While I like my black CTD, I find that any slight marks on the black paint are easily seen. I try to be as careful as possible to prevent marking up the paint, nevertheless marks show up, particularily on the top 4 inches of the tailgate.
I am thinking of applying the clear film, that is used on the rocker panels, to protect the top 4 inches of the tailgate.

Any thoughts or comments are appreciated.

 

That would work good, or you could do some custom bedliner work, Linex or Rhino.

 

Or you can do like me, and scratch the rest of the gate to match.

 

a 3M wrap would be cool..but IMHO you need to do the whole tailgate other wise you will see the dirty line from where the 3M wrap stops 4" down the tailgate...if you do the whole gate you cant see any lines!!!...same goes for the "clear bra".....make sure you do the whole hood or it will look funny..this is all IMHO

 

Are there any tricks to applying this stuff, particularly, to rounded surfaces?

 

You may not like this idea; however, did you consider a tailgate spoiler? Comes in flat black. I use the spoiler as a grab handle when lowering the tailgate.

 

here's a sure fire way to protect your tailgate from getting any scratches. Remove it, store it in the attic, and it will look pristene forever.

 

"I use the spoiler as a grab handle when lowering the tailgate."

I don't like the spoilers, and the top 1" or so of the tailgate is rhinoed and I have the EZdown which works great.

Maybe I need to get an EZup.

 

I hardly use my truck to do anything and went to a friends house and I think their cat slid down the back of my tailgate. so I dont go back over there or I may have to take the cat for a ride somewhere. Its really hard to keep something from get it scratched and use it. I try to be very careful also. I had the diamond gloss from ziebart when it was newer and I dont know if it protected the paint or not