When I was at Ford we used to get chips in the paint when installing the chrome for the windshields and backglass. they used to have thin clear pads we could slip under the molding. It was make from clear gelatin and about the size and thickness of a business card. they were dry but flexible. they would help moulding would slip into place and protect the paint. then when the car went thru the leak test (super long car wash with black lite dye) they would wash out. I have never seen any on the outside of the assembly plants. My A roadster is a long way from paint.