3M paint protection films - opinions
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zmcgovern45
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You are in fact talking about the clear film that is installed by a professional and not the "spray it on" kind that you can DIY am I correct?
If so... the clear film that is installed by a professional is a good product that can go a long way in preserving your paint from chips and scratches. With that being said, it is not bullet proof. Many people get their hopes up way too high for these products. Chances are, the film will look beat up after 5+ years and you will need to replace it... you can decide if it is worth the cost of the film or if you'd rather have your front end repainted.
If so... the clear film that is installed by a professional is a good product that can go a long way in preserving your paint from chips and scratches. With that being said, it is not bullet proof. Many people get their hopes up way too high for these products. Chances are, the film will look beat up after 5+ years and you will need to replace it... you can decide if it is worth the cost of the film or if you'd rather have your front end repainted.
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Yup, it is the professionally applied stuff. Glad to hear your opinion on it. I sounds good to me so I think I'll do it on the front and door edges at least!
Thanks,
Mike
FUNX650
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^^^:iagree:^^^...this...or any of XPel's PPF!!
-Hard to beat XPel's PPF films' thicknesses, and 7-year warranty.
-And don't forget to protect those: really-expensive-to-replace polycarbonate headlamp/foglamp lenses:
XPEL Headlight Protection Kit, Xpel headlight film, x-pel headlight protection film
Bob
zmcgovern45
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Yeah - I guess I should clarify... I do not know much about the difference in brands of film. I have been told that "they are all the same" and I have been told "Brand X is so much better than Brand Y"... I have no personal experience, so the above comments are worth way more than mine.
I was speaking in general about the protection of PPF more than a particular brand of film.
I was speaking in general about the protection of PPF more than a particular brand of film.
The Guz
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- Jun 17, 2013
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^^^:iagree:^^^...this...or any of XPel's PPF!!
-Hard to beat XPel's PPF films' thicknesses, and 7-year warranty.
-And don't forget to protect those: really-expensive-to-replace polycarbonate headlamp/foglamp lenses:
XPEL Headlight Protection Kit, Xpel headlight film, x-pel headlight protection film
Bob
Xpel is good stuff. I have their material on my headlights and fog lights. They have been on the car for almost 2 years and they still look good and have protected my glass fog lights.
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Hmm, hard to believe that the 3M film "sucks." I can see it not be as good as another product but generally they make some pretty amazing stuff. I guess I'll have to research this a bit more.
Mike
FUNX650
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OK...How about 3M PPF:
-"Sucks eggs"...(slang sense of: be contemptible)...from ~1906
Or my favorite I remember hearing when I was just a Lad:
-"Sucks hind tit" (be inferior; show obsequiousness ): American English slang first written/recorded ~1940.
Bob
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- #10
OK...How about 3M PPF:
-"Sucks eggs"...(slang sense of: be contemptible)...from ~1906
Or my favorite I remember hearing when I was just a Lad:
-"Sucks hind tit" (be inferior; show obsequiousness ): American English slang first written/recorded ~1940.
Bob
I can't say any of your follow-up was helpful, or insightful, but apparently you got a kick out if it. I think I'll pay heed to the more reasoned arguments in this thread.
Mike
Burns ST
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I had the 3M applied to my new Focus ST. The entire front end was done for 500$, Canadian dollars.
I think its a smart investment if you want to limit stone chips. Keep in mind that its not completely invisible. You can see the seams from certain angles but from about two feet away, you really need to search for it.
More than willing to take a couple snaps, if you'd like.
I think its a smart investment if you want to limit stone chips. Keep in mind that its not completely invisible. You can see the seams from certain angles but from about two feet away, you really need to search for it.
More than willing to take a couple snaps, if you'd like.
I would think this stuff would be really popular in Florida, Mike. I used to live in WPB, and I do remember the "Love Bugs" They mass by the millions during mating season ...hence the name. But for some reason they seem to be attracted to I-95, and will cover the front of your car if you travel at the wrong time. If you let them dry on, they become almost possible to clean off completely.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using AG Online
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using AG Online
FUNX650
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Just trying to save you some research...
TO WIT:
But my reasoned argument for a PPF evidently meant nothing...so why should any other.
Bob
RaskyR1
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I'm simply not a fan. It has terrible texture and I've seen several cases of them yellowing. There are simply better options out there.
Awesome texture baby! Who wouldn't want this? Those are swirls in the film right after the install btw.
I will say the 3M films I've had to work on tend to polish up pretty well though.
I love yellow film!
Dirt collectors...not a fan! Learn how to open a door is the better solution.
They also need to be taped off during polishing unless you like cleaning polish out of the edge.
Removing the 3M crap film off my old car after about 2 years. It was pitted, yellowed, and I had lots of chips beyond the film.
I'm actually not that big of a fan of PPF either. Sure it stops chips and pitting in the paint, but it can look like crap itself in no time too!
This car was 2 years old with about 30K on the clock...
I'm sure I can find more pics going through all the cars I've done but I don't have the time. Who you have install the film should be the #1 priority. The cost at most dealerships is usually just shy of the cost to repaint the panels so I would network and find a reputable shop vs. going through the dealer. As noted above, the films typically need to be, or should be replaced about every 5 years, but that will vary depending on many factors. You definitely don't want to wait for it to look like the car below!!!
Rasky
- Thread starter
- #16
Yeah, some pics would be great! I live in Minneapolis, brutal winters, even more brutal summers! I'm mainly interested in using this stuff on my door edges. Not sure about the hood yet. Thanks to everyone for your input, it's been really helpful.
My auto body guy said this stuff has been vastly improved in the last few years, but also said I would have to clean the edges occasionally. That beats chips in the paint!
Mike
Radarryan
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- Nov 9, 2012
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I have 3M PPF (clear bra) on the front clip of my 2013 911. It has saved me once already from probably a multi-thousand dollar reprint on the side quarter panel. In my opinion, worth every penny, and they're not cheap.
Can't comment on other brands, as I have not used them, but Porsche recommends 3M, which is a pretty big endorsement. Installer is key, however. Mine was top notch and you can't even see I have it. Make sure to roll the edges under and good luck!
Can't comment on other brands, as I have not used them, but Porsche recommends 3M, which is a pretty big endorsement. Installer is key, however. Mine was top notch and you can't even see I have it. Make sure to roll the edges under and good luck!
I will have to find out what brand I just got (on the wifes new car). I was advised against 3M film, and they used something else. The interesting thing that he showed me was that it was self healing. He grabbed a green scrubby and marred the surface - all kinds of hazing and swirls. Took a heat gun to it and the swirls went away before my eyes. They said the sun should technically do that on its own - he just used a gun to show me. Lifetime warranty as well
$250 for the bumper, hood, and fenders (probably 12-18 inches back?)
I'm from Minneapolis too for the guy a couple posts up. I found the same thing - its actually hard to see the film unless you get right up on it, or happen to know where to look. Heck - I can find a scratch on my car from 50 feet away because I know where it is.
$250 for the bumper, hood, and fenders (probably 12-18 inches back?)
I'm from Minneapolis too for the guy a couple posts up. I found the same thing - its actually hard to see the film unless you get right up on it, or happen to know where to look. Heck - I can find a scratch on my car from 50 feet away because I know where it is.
My installer put suntek clear bra for my new MDX (Black crystal pearl). He said suntek is better than 3M in his opinion.- it is much clearer than 3M, easier to apply, to fold over edges and has seen better results over 3M. What i came to know during my research is that installer is more important than the film itself. Another detailer who applied opticoat Pro on my MDX (including over the clear bra) had heard good things about suntek from one of his detailer friends t(who recently switched to suntek after seeing better results). I hope these folks are right. I spent some serious money on the bra!