3M Protection Film...Full Body
08-12-11, 05:11 PM
#31
executive matchup
i definitely understand where ecub is coming from. i'm learning the hard way unfortunately; i didn't think i needed clear bra for my GS450h - ding! rock chips on my hood and front bumper. thank goodness for insurance coverage, paid $200 deductible and got a 2 stage paint job on my front bumper/hood that would have costed me over $2,800 if i had to pay for the paint job myself. now i'm waiting for the paint to cure (3 weeks), then i'm going to add a full hood and front bumper clear bra.
08-12-11, 06:02 PM
#32
Lexus Test Driver
Wax - avoid using anything that has colour pigment.
Some products such as Ventureshield recommend you to use Plexus but on the other hand, I was told that Plexus may be one of the culprits for yellowing. So to avoid confusion, I always use wax without colour pigment.
08-12-11, 07:01 PM
#34
executive matchup
Car wash --- any quality product should be fine.
Wax - avoid using anything that has colour pigment.
Some products such as Ventureshield recommend you to use Plexus but on the other hand, I was told that Plexus may be one of the culprits for yellowing. So to avoid confusion, I always use wax without colour pigment.
Wax - avoid using anything that has colour pigment.
Some products such as Ventureshield recommend you to use Plexus but on the other hand, I was told that Plexus may be one of the culprits for yellowing. So to avoid confusion, I always use wax without colour pigment.
we all have our poison we splurge on
08-12-11, 11:50 PM
#36
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08-13-11, 04:22 AM
#37
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08-13-11, 07:53 AM
#38
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I know one thing for sure. Even if I don't bother maintaining the protection film after 5 years or so and it looks stained, faded, and colored. I know I could spend about (maybe) 30 minutes and rip it all off and have my car looking brand new again, without spending a dime.
08-13-11, 04:57 PM
#40
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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).
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).
Last edited by ecub; 08-13-11 at 05:05 PM.
08-14-11, 03:47 AM
#41
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I figure I am better off going with my insurance which I just did. I have multiple coatings of sealants and waxes too. This way my car can maintain that sharp look at all times. Nice work tho!
08-14-11, 09:43 AM
#42
Plexus has Butane in it which will burn out the film and cause premature yellowing. Plesux was originally made for hard plastics... not polyurethane. This has been tested recently... so a lot of the installers that do not stay up with the industry dont know yet. You want to avoid anything petroleum based...
08-14-11, 11:46 AM
#44
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I agree. Looked around, saw some people using DP Plex-All and even Zaino Z-CS Clear Seal clear bra. DP is a little cheaper than Plexus and Zaino's expensive at about $20/16 oz. I've also seen XPEL PPF Sealant ($20/16oz), contains dyes and haven't seen much talk on forum searches. Unfortunately, out of all the searches, Plexus still seems highly talked about and used. But would still like to know other alternatives.
Last edited by ecub; 08-14-11 at 12:06 PM.
08-14-11, 12:10 PM
#45
Lead Lap
LOL.....Zaino is expensive??? after spending $5000 to shrink-wrap your car? The key words with Zaino, and it can't be stressed enough, is "USE SPARINGLY". It says it all over every one of their bottles of product.