The FL5 Type R gets sealed with the best.
Jesse Xiong • April 22, 2025
The Honda Civic Type R is a masterpiece of engineering—a blend of razor-sharp performance and bold design. When a 2025 model in eye-catching Boost Blue arrived at Humble Crew Auto Spa, the team knew it deserved nothing less than their Ultimate Armor Package. Combining paint correction, paint protection film (PPF), and ceramic coatings, this process ensures the Type R stays showroom-ready, no matter the road ahead. Here’s a deep dive into how they pulled it off.
Why Ultimate Armor?
For the Civic Type R, this trifecta of services is a game-changer:
1. Paint Correction restores a pristine finish prior to sealing.
2. PPF acts as a physical barrier against chips and scratches.
3. Ceramic Coating adds chemical resistance and effortless maintenance.
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Paint Correction: Restoring the Factory Finish
Even brand-new cars often have microscopic imperfections from transit, dealership washes, or factory polishing. For the Type R’s glossy Boost Blue paint, these flaws (like swirl marks or light scratches) could dull its vibrant finish.
The Process:
Decontamination: The car was washed with pH-neutral soap, followed by a clay bar treatment to remove bonded contaminants like rail dust or industrial fallout.
Compounding: Using a dual-action polisher, we methodically leveled the clear coat with a fine abrasive compound. This erased swirls and restored depth to the Boost Blue hue.
Final Polish: A finer polish enhanced gloss and prepared the surface for PPF and ceramic coating.
Inspection: Under LED lighting, every panel was scrutinized to ensure a flawless, mirror-like finish.
Why It Matters:
“Paint correction isn’t just about looks—it’s about creating a perfectly smooth base for PPF and coatings to adhere,” explains Jesse, Owner/Operator at Humble Crew. “Skip this step, and you’ll trap imperfections under the film forever.”
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Full Front-End PPF: Armor for the Type R’s Aggressive Styling
The Civic Type R’s angular front end is prone to rock chips and bug splatter. Honda paint in particular can be thinner than average, resulting in a finish that is easily damaged by minor debris on the road. We're applying PPF to:
-Full hood
-Front Fenders
-Front Bumper
-Mirror Caps
The Installation:*
- Disassembly: The FL5 has a heat vent on the hood that we disassemble so the film can be tucked underneath.
- *Precision Cutting: Pre-cut PPF patterns were aligned to the Type R’s complex curves, with custom trimming around vents and intakes. Our patterns come stretched, meaning that the edges all go over the perimeter of the panels, which allow for the film to be tucked for a clean install.
- Heat Sealing:Edges were gently heated to activate the adhesive, ensuring a durable bond.
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3) Ceramic Pro Ion: The Ultimate Chemical Shield
An application of Ceramic Pro Ion was applied to the entire exterior, including door jambs and hatch edges. This particular coating has a few major benefits, which include:
1. Unmatched Hydrophobic Properties
-Water Repellency: Creates a "self-cleaning" effect, causing water to bead and roll off instantly, reducing water spots and mineral deposits.
-Dirt & Grime Resistance: Repels dirt, mud, and road contaminants, making washes quicker and easier.
2. Extreme Durability
Longevity: Lasts 7+ years with proper maintenance, outlasting many traditional ceramic coatings.
3. UV & Chemical Resistance: Shields against UV rays (prevents fading/oxidation) and harsh chemicals (bird droppings, road salts).
4. Enhanced Gloss & Depth
Mirror-Like Shine: Amplifies the vehicle’s factory paint color, giving Boost Blue, black, or metallic finishes a "liquid" appearance.
5. Multi-Surface Protection
Paint: Bonds to clear coat for scratch resistance and swirl mark mitigation.
6. Low Maintenance
Easy Cleaning: Dirt slides off with a rinse, reducing the need for aggressive scrubbing
On Wheels: Guards against brake dust buildup and heat from high-performance calipers.
On Glass: Improves visibility in rain and reduces glare with a hydrophobic layer.
Trim/Plastics: Prevents fading and cracking on exterior trim.
**Glass Coating:**
The windshield and side windows received a specialized glass-specific ceramic coating.
- **Benefits:**
- Improved visibility in rain.
- Reduced glare and UV heat penetration.
**Wheel Faces:**
The Type R’s glossy black alloy wheels were coated to combat brake dust buildup.
- **Benefits:**
- Dust slides off with a rinse.
- Protects against pitting from aggressive brake compounds.
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The Boost Blue Type R now boasts a liquid-wet gloss, with PPF edges invisible to the naked eye. “This car can handle track days, road trips, or daily commutes without losing its edge,” says Jesse.
The 2025 Civic Type R is more than a car—it’s a statement. Humble Crew Auto Spa’s Ultimate Armor Package ensures that statement stays bold, bright, and protected. Whether you’re carving canyons or cruising downtown, this combination of science and artistry guarantees your Type R will age as gracefully as it performs.
“It's more than just clean cars.” — Humble Crew Auto Spa
