Lots of good info here. I'll give you guys my 2 cents as a detailer that has seen a lot of different installs from many vendors, including Premier.

First, the film:

All film is not created equal. There are many manufacturers out there that make lots of claims. All I can tell is real-life from our experience with the clear film and our clients:

1. Fading - Yes if daily driver and parked outside 50% of time. It's a matter of time before the film becomes slightly hazy. We can polish this out depending on the film. Not a huge deal.

2. Bird droppings and etching - No film is 100% impervious to this. We can usually get it 90% of the way back depending on severity of the damage. If you have a bird dropping or bee poop sit on the film for over a day or two, sorry...it's never be back to 100% new. You can always hide it a bit, but it won't be perfect.

3. Installation cost - will vary based on the technician. Film is constant, installer isn't. You're basically paying for someone to not cut through your paint, make sure they maximize coverage and minimize visibility of film, geographic region, customer service, and stand by their work. Take all those things into factor, and you'll see why some installer demand more, and get it as well. Always ask the installer the PROCESS...don't be so caught up in getting the best price. What good is a quote if you don't know what you're exactly paying for.

4. Visibility - no matter what anyone claims, you do notice clear film and it will change colors with time and exposure to elements. Not a single film on the market hasn't changed appearance on us over time. Another thing to remember, areas that have coverage will also have increased UV protection. Once film is removed, there will be a color variation with the area not bearing clear film.

5. Who should get it -

1. If you're OCD and things like rock chips, scrapes, bumper scuffs bother you, and your vehicle is not a daily drive, get it.

2. If you're OCD and want to see perfection and things mentioned above bother you if on the film, don't get it. We can always polish out scratches, etching, light paint transfer, etc. from paint, but not always 100% on film.

3. If you've got a daily driver and drive on highway or autox, and don't like repainting anything, get it.

At the end, it's personal preference and I hope this little FYI helps everyone. I personally don't care for clear film because I'm a purist and want to see the paint. If anything happens to the bumper, hood, etc. I'd let it go to the point it bothers me, then just repaint from a reputable specialist, and disclose it at time of resale. If painted by a specialist and you paid good $$, the new owner would actually not ding you for it. It's only when a collision is involved that would concern a new buyer.

However, clear film is an asset if your vehicle is unique, special edition, limited edition, etc. since it preserves the exterior. Just use common sense. It's not a bullet proof product, rather an insurance policy. I explain to my clients, I've had car insurance for over 16 years and have used it once. Does that mean I don't need it and have wasted money...maybe, but I'd rather pay for it now and know if anything big happens, I'm covered.

 

I need to give thumbs up to Moe @ GP and Krist @ Premier. Both are AWESOME people to talk to and very willing to help.

I've been in talk with both of them for couple of weeks about my concern. Both are proactive in calling each other on my behalf to come up with a good solution and recommendation.

As of today, Moe is using his own car as a test, and Krist will install different film to see their respective characteristics. They both agreed for me to wait until they are satisfied with their findings.

For both person to tell a willing customer to wait until they feel comfortable about their recommendation tell a lot about their business practice and integrity.

For the record, I’ve seen Premier’s work up close and their price is very fair and their work is very high quality.

Of course, Moe is highly recognized as a great detailer in my local area and will be my only detail guy for all of my cars.

Kudos to both.

 

Thanks MoeMistry for the nice write up. Good things to keep in mind. I didn't think a day or 2 of bird droppings would be so severe. I did notice just having some bird droppings less than a day kinda left a mark on the clear coat so I can understand what you're saying. I'll have to be painstakingly careful when it comes to where I park and when I get bird droppings, to wipe it off right away.