Anyone do a self install on paint protection film ?
Seems like you can buy the kits for about $100.

 

i installed the clearbra myself. it wasn't very hard but very time-consuming. but, i don't think the kits are only $100. it cost me about $250. if you could get done for around $400 total, i would have a professional install it.

 

Interesting,

Where do you buy the kit?
Does it come with all the chemicals?

04 6MTC DG/G/Prm/NAV/C.Crnrs/C.Br/A.ped/Polk/PIAA/Grnd.Kit/Rebadged/JWT Pop Charger/Z-Tube/Spl.Grds

 

The chemicals you need are, alcohol, baby shampoo, and adhesive remover.
I can get the deluxe kits for $200.
If someone really wants a install guide I can scan it and post it.

 

lorinserbenz,

Where did you find the deluxe kit for $200???
I found one only place that sells it, and they want $400 for the deluxe kit...
Hood, quarter panels, upper bumper part, lower bumper part.


04 6MTC DG/G/Prm/NAV/C.Crnrs/C.Br/A.ped/Polk/PIAA/Grnd.Kit/Rebadged/JWT Pop Charger/Z-Tube/Spl.Grds

 

I have a friend that is distributor, he gave it to me for cost.
My kit covers the hood, bumper, mirrors etc..
The only issue I forsee is warranty. If its not installed by a authorized dealer then their is no warranty. I am having a dealer put my on this sunday for $150. It really looks easy, but I am not very patient so Id prefer not to have to buy another kit.

 

i have to check back at home for the website that i bought the kit at. but if lorinserbenz can get the whole kit for $200, that's a great deal!!! make sure though it's 3m film. when i bought my kit, it came with all the stuff needed to install (solution, bottle, squeezee, instructional video). i concur with the previous post that the solution is just baby shampoo--at least that's what it appears to be. i don't think you'll need the alcohol. 3m recommends an alcohol solution for the install, but i tried it and it sucks. the baby shampoo solution works great.

the reason why i would say to get it professionally done if you can get it for $400 or so, is because it took me like a full day and a half. with that in mind, i wouldn't mind now paying $150-$200 for someone else to do it and probably better than my job. it turned out pretty good but i'm sure the pros would have done better.

 

I agree with Z2G. If you can get a professional install for a reasonable amount, then it's worth it just for the time and hassle.

Given the chance, I'm one who would do it myself first, then find out if someone else would be better at it.

I didn't know anything about tint installation, so I had it done (but I watched and studied the guy's technique -- for next time maybe).

On the other hand, I've installed protective film on my motorcycles, so I figured I could do it.

I purchased an Invinci-shield deluxe kit (which comes with installation "stuff") and set aside a Saturday to do it. Whew! It took me ALL day. I'll grade myself as follows: Effort A+, Results B+. There are two areas on the G coupe that are troublesome. One is at the leading edge of the hood near the sides of the grille, and the second is the upper part of the bumber near the sides of the grill. Both these areas require patience and the right technique because the film needs to be stretched and will want to lift off the paint easily.

If I had to do it next time, I would also not feel constrained by the pattern outline on the pre-cut sheets. In other words, I would stretch the film more in areas to lay down over the compound curves, and then trim up the excess later.

One other thing. Trimming is tricky. You need to expose a fresh blade on the small utility knife and then only very slightly score the film. It is supposed to tear away then without risking cutting into the paint.

The Invinci-shield patterns are cut for the do-it-yourselfer. By that, I mean they have more pieces so that you don't have to manipulate one big one. The downside is that you must match the edges up correctly.

The final verdict: If you want to do it yourself, go with Invinci-shield. They don't mind that individuals are doing it. Plus, it does not affect their warranty. If you'd rather pay someone else to do it, go with a competitor that has less individual pieces, or go the custom route where they put one big honkin' piece on then trim it to match on the car.