Honda Pilot - Honda Pilot Forums banner

Vinyl Wrap on the Roof?

1.1K views 8 replies 6 participants last post by  Jicafold  
#1 ·
So I have a 2014 white Pilot which just started the roof paint peeling thing. Understanding that I am now on my own with this....would it be unreasonable to apply a white vinyl wrap over the front of my roof extending approx 1 or 2 feet back. This would seem like a cost effective option to help with paint peeling issues. We did this once before with wife and myself with a carbon wrap on the roof of a VW Eos and it worked well. We could do it ourselves here too. Opinions?

Image
 
#2 ·
Certainly worth exploring with a local shop. I'm not sure how they would do just the roof, since there are no really convenient horizontal "breaks" in the body contour on the sides and rear. But the technology and techniques are improving all the time. I'd also be concerned about relying on failing/delaminating paint to hold the wrap securely. You may end up doing some sanding and at least a sealer coat to hold the wrap.

Share your findings please. We hear from too many owners about roof paint failure on their white Pilots.
 
#3 · (Edited)
Thank you. I was planning on doing some sanding along the peeling section to flatten the edges of the bonding surface and general prep for proper adhesion. Vinyl is pretty thin and will telegraph imperfections. I am willing to live with a slight lip at the end, posterior section, of the vinyl wrap section. In my view, this would fix my current peeling problem for pennies in comparison to paint work. I am pretty sure I am going forward with doing this in the very near future. What have I got to lose? It could always be removed. I may possibly do it in a white carbon look for some pizzaz. See photo. I will post an update when I do.

Image
 
#4 ·
Here is my works on my pilot 2010 with the same common paint peel off overtime. I did on the roof, front of the hood, top of the head light (Where the paint peels off) plus the side mirror as well.
I select a better-quality vinyl wrap to apply.
To prepare: Just wash your car with car wash soap, but pay more attention at the areas that you will apply the vinyl, dry them off completely with dry tower, then use a clean tower do a final clean with alcohol (you can get it at dollar store). Note: Better do it in garage and not on a windy day to avoid dirt get on the surface before applying it. Attached are my results. It's fun to do and save me $. It's an old car so don't mind making mistake and can redo if necessary. Hope you can enjoy this little project as much as i do. Good luck!
 

Attachments

#6 ·
Here is my works on my pilot 2010 with the same common paint peel off overtime. I did on the roof, front of the hood, top of the head light (Where the paint peels off) plus the side mirror as well.
I select a better-quality vinyl wrap to apply.
To prepare: Just wash your car with car wash soap, but pay more attention at the areas that you will apply the vinyl, dry them off completely with dry tower, then use a clean tower do a final clean with alcohol (you can get it at dollar store). Note: Better do it in garage and not on a windy day to avoid dirt get on the surface before applying it. Attached are my results. It's fun to do and save me $. It's an old car so don't mind making mistake and can redo if necessary. Hope you can enjoy this little project as much as i do. Good luck!
Thank you for that. It was very encouraging. Frankly, I chickened out and got plain white vinyl. Not the white carbon look. It arrives in 2 days. Yours looks so nice I may send it back and buy the carbon look instead. I will have to see how the shade of white matches. Thank you.
 
#8 ·
Make sure to sand down any loose or flaking paint, clean thoroughly, and possibly use a primer if the surface is rough. Vinyl won’t stick well to peeling or flaky paint. Since you’re only doing a partial wrap, make sure the edges are sealed well with heat and edge sealer tape or a similar product to prevent lifting. Partial wraps like this are a great way to extend the life of your roof and avoid costly repainting. Plus, if you want to change the look later, vinyl is removable.