08-07-2013, 11:32 AM | #1 |
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Paint protection films
I'm looking to get my car protected by a clear protection film. I know some of you have done it yourself. I'm still unsure whether I want to DIY it or pay someone. What is the labor cost for that type of work? I would be doing the front bumper and the back bumper and fenders I think. Basically anything exposed to rocks. I have an M Sport bumper.
I don't have a garage so is it ok to do it outside? What the install procedure like? Sticker or some kind of reaction with water like a tint? How forgiving is that if you don't get it on perfect on the first try, can it be moved? If anyone has recommendations for a good installer in SE PA... And which brand is the best... White car BTW. Thanks. |
08-07-2013, 12:33 PM | #2 |
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I wouldn't DIY. Even experienced installers like the guy who did mine has difficulties sometimes.
I bought some Xpel for my 530i and in looking for an installer my independent BMW guy said he'd like a crack at it. Three messed up kits later he finally gave up and I eventually found a dedicated installer.
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08-07-2013, 12:46 PM | #3 | |
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One thing to keep in mind is you should do it ASAP if you plan to have it done professionally. All it takes are a couple drives on the highway to get some chips. Trust me, I learned this the hard way. Everything I've read is that xpel ultimate is the best film, it is self healing so should require less maintenance. But with anything like this it's hard to objectively compare and everyone will have the personal opinion, think of it similar to tint. Also, try and get a full hood if you can, my install ran around 1.5k for hood, fenders, bumper, lights and rocker panels. Good luck! |
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08-07-2013, 12:59 PM | #4 |
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I did it myself, but it's not for the faint of heart. I've also done my own tint over the years. I don't think I'd recommend doing it outdoors. Too much opportunity for debris to end up under the film.
It's SOMEWHAT forgiving. You apply copious amounts of a slick solution to allow it to "float" into place. Then you start squeegeeing the solution out so the adhesive makes contact with the paint. Once it's stuck, it's stuck. The biggest issue with the installation is that it's not just a matter of sticking it where you want it and getting busy with the squeegee. You have to stretch it into position as you go. Occasional application of heat helps along the way. I seem to recall my dealer mentioning around $1,500. I think I spent around $300 for the materials. I used 3M and it's holding up pretty darn well. I posted pics in a thread somewhere within the last month or so. Bottom line - you're probably best off just having it done. |
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08-07-2013, 01:38 PM | #5 |
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Looks like a royal pain in the ass. I'm a DIY type (doing everything in my house) but I'm not too sure about this. 1,500 is very steep though.......
Bavarian which one of the 2 available 3Ms did you use? |
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08-07-2013, 02:54 PM | #6 | |
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I have used Xpel on all my Bimmers.
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08-07-2013, 03:14 PM | #7 |
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I just did the front bumpers only with xpel through an authorized guy. Turns out he owned the distribution rights in Canada. Took him over 3 hours to do the m sport bumper even though it was all pre cut. Looks awesome though
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08-07-2013, 04:08 PM | #8 | |
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I think it was the Scotchgard product. If you're really patient and take your time it's not really that bad. There's a fair amount of info online with techniques, etc. The main thing is understanding how it works and being able to predict where you'll need to push, pull, stretch, etc. in order to get everything to end up where it's supposed to be. Mine would probably have been perfect if I didn't lose power just as I removed the bumper film from the backing. I did the bumper, hood, fender, headlights, mirrors, rockers, leading edges of the rear quarters and the rear bumper (top surface). You really can't even see it once done. I would think it would really disappear on white. |
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08-07-2013, 04:18 PM | #10 |
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08-07-2013, 04:59 PM | #11 |
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i had my front bumper, partial hood, partial fenders done in NY for $840 on my 335 msport
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08-08-2013, 02:08 AM | #12 |
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Any pics? what color is your car? Do you notice any yellowing or orange peel?
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08-08-2013, 02:23 AM | #13 |
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Consider a self healing film. One that will heal scratches, etc. itself. I do not believe 3M makes a self healing paint protection film (yet). I've heard from more than 1 shop that Sungard makes a very good self healing film.
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08-08-2013, 06:47 AM | #14 |
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i have the xpel ultimate, works great
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08-08-2013, 08:05 AM | #15 |
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What's a self healing film? I mean, it seems a little far fetched to me? Are these more than marketing claims? How does it work?
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08-08-2013, 08:33 AM | #16 | |
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botched film job?
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I am not very pleased with the results of the 3M as there were some air bubbles i had to work out with my finger over a 3 to 4 inch area, a large scuff under the plastic (!), some stretch marks and even a hair underneath the film on the bumper that is very visible! Worst was that on the front bumper there were some large "cuts" on the ventureshield 3m film that I don't think should be there in a well done job. The auto body guys said that without those cuts there would be large air bubbles due to the complex curves. I say bunk - these should be precut, fit the bumper perfecty and not be visible cuts on the plastic. Also, they did the side view mirrors and actually went over a rock chip so it's even more obvious now than before the film was applied... The auto body place said he would have to redo the film job due to the hair but I am considering going to someone else to do the film once they take it off and have them give me a refund. The question I have for you is: Did you have any visible cut marks on your film when it was done? It's a dark day with clouds and rain but I am now very concerned about what this is going to look like in the sunlight, and also if the newly painted bumper will peel off once they remove the film and if any cut marks will show.. What a nightmare. I really think I would have done a much better job than this. |
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08-08-2013, 12:55 PM | #17 |
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08-08-2013, 04:14 PM | #18 |
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Speaking of...has anyone had any experience with Sunguard? I'm planning to have my car wrapped and the shop I'm bringing it to uses "Suntek". Claykin were you sure about the name of the film or did you mean Suntek?
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08-08-2013, 05:31 PM | #19 | |
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There are cuts/seams in the film in order to deal with all of the compound curves of the M Sport bumper. Without knowing exactly what you're referring to it's impossible to know if they're "normal" or not. It's also not unheard of to have a bubble or two. As the film dries out (there's moisture trapped under it when it's installed) smaller bubbles often disappear. I think the bigger issue is that you've likely ruined your new paint. |
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08-08-2013, 07:06 PM | #20 | |
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Suntek seems to have a quality self healing film. My friend is out of town and hasn't responded to my messages yet for clarification.
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08-12-2013, 10:42 AM | #21 | |
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Can they really buff this out or should I have made them repaint the whole hood? |
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08-12-2013, 11:33 AM | #22 | |
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