surfaces which would definitely be the easiest and safest play.

Anyone have any other ideas? I love the piano black and as a matter of fact I'm phasing out my original interior carbon fiber in favor of more piano black and leather. Including a custom piano black and leather steering wheel which is just about done (finally). I just got the proof from DCT Motorsports of my new steering wheel.. (Obviously still needs the smooth leather with white stitching to match the rest of the interior)

 

my vantage is a 2007 piano black slope
10yrs old and still looks like it just came out of the showroom
all i do is micro duster it off,