Anyone applied any paint protection film kits?

[lthlvpr]

Just curious which manufacturers offer paint chip protection film kits for the GT. I think 3M was first to market originally, but then I remember several other companies offering more optically clear, thinner (less noticeable to see) layers with longer warranties against yellowing and peeling.

Who offer the best product for the GTs?
Thx.

 

[KJD]

Centerpunch,

CONGRATULATIONS again on getting your car! I love the look. I have seen several 3M Scotchgard applications on cars locally here in the northern VA area and I'm torn. Dark colors look the worst IMO, the seams particularly on the broad horizontal surfaces are very, very visible. The lighter colors seem to "hide" the seams the best. Even though I don't have my car yet, I'm undecided. Letting it get chipped doesn't seem to be much of an option. I'm going to research other products, what would be really nice is if any of them, including the 3M could be tapered from 8 mil to perhaps half of that as they run out. I dunno, just thinking out loud. I'll post if I find something good. Good luck with your decision and have fun with that great looking car!

 

[KJD]

Thanks, really great that due to the GT and kit design, no seam across the nose. That just about seals the deal for me, the other seams are tolerable. I'll check xpel/others for availability of film for rockers, side air intakes, etc. And yes, once you realize the $$ are really gone, then it will be AOK!!!

 

[lthlvpr]

THANKS Centerpunch!!
I forgot, but you reminded me that Lumar was the company I was looking for. I used it on my Diablo and it looked great. Apparently the material and optical clarity on this product is superior to 3M (less visible).

 

[B O N Y]

Here's what a Lotus guy said. (I wish I was in California, I've read many recommendations for the installer he mentions...)

The StarShield, as used by Lotus, has a definite orange peel to it. I have heard that 3M has an improved version that either has reduced orange peel or no orange peel. However, I haven't seen any improvements in that characteristic in the '06 Elises that I have seen. Lotus uses a special embossed version, so it may take some time before the newer stuff is phased in. Or it already has been and the improvement is minimal.

As far as the seams, I don't think that is a matter of the film, but of the skill of the installer. The StarShield that comes on the Elise uses a pre-cut pattern that appears to be designed for quick, easy installation, not best looks. It is cut a little small, presumably so that it does not have to be perfectly aligned during installation. A good installer will use appropriate, or modified, patterns or just use bulk material and cut it on the car. For the latter, you need a really good installer.

I had the front of my Elise done with bulk material and it was amazing to watch Sam cut it while on the car; cut clean through the film and not touch the paint (I watched that like a hawk). There are, virtually, no visible seams. Every piece is rolled around and under where possible or cut right to the edge of the body panel when it is not. Since he used 48" wide material, it was not necessary (on an Elise) to have seams across a flat body panel. That might not be possible on other cars with a larger continuous area to cover. I have been told that one film manufacturer is soon planning to release a product in a 60" width, which should be wide enough for almost any car.

I suggest giving Sam at Premier a call to discuss your options and concerns. 510-406-1500. He travels a lot doing installations around the country, so e-mail might be better if you don't get him right away on the phone. sam@premiermobilegroup.com. Also, check out their web site at www.premiermobilegroup.com to see some of their work.

1. CONGRATS on getting your car
2. I have read about Sam's work over at FerrariChat, I am still not convinced, I had the 3M material on several cars as was not happy with the product nor installation.. I am on the edge here.

 

[KJD]

bony,

did you have the film removed from your other cars, and if so, any issues with the paint underneath?

kirk

 

[Tungsten]

3M Film

I have 3M installed on two cars. The first is a 2006 Porsche Cayman, Guards Red. The 3M looks OK...but it is visable and there is orange peal.

The second is my 06 GT in Tungsten. Same film, same installer, 30 days apart. You cannot see the edges on the GT and there is very little orange peal effect.

It looks to me like it all depends on the color. I am thrilled with the coverage on the GT...not so thrilled on the Porsche.

Hope that helps....

Don

 

[B O N Y]

bony,

did you have the film removed from your other cars, and if so, any issues with the paint underneath?

kirk

Nope, I was an early adaptor, the first stuff turned yellow, was thick, you could see the seams. The GT is my second white car I have ever owned, always have gone for the dark colors. Never took it off, just changed cars. Down here in the Valley we get our windscreens sandblasted, and with all the big trucks and gravel on the roads chips are expected.