Scotchguard paint protection film

shashankmittal · #1 08-31-2009, 05:18 PM

Guys,
Has anyone installed the Scotchguard paint protection film on their cars? I would like to know your opinion...

1. How good/bad is it?
2. Any pros or cons?
3. Is it visible to the naked eye?
4. Maintenance?
5. How does it reach to car wash, wax, polish, etc
6. Any issues in snow?
7. Contraction/expansion with reduction/increase in outdoor temperature?

3M United States: Scotchgard Automotive Protection: Car Buyers: Products: Paint Protection Film

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AUU 555 · #2 08-31-2009, 05:22 PM

I have them on my front headlights and fog lights , but I know a lot of friends who have them on their cars (bumpers, headlights, side mirrors and some other parts of the car)

I recommend you to install them if you drive on the highways.

shashankmittal · #3 08-31-2009, 11:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AUU 555

I recommend you to install them if you drive on the highways.

I do drive on highways a lot. I have painted bumpers and running boards. So I was thinking of getting it installed on both bumpers and the plastic portion of running boards, since these are the things that are most susceptible to road rash.

Is the film visible to the naked eye? How much protective is it in reality?

King · #4 08-31-2009, 11:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shashankmittal

Guys,
Has anyone installed the Scotchguard paint protection film on their cars? I would like to know your opinion...

1. How good/bad is it?
2. Any pros or cons?
3. Is it visible to the naked eye?
4. Maintenance?
5. How does it reach to car wash, wax, polish, etc
6. Any issues in snow?
7. Contraction/expansion with reduction/increase in outdoor temperature?

3M United States: Scotchgard Automotive Protection: Car Buyers: Products: Paint Protection Film

It's the best protection you can get without installing an ugly bug deflector! There are several threads on this issue if you do a search but I can tell you it's definately worth it. It protects your paint from chipping when you get rock chips flying at you especially on the highway. Several places claim they install the 3M rock guard, but you have to go to a professional who knows what he's doing! The only thing you have to be careful is when power polishing. Mine recently got some wax under the edges when I got the car waxed, but they are going to re-do the hood. No issues with temperature changes at all.

Take a look at mine. You have to look VERY carefully to even see it. You can only see the edges where it cuts off. I have jet black paint...probably the most noticeable color! I have the film on the hood about 1/4 way up, the entire front bumper and cuts off on the side fenders. Also the side mirrors. Take a real close look...you can't even tell when it's done right!

shashankmittal · #5 08-31-2009, 11:39 PM

Thanks King!
Although it is impossible to detect such an undetectable film in the photographs, but still I take your word.
May I ask you how much does it cost to get the front portion filmed?

Penguin · #6 08-31-2009, 11:42 PM

Check you local dealers for pricey cars, e.g., BMW, Porsche, etc. Often they will have used cars on the lot with the protection installed. That will give you some idea of the film after a bit of real-world use.

LeMansX5 · #7 09-01-2009, 12:27 AM

I have it on my X since 1st week . Definitely worth it. Saved the paint from chips several times. Also do behind door handles as that's where nail scrathes happen.
www.xpel.com

X-cellent · #8 09-01-2009, 10:03 AM

If my truck were not white I would have done the same, but over time on a white vehicle the 3m film will show some signs of yellowing. My friend had his e70 done by the guy that's done his Maserati's and Ferrari's and is an artist. He applys the patterned section perfectly and can hand cut anything you want. My buddy had him do the aero kit in the front, the mirrors and the aero kit on the rear sides..looks like it was cut by the computer!

Here are a few pictures (car was very dirty today!!) that show the seams and edges....hopefully i didn't reduce them too much....

grr...can't post for some reason..try later.

X-cellent · #9 09-01-2009, 10:09 AM

The loose nut behind the keyboard is always the problem...

shashankmittal · #10 09-01-2009, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by X-cellent

Here are a few pictures (car was very dirty today!!) that show the seams and edges....hopefully i didn't reduce them too much....

Thanks! Thats helps a lot! To be honest I was expecting the edges to be even more invisible, but I guess this is something that I would need to compromise if I want to protect my car.
Has anyone got this installed on their Aero Kit? Is it recommended to get this done for the rear bumper (mine is painted and does not has mud flaps)?

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