Paint chips from rocks? DIY protection with Heavy Texture Chip Guard Spray by SEM

[Moe-Jave]

While Sasquatch fenders helped quite a bit, the factory Goodyear MTs were just too much of a rock thrower to keep chips off my door and surrounding. I switched to Nitto Trail Grappler MTs in 35x11.5 (same as my Jeep and plenty of fender coverage for both). I love these Nittos -- but the damage was done. Trail Grappler MTs throw a lot less of the little stuff that I think is the culprit out here in SE AZ. The big void areas between blocks help a lot.

Anyhow, I considered mud flaps but really don't like them (and they get in the way on trails). I also bought some vinyl but decided to go the spray-on route. If a local "rhino lining" type shop were around, I'd have considered that too...

A buddy that knows about such things recommended SEM. I chose this in "opaque" since I wanted to cover some damage. We also used a high quality paint prep and finished things off with an all-in-one Krylon that matches (or at least complements) the factory paint color. Note, the "opaque" is basically grey-white and would probably look good as-is on lighter paints. It was too stark for me, but I'm happy with the results with my attempt to color-match.

One can of each was enough for my 2-door, but just barely. Depending on your application preference, I'd recommend two cans. For the time and money invested, I'd say it is worth considering (couple hours plus $35ish in supplies). I'm happy with it.

Final outcome:

Damage (both sides had significant chips):

Base chip guard with three coats:

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[Gbauer]

Try DrColorChip next time. Great for road rash.

I used to get clear plasti-dip to put on certain areas of my cars to stop the rash too. Mask off the area you want it on, 3-4 coats so it's thick (easier to remove later) and unmask it. When you want to get rid of it just peel it off.

 

[Moe-Jave]

Thanks, yes -- totally agree. PlastiDip and related are very good also.

I have even done wheels with decent results...but wanted something more durable this go around.

 

[Jdidier]

Great to know. Following. Can you take another pic that shows the whole vehicle?

 

[DrillRX]

Rokbloks do wonders on gravel roads. My 2024 SAS 2 door has the wide long version and has spent 3 of the 4 months I've had it and 4,000 of the 6,000 miles it has on offroad, heavily graveled roads between 30-60 mph and has very little damage from rock chips.

They also are easily removable on trails with no tools with 2 thumb screws.

 

[604Bronco]

That looks great. Where was this post a couple years ago when I was looking for options for my Bronco?!

 

[Moe-Jave]

Great to know. Following. Can you take another pic that shows the whole vehicle?

Here's one very dusty Bronco...

*A big storm just rolled through. Here's a shot while still wet.

 

[Steve_In_29]

While this protects the lower areas, I have seen where people are mentioning getting rock dings well up their doors.

 

[Moe-Jave]

While this protects the lower areas, I have seen where people are mentioning getting rock dings well up their doors.

It can definitely happen, but the vast majority for me are down low. I should also say that using the Sasquatch fenders with “skinny 33s” (or 35s) is a great setup out here. There were far fewer paint impacts from that change alone. We’re in monsoon season now, and there is much less dirt/mud on the body.

The 35x11.5 Nittos are also only a bit wider than the OEM 33, so remain nicely tucked in. It makes me want wider fenders on the Jeep!

 

[Brian_B]

While this protects the lower areas, I have seen where people are mentioning getting rock dings well up their doors.

Lucky....

I was getting them around the window on the A-pillar pretty bad. Plenty of glass chips, but only 1 windshield to go with it.

Fortunately, new tires seem to have helped prevent that from continuing.

 

[Moe-Jave]

Lucky....

I was getting them around the window on the A-pillar pretty bad. Plenty of glass chips, but only 1 windshield to go with it.

Fortunately, new tires seem to have helped prevent that from continuing.

Right! I didn't mention this but believe my hood-mounted bug guard helps with preventing the little rocks from reaching my windshield. It 100% works for bugs, doesn't whistle or otherwise make itself known, and is a negligible impact to fuel efficiency. When I bought the hood appliqué, I was hoping it would help with glass rock chips and I think it does a bit...

 

[Brian_B]

Right! I didn't mention this but believe my hood-mounted bug guard helps with preventing the little rocks from reaching my windshield. It 100% works for bugs, doesn't whistle or otherwise make itself known, and is a negligible impact to fuel efficiency. When I bought the hood appliqué, I was hoping it would help with glass rock chips and I think it does a bit...

Oh yeah it helps. It isn't fool-proof, but it definitely helped. All my rock chips shifted upwards to the top half of the window haha

 

[userdude]

Nice lookin' Bronco! I've never noticed those creases down low on the door before.

 

[DarthLincoln]

Every time I see that image thumbnail of the spray cans at the top of the forums list, for a split second I think I’m looking at two black-and-tans

Anyway, the application of the chip guard spray came out really well. Looks great!

I thought about doing that on mine, but I doubt any attempt to color match Hot Pepper Red would look good. I’d probably go carbon black to match the bumpers and wheel lip flares.

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