Hey guys. Was looking to get the 3M protection for the front end. I've already picked up some chips. Can it still be applied and look okay with the current chips?

 

Tough to really say without seeing a picture of the chips. Do you have any close up pics of the chips and also of the front from a foot or two away?

Obviously, the optimal time to install this is before this happens, but assuming the chips are not major it should be OK. Just be aware when you remove it in the future to re-apply that the shop knows about the chips, as i would imagine those areas would need special attention to be sure you don't remove more of the paint while removing the clear bra.

Basically, it really depends on how OCD you are...

 

They are pretty small and just a few. I was concerned that an air pocket may form between the chip and the film and be fairly visible.

 

I don't think that will happen if it is applied correctly, it would bond to the chipped area just like the unblemished paint and should be fine.

 

Like Kricci said you should be fine. If you choose 3M film, ask installer use the new film Scotchgard Pro. These films are fantastic! Oh, I'm a 3M certified installer.

 

Thanks guys. Too bad you're not in the Vancouver area!

 

Do some research on various films. XPEL Ultimate is self-healing and very popular among the people here in the NY area.

 

Do not go with the 3m product its S***, use Xpel or suntek(they make their own product). Also goes without saying but the installer is the most important part.

 

Thanks mates, I did check into a couple of YouTube videos and they has a comparison between 3m pro,xpel and one other. The 3m appeared to out perform the other two.

 

Yep, Scotchgard Pro is the best film in the market right now. Trust me the Xpel ultimate used to be the best film but the new Pro film out performs them.

 

SWC simply not true the product is garbage. The dealer had originally done my car in the 3M product and I was in a rage when I saw it from 10 feet away. The fender was a different color than the door due to the product. It has a different texture than the factory paint with orange peel.

Undoubtably the best product on the market is Suntek, its not even debatable. Xpel is also a good product. Both are self healing. 3m's several different lines from Venture Shield, old Enpro product are junk. #m's product lives in the dealer market where they can make a good margin and pre cut kits are often installed on lower end cars. Jako do some more homework or you will be making a several thousand dollar mistake.

 

When it comes to durability, aesthetics, and more importantly, warranty, XPEL and Suntek are the leaders in PPF, IMHO. We've been installing them for years, and real-life care and performance is always more important than sample test with markers. I'm partial to XPEL and Suntek because I've seen what else is out there, even the new 3M, and still feel there's nothing better out there. If you ever have a warranty claim, your installer simply picks up the phone to either Suntek or XPEL, and it's handled right away...no questions. From the experience of several friends in the industry, 3M warranty claims are more tedious.

As for your original questions, your installer should be able to do light touch ups on the rock chips to make them better prior to installation. If you plan on keeping the 911 for a long period of time, repaint the bumper, then clear bra. That'll add value when you decide to resell.

Hope this helps

 

No,

Film will not cover chips. Also 3M turns yellow. Xpel all the way.

 

Thanks guys. I've start to ask around for Xpel. Yet to find a shop that uses the product.

 

I had 3m on my 997c2 and xpel on my current 997tt. IMHO xpel is a superior product. I had the entire front wrapped with both vehicles. With the 3m product you can visually tell which body panels for wrapped (especially under fluorescent lighting) unlike with xpel. As noted earlier the two products feel very different to the touch as well -the expel product feels much smoother. Also, with the 3m product I had a few chips that tore the film. Since the product was not self-healing every time I waxed the car wax would build up under the tear. Since wrapping my tt with xpel I've had a few nicks, but letting the car sit in the sun for a little bit smooth them out.