Getting a new bumper installed and will be getting it sanded and repainted. Will then need to clear bra it or it'll look like crap by the time I get it out of the shop.
Wish Premier had a satellite in Phoenix, but since they don't, I have to go with what's available here.

The body shop uses 3M film. Any big problems with this brand as opposed to Venture, Llumar, etc.? Are there different types of 3M film or is there just one 3M PPF? Spending a crap load on this, so I want to be sure to get it right the first time. Thanks.

 

Maybe the sponsors or experts can confirm this, but I think a fresh repaint needs to cure for 30 days before installing a paint shield?

 

bbyu's right... Premier always tells us they want paint to cure for at least 30 days prior.

 

^^That's what I read on Premier's site. Shop didn't mention anything about it....But 30 days? Sheesh. I'll have to drive straight home and lock it up for a month.

 

Well, regardless of cure time, what are the recs as far as manufacturer. I believe Premier uses Ventureshield?? Does 3M make a good product? One thing I read about it is they use a clear coat on top of the vinyl. Good to have for polishing purposes as these things get as swirly as unprotected paint.

 

I have used both 3M, Xpel, and Ventureshield. On a black car, yellowing doesn't really show, but I found Ventureshield to have very good glossy clarity, and was the easiest to maintain and clean.

- bob

 

Ed,

You deifinitely want to let your paint cure for about 30 days. You can cut it close by maybe going 3 weeks.

3M makes a great film, but there are some drawbacks. If you are going to wrap your entire hood, they don't make pieces big enough to do it in one piece. Also 3M has a tendency to show strechmarks around curves. It's not a big deal for lighter color cars, but it really shoes on a black car. 3M film also has a little more orange peel than Venture.

Venture makes film big enough to cover you entire hood in one piece. It is also a clearer film, so not as much orange peel. You will not see any stretch marks either. The drawback with Venture is that the films does get scuffed up quite easily unlike 3M which I think is more durable in that sense..

The irony of it all is that 3M now owns Ventureshield. However, they have decided to keep both product lines separate due to it's different characteristics. Both films have it's pros and cons. You have to decide which set of variables better suits your needs. I personally have the Venturehield film because I wrapped my entire hood and I didn't like the stretch marks that 3M film has a tendency to have. Hope this helps..

 

Thanks guys.
I'd love to get VS, but after searching for local installers on their website, there's only one location. Of course, never heard of them. Sent them a message. Will see what they say.
As for the 30 day wait, I'll contact the body shop and see what they say about it. The guy I spoke to didn't mention it. Also said a full hood job wouldn't be a problem with the 3M stuff. But I think they outsource to another facility.

 

I had a couple of pieces wrapped after repaint and basically my shop left the parts in a heated room for about a week. I then parked the car for about 2 weeks in my garage, blue taped it, and drove it straight to premier.

In all honesty I think you will be fine with getting it clear bra after a few weeks and maybe earlier if your in warm area but definetly pick a good installer. The material won't mean sh$& if the installer doesn't know what they are doing....

Oh wha are you doing with a new bumper man?

 

The curing time depends on the painting process. If the bumper was removed to paint it, and was baked at high temperatures (as the factory does) you are fine doing it soon. Best bet is to ask the shop who painted it. Whatever recommendation they give you for cure time for waxing works for paint protection film, as the same issues apply.

In Phoenix, call Smartshield. They are very experienced, and install our Premium film daily. If you have not seen what Premium looks like, check out this thread https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...-car-prep.html. Scroll towards the end to see the film installed. This film has ZERO orange peel, and you will not be able to tell it is there once it is installed.

Hope this helps.

 

Think I got that part covered

Drove to SoCal a few weeks ago and apparently something hit the front bumper clear thru the bra AND clearcoat. Was originally just going to get the GT3 vent cut into the stock bumper and be done with it. BUT....
Another member here was selling his Vorsteiner bits already painted black. Well, after parting with a lot of $$$, I bought his bumper and decklid. Unfortunately, the front has more rock chip damage than expected. So, gonna have that sanded and repainted. And therein lies my need for another bra.

 

Thanks for the input. I'll look into it.

 

Whatever you do, pics are a most!!!!

 

Its better to leave the paint for 30 days then apply the bra, i tried the 3m and xpel, xpel is superior and you should also use thier head lights protective shield, its a premium product

p/s i have no relation with xpel

 

When I last checked, XPel did not have the length to fit the entire hood in once piece. Is that not the case?

- bob