I'm thinking about getting this Clear Armor paint protection film that looks like clear vinyl over the headlights, front bumper, 1/3 of hood (you can see a line up close) and around the door handles. Does anyone have any experience with this fading, yellowing, peeling, or causing any other problems? Can you get it over the entire hood so there is no line?

 

Going with paint protection on newer vehicles is a must as today's paint is softer than older vehicles' paint due to government restrictions in chemicals used. There are quite a few companies on the mkt that manufacture paint protection film, but only two companies that I recommend - Venture & Llumar (films that we use). These two companies produce the clearest films on the market and are backed by a lifetime warranty from bubbling, cracking, and yellowing.

There are other companies on the mkt such as 3M, Avery, & BSF, which will do it's job in paint protection, but quite often, they tend to fade over time, which is why their warranty is only extended to 5 yrs. In addition, these 3 companies are well-known to have the "orange peel" effect that is quite noticeable on darker colored vehicles.





Certified Window Tint & Detailing Specialist
3M / VentureShield Paint Protection Film Dealer
Madico Window Film Dealer
syu@machiii.net
2003 AT Sedan / 2004 6MT Coupe

 

From my experience 3M is the only material to go with, it is the only one with a clear coat. The clear coat keeps it shiny and keeps the material from absorbing road grime. Grime that in many cases is un-cleanable.

From others
<blockquote><font class="small">In reply to:</font><hr>

One of our Trainees has just shown up with a car with Llumar film on. This product was fitted 6 weeks ago and is already going grey

<hr></blockquote>

<blockquote><font class="small">In reply to:</font><hr>

Threw some LLUMAR PPF on my 7 week old astro.
Against the white paint, its starting to look grey.

Is there anyway to bring the film back to its original luster?


<hr></blockquote>


Some local Z guys went with Venture at Alta Mere and ALL of them had to be redone within a year, they turned a dull grey and even alta mere couldn't get them clean...

My car came with 3M already installed by the dealer and I put it on my wifes sedan. I am quite happy! But whatever you do your paint will be happy! Worst case you peel it off in a few years, detail the car and sell it chip free for a premium!!!

Yes I am in love with the stuff [img]/w3timages/icons/smile.gif[/img]

2004 Sedan -- 3M Clear Bra - Bought on eBay and DIY -- Rocky Mounts bike racks!

 

Thanks! After reading your post, I did some research on 3M and found out that Clear Armor "is" 3M out of Moiuntain View, CA. I'll go for it. Thanks again. Had my car a week and this forum is so helpful.

No. Calif/'04 G35 Sport Coupe/Diamond Graphite/Graphite/Premium/Performance

 

We've carried and installed 3M and BSF in the past. Both of which had problems w/ either fading or yellowing in about a year. 3M recently upgraded their film to compete with the clearer film manufacturers such as Venture & Llumar, but there is still some noticeable orange peel on the film.

As for those claims w/ Venture and Llumar turning gray, I have never seen since we've carried it. In addition, EDL in Torrance, one of the best installers in the country, also carry Venture w/o any problems w/ Venture fading into a gray color...........strange.

Certified Window Tint & Detailing Specialist
3M / VentureShield Paint Protection Film Dealer
Madico Window Film Dealer
syu@machiii.net
2003 AT Sedan / 2004 6MT Coupe