kitlz

What kind of warranty did you get with the 3M film, ecub? Wow on the price. And you're not done yet.

sweetboy02

wow, so total should be 5K, i guess. Hmmmmm good investment or not depends on my pockets.

ecub

I did my research and all have positive feed backs with the protection film. It takes allot to mark up the protection film. Less so with out it. As I mentioned earlier, I plan to use the roof rack, so I can foresee scratches on the top. I bowl and often put my gear in/out of the rear hatch. My PT Cruiser, which has lower access, has allot of scratches on the bumper. Even having to repair (buff, paint, etc.) the bumper would cost allot more than just to replace the protection film.

So it does take allot out of my pocket, but I think it's a good investment (for me), especially for a car that I love.

RXSF

that price isnt bad at all. On my C class, I did a full hood and custom front bumper and it came out to a little under $1000

pjp98z

Actually, this is not true.

1. Plexus is a no-no.
2. Steer clear of any products containing petroleum distillates like kerosene, naptha, zylene, or toluene. These are common in many of today's synthetic waxes, detailers, and bug & tar removers. These products will dry out urethane films, open up the pores, and turn your clear bra into a dirt sponge. Once this happens you'll likely see yellowing and discoloration.

Check with the manufacturer for the best care practices and products (many of them have urethane-specific care products). Even though the film looks like paint, it's composition is much different, so it will requitre different chemicals to care for it (think armor-all on your tires).

With the right care, paint protection film can last 5-10 years and look better than your paint.

(In the interest of full disclosure, I work for a film manufacturer).

stw2046

I thought that would be one of the best approach for paint protection. But do you see any orange peel from the film???(That is the only reason keeping me from doing this)

ecub

The film protection is not for everyone. I'm sure you read a thread here that a person used his vehicle for a move and now has deep scratches on his bumper. I'm sure the same would happen if you put items on the roof rack. I'm sure if they had the film protection, they wouldn't have to worry. The only places I'm worried now is the roof and the rear lift gate, since I don't have film protection on there yet, but by Saturday, I will.

jtrue28

That is exactly why I have never applied paint film...."yellowing and discoloration". Granted, that wouldn't likely matter on a dark colored car, but still.

Another question...if you have the film on there for 5 years, or whatever, can you pull it off and essentially have a brand new car again? I can't imagine the factory paint changing in any way since there was a later of plastic covering it.

Nice thread...thanks for adding the photos and cost.

AndyL

The information is correct. The film is porous and is susceptible to staining. With proper and regular waxing, the problem is not too bad. The resistance to staining also varies from different brands and grades of the film.

I have all my cars covered with clear bra and they are worth it if you care a lot about stone chips and paint and I install paint protection films as my other business.

AndyL

Ecub, I understand whoever gets film installed is picky. (Me, too!) But the way your installer has done around moulding is not too bad. In fact, from the pictures, they did a great job.

One question for you: do you know if the installer use pre-cut kits on some parts of your car or they cut it by hand? Did they leave some seam around the front bumper?

Thanks

Stormforge

i see your point; however i'd rather have yellowing film than no film protection at all. repainting due to rock chips can be very expensive!

Stormforge

what product(s) do you recommend using to wash and wax a car with clear bra?

ecub

Exactly. Also time consuming. You only have to wait a few hours to remove and re-apply film on a door, then drive off with the car the same day. That probably can't be done with repainting.

jtrue28

I get what you all are saying about rock chips. It all depends on driving areas and habits. If you mostly drive in the city at low speeds, you're not going to have that many rock chips....(this is my experience). However, if you're driving 10+ miles a day on interstates/freeways at 60+ MPH, yeah, you're going to get chips if it's not covered...no other way around it.

ecub

I'm sure you ventured out of the city a few times. But being on the city, you could be subject to door scratches as well. If you load stuff in/out of the rear and use the lift gate, then you could be subject to scratches on the bumper. Basically it's insurance. Some people insure their car for every worse scenario, while some people insure it for only what they need, while others (if it were legal) don't bother insuring their car at all.