FLXPaint Vinyl Coating - 2008 Chevy Tahoe

Bright, vivid candy colors used to be for those who had deep pockets and didn't mind reaching into them when it came time to paint their custom truck. Those days are forever gone thanks to FLXPaint. That's right, this good-looking '08 Tahoe is covered in the latest vinyl coating technology. Vinyl has come a long way since the silly graphics of the Fast and Furious days and thanks to incorporating real paint into the vinyl, you now have a viable alternative to expensive paint and bodywork. FLXPaint is offering a patented three-layer cross-sectioned vinyl wrap that uses a base film layer, middle layer with OE-quality automotive paint, and a top layer of OE-quality clearcoat. The 2mm-thick vinyl is so nice, it will trick you into thinking the truck you're looking at just got out of the paint booth. In fact, according to this Tahoe owner, "People don't believe me when I tell them it's not paint." Most two-tone paintjobs cost between $4,000 and $10,000 depending on paint quality, spraying the jambs, and how crazy you want the dividing graphic to be. Imagine rolling into an authorized dealer with $2,400 and a stock paint scheme and leaving with a high quality two-tone that will last for years. After any time period, whether you're selling it, doing more mods, or just want a change, you can simply pull the vinyl off and the protected paint will not be damaged.

To see if this new process was really everything their website made it out to be, we made a FLXPaint two-tone appointment with JP Johnson, of Auto Distinctions, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He and his team had our project '08 Tahoe out the door in just under two days and the results, well, take a look at the buildup photos and make up your own mind.

Highs:
• Looks like paint, people can't tell it's not
• Easy to install and remove
• Good product quality
• Low cost

Lows:
• Fit could have been better
• Should have started with a darker color truck to hide imperfections

1. Arriving at Auto Distinctions, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the team quickly got to work removing the roof rack, emblems, and badges. This step is important because the vinyl needs to lay flat on the sheetmetal.
1. Arriving at Auto Distinctions, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the team quickly got to work removin
2. Arriving at Auto Distinctions, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the team quickly got to work removing the roof rack, emblems, and badges. This step is important because the vinyl needs to lay flat on the sheetmetal.
2. Arriving at Auto Distinctions, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the team quickly got to work removin

3. After performing a quick clean and wipe down of the Tahoe, JP Johnson used a water sprayer to wet down the roof. Water helps while positioning the large sheet of vinyl in place.
3. After performing a quick clean and wipe down of the Tahoe, JP Johnson used a water spra
4. With some help, the FLXPaint 023 Kustom Cola Metallic vinyl sheet was laid over the top of the roof and centered. Using the same water sprayer, the vinyl was wetted down on the outside to aid in getting rid of air bubbles.
4. With some help, the FLXPaint 023 Kustom Cola Metallic vinyl sheet was laid over the top
5. Starting at each corner, JP and his team stretched out the vinyl and as you can see with the OnStar antenna, cut out small slits for vinyl to wrap around.
5. Starting at each corner, JP and his team stretched out the vinyl and as you can see wit

6. It was now time to pull and squeegee out as much air as possible, which flattens the vinyl wrap. A razor blade was then used to cut out the sunroof and roof rack mounting holes.
6. It was now time to pull and squeegee out as much air as possible, which flattens the vi
7. It was now time to pull and squeegee out as much air as possible, which flattens the vinyl wrap. A razor blade was then used to cut out the sunroof and roof rack mounting holes.
7. It was now time to pull and squeegee out as much air as possible, which flattens the vi
8. Moving to the hood, the same 023 Kustom Cola Metallic vinyl was stretched out over the hood and positioned into place.
8. Moving to the hood, the same 023 Kustom Cola Metallic vinyl was stretched out over the

9. A squeegee was used to cover the hood and eliminate any air bubbles. The hood was then popped and the edge of the vinyl rolled over to create a seamless look.
9. A squeegee was used to cover the hood and eliminate any air bubbles. The hood was then
10. A squeegee was used to cover the hood and eliminate any air bubbles. The hood was then popped and the edge of the vinyl rolled over to create a seamless look.
10. A squeegee was used to cover the hood and eliminate any air bubbles. The hood was then
11. JP and his team were now ready to tackle the side of the Tahoe. Just like the roof, the vinyl was cut around any necessary objects. In this case, the mirrors, doorframes, and windows.
11. JP and his team were now ready to tackle the side of the Tahoe. Just like the roof, th

12. JP and his team were now ready to tackle the side of the Tahoe. Just like the roof, the vinyl was cut around any necessary objects. In this case, the mirrors, doorframes, and windows.
12. JP and his team were now ready to tackle the side of the Tahoe. Just like the roof, th
13.Once the side was free of air bubbles and adhered to the body, JP wrapped the front grille surround. This took expertise, as the grille has rounded edges, which makes it difficult to apply and cut seamlessly.
13.Once the side was free of air bubbles and adhered to the body, JP wrapped the front gri
14. To get the vinyl ready for the 022 Kandy Copper dividing color, JP used tape to mask off the two-tone line.
14. To get the vinyl ready for the 022 Kandy Copper dividing color, JP used tape to mask o