Anybody done that? Good or Bad idea?

 

I just had the clear protective film installed on the car's entire front half and am really happy with it. Peace of mind knowing I won't get rock chips is well worth it.

Had it put on at the dealership, and came with a lifetime warranty. No regrets at all.

 

So is this different from wrapping a car? I heard good and bad things about doing that...

 

I used be a big fan of getting the clear bra/wrap put on but feel differently now. I think it depends on how much you drive the car and if you will be doing a lot of highway driving. If the answer to both of those is no, then I would not bother with getting it wrapped. I just hate the fact that when a rock hits the wrap it can often times leave a mark in the wrap that cannot be removed (basically the wrap gets a tear in it). Eventually you will have to replace the entire product. Another issue is that they tend to discolor over time, and I also think the fact that you are unable to detail the wrapped area makes it look not as nice as the rest of the car.

 

When i hear the term wrapping, it's been putting on something like a satin or matte film on the car that changes the overall appearance...different than the clear bra style film. [but experts please chime in]

I bet there are several good choices out there, but I went with VentureShield. I liked how it could be put on at the dealer, came with a lifetime warranty against damage and yellowing (basically get a new one put on if that happens), and is custom fit to your car. If you're going to have the car for a long time and want to avoid repainting the front, I suggest making the investment. Rocks will hit your car, the nose is so low it's inevitable. They will hit your factory paint directly, or a replaceable clear film.

 

If you are going to have anything applied to your car, make sure that they know what they are doing. Piece of mind from having a paint protection film is great, but there are several photos on this forum showing poor installation that either looks bad, or have Exacto knife cuts into the clear coat from careless installers.

Just an FYI.

bob

 

Same here, Id rather respray a bumper every 3-4 years vs go with the clear bra stuff, Im just no fan of the look and Ive seen a wicked yellowing on a GT3 that was the icing on the cake for me.

Make no mistake there are some amazing installers, like Premier, should you go that route though.

 

Thank you very much. Yes, the installer makes a world of a difference. Quality of film as well....so choose wisely for the original poster.

 

I did it 4 yrs ago when it was new, I won't do it again. The shop did a great job, just hate the seems, and the fact that it never looks A#1 after a detail job.

 

Been there done that ^^...and never on the bonnet or front bar again for me. Maybe on the lower painted front spoiler section as you cant notice it that much when it ages. I still use it but only on areas where it really needs it like behind the wheels on the inner edge of the gaurds to keep the paint on from any hard stone abrasion.....just a thin piece so you can hardly notice it. Its never invisible but it does keep the paint on the car while the clear is on. The problem i've found is when the film comes off to replace it (when it goes dull and marked over time) so does the paint where the stones have bruised too hard....so you end up having to paint the panel anyway. Each to his own though....just my experience.