Sharkskin Durability

[Wingman06]

I like the brushed look with the Sharkskin protection on the aluminum panels. How does that stuff hold up over time? Does everything start to get faded and patina over time?

[Alan_C]

I applied Shark Hide to all of my aluminum panels. I used Scotch Brite to create a pattern on the aluminum, just did parallel sanding. I had to keep the panels clean using Acetone as the Scotch Brite creates a dark dust as the panels are cleaned.
Regarding longevity, I applied the Shark Hide in 2012 and never had to reapply up to when I sold the car in 2018. To my knowledge the 2nd owner has not had to reapply either, so we are looking at 11 years and 20K miles on the car. Just follow the directions on the can and use the best lint free cotton rags to apply. I used material designed to apply stain to wood. As I recall I bought it at Lowes in the paint/stain department.
I really liked the product and the finish as I could do the work on my schedule at home. Far cheaper than painting or powder coating. You can have any color you want so long as it is aluminum, grin. If I were to build another MK4, I would do the same without hesitation.

[Justin]

It lasts years if applied correctly and is in a place of ZERO wear. It's not very durable.

[Alan_C]

For the record, I did not have anything come in contact with a Shark Hide protected panel. So I cannot comment on durability when something is rubbing up against a panel. That said, if you have something rubbing on a panel, just about any protective coating will wear. Best to simply avoid having a hose or harness rubbing against a panel. Such a situation is not good for a rose or harness cable either, so best to avoid the situation.

[42Bfast]

X2 on Alan’s post, rubbing anywhere is not good long term.

My experience with Shark Hide: I had some loose aluminum panels, some treated, some not. They were swamped in hurricane Sally and submerged for 3 days in saltwater. They were retrieved, hosed off, and stored for a year or more while I worked on the house. The treated panels showed very little oxidation, only in areas where abraded in the storm. The untreated panels showed a good bit more white oxidation. The difference was obvious.
I’m confident that it works well. Because it is so easy to use and a single can could do multiple cars, I try to use it on most any exposed metal.
One caution, it has a strong odor that will make you (me) dizzy quick. I strongly recommend a respirator when applying, or at the very least use it outside.