Andy Shane
Jeeps are some of the toughest and most durable vehicles on the planet. The engine, gearbox, and suspension system are of premium quality and never disappoint. The same can’t be said about the finish, though. While the factory paint is decent, over time, it does get overwhelmed by the rain, hail, UV rays, dust, wind, and other natural elements.
So, what can you do to protect the exterior? There are quite a few options on the market, with Line-X and Kevlar being the more reliable solutions. They are both equally strong, long-lasting, and give the Jeep that “expensive” look. Join me in this Kevlar paint vs. Linex paint comparison and let’s see which product can provide the best bang for your buck!
Ease of Use, Longevity, and More
Before we get to the meat and potatoes, I want to mention that both Line-X and Kevlar coating aren’t easy to apply. You’ll probably have to pay a professional to handle the “installation” for you. Otherwise, you might ruin it. Furthermore, these coatings are pretty much permanent: they last for many years, if not decades. And one more thing: once applied, these finishes will be VERY hard to remove.
That’s right: if you decide that you don’t like it, you’ll have to invest a lot of time, energy, and money in preparing the surface for a new layer of coating. That’s exactly why I decided to write this guide. To help you make up your mind so that you don’t regret your choice later!
Kevlar Paint: What’s It All about?
Known as “textured paint”, Kevlar paint looks pretty cool and does an incredible job of protecting pretty much any surface you cover it with. It’s a big commitment, though, and, as I just mentioned, it’s one of those once-in-a-lifetime decisions. Most commonly, Kevlar is used in making bullet proof vests. Other applications include instruments, sports equipment, tools, and such.
This material can literally stop a bullet and is quite lightweight. Discovered in the 60s, it was originally a formula for reinforcing tires. In a liquid state, it is incredibly strong. In a dry state, it looks like cotton candy.
The Pros:
One of the best things about Kevlar – it doesn’t require maintenance. All you’ll need to clean it is a garden hose and maybe a couple of rags. It is an incredibly tough material that lasts for many decades. And, it looks amazing on a Jeep. So, if you own a rough-tough Wrangler, best believe Kevlar will transform it, make it look even better.
Kevlar isn’t very heavy and won’t affect performance in any way. On top of that, it is a 100% non-flammable material, resistant to rust, dust, mold, and mildew.
The Cons:
The biggest downside of this material is its weakness against the sun. Kevlar isn’t “afraid” of temperature extremes and can withstand a hot climate. However, it’s very weak against UV rays. The sun deforms it, makes Kevlar lose its strength, sturdiness, and durability. There’s a remedy for this, though – a layer of standard UV protection.
Another con has to do with the permanent nature of this material. I already mentioned that it will be pretty hard to remove it. You can, of course, add a new coat of whatever paint/material you’ve got, but it will look horrible and probably won’t last long. Oh, and did you know that Kevlar is a strong insulator? It is, so, you won’t feel very comfortable behind the wheel somewhere in the tropics.
What’s the Deal with Line-X?
Alright, so, the big question now is – what does Line-X have to offer? How does it compare to Kevlar? In terms of looks, these two are pretty similar to each other. The thickness, texture, and weight aren’t that different either. Line-X is essentially a spray. Along with giving the Jeep a beefed-up look, it also protects it from a long list of natural elements. Here are its biggest advantages and disadvantages.
The Pros:
Line-X is significantly cheaper than Kevlar. A professional body job at a premium-quality shop will cost you $3-4.5K, while Kevlar’s average price is $4.5-6K. Plus, Line-X is more resistant to UV rays. It will still deteriorate over time but at a much slower rate. It’s a thick rubberized coat, which is why it does a slightly better job of keeping dirt, dust, wind, humidity, and, again, sun rays at bay.
Another big Line-X pro is superb abrasion resistance and impact protection. This means it will protect the Jeep from a collision with a tree, bush, rock, or wild animal. Moreover, it dampens vibrations, which is also cool. A quick note: some experts recommend Rhino instead of Line-X, but it’s not as strong or reliable. Furthermore, it tends to fade rather quickly.
The Cons:
Much like Kevlar, this coating is almost impossible to remove. You’ll have to spend big bucks and put in a lot of effort to switch it for something else. Next, it’s way too textured for many Jeep fans. The matte characteristic is appreciated by some drivers, but, mostly, it’s not very popular. Personally, what I don’t like about Line-X is the fact that it’s very easy to scratch. And, it will be pretty hard (and expensive) to fix those scratches.
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