I just got a IP 05 sedan, and need your opinions on the best clear bras. What are the best brands. Can you tell that the bra has been installed by looking at the car. I have heard some people saying that the areas that the dilm has been applied looks hazy and foggy. TIA for your oinions. I live in Central cali. by the way, if snayone knows of a good shop, please let me know.

 

Had one put on my 05 BS sedan. On the light color, if you look from the rear of the car (from the side mirrow facing forward), you can see a faint dark line. From the front looking towards the windshield, it looks like a faint light line. From the side or above, it is hardly visible. No fog / haze. I've had it on for around three weeks. I do have one slight bubble that I might have to get fixed (installer told me to wait 30 days). I have the 3m film (sold thru Expel). Note that there is a slight "orange-peel" effect with this. I have heard other people swear by the Llumar film, but could not find it here in San Diego. I can take some hi-res picts if you like of the line.

sd_diver

 

I hear a LOT of people mentioning the Llumar film. Is it basically identical to the 3M, but a different brand? If you could post those pictures, that would be great. Thanks!

 

Howdy.

I have the Llumar "Paint Protection Film" (aka "ClearBra").

Take a look at http://www.flickr.com/photos/51916287@N00/sets/520520/ for the pictures. If you click on a picture and then click "All sizes" you can see a high res copy.

Hopefully these pics will help you make a decision. These were computer cut, not hand cut, as an FYI.

I like it; its transparent, and only visible if you look forward down the length of the car. From the front, its nearly invisible.

There you go!
~ Mike

 

In the industry of paint protection film, there is a lot of talk about brand xxx vs. abc. Besides the film quality, there is also an issue that consumers tend to forget - installation quality. This is actually where it matters the most. Many companies on the mkt are knocking on this brand while the other does the same and puts the consumers in a confused state of which is actually better. While they search out the "best" film, they tend forget the fact that the "best" film in the wrong hands is useless. I just want to stress this issue since there is a debate about which film is better.

We've used 3m for several yrs, tested all others on the mkt and is currently using Venture and Madico. There really is no such thing as the perfect film.....all tapes are limited to its lifespan and has its limitations. How well it will look down the road really depends on how well it's been maintained by the vehicle's owner. 3M uses clear coat that protects the film from the elements, but still exhibits quite noticeably orange peel even after they released their 2nd gen film. Llumar's film has only been on the mkt for some 2 yrs. Venture's been around for several yrs prior to Llumar and is OE approved by several manufacturers (like 3M). However, these films that are not clear coated are more exposed to environmental contaminants (bird droppings, bug guts, etc.), it takes more work on the cleaning side to keep it protected (w/ wax or sealant).

Over the past 6.5 yrs, we continuously stress to our customers - "installation is the key." PPF (paint protection film), is an art in many ways. It takes much experience to blend the film into the paint w/o obtrusive installation marks and blemishes. Anyone can start ordering film from a company and begin installing it (regardless of film quality), but results may be far from ideal for any consumer. The purpose of paint protection film is to protect the vehicle from minor road debris and not have it to be too visible on the car. It is installation quality that will determine the visibility level of ppf.

There is also the design of kits that play a large role in visibility. Paint protection film dealers now use software and a cutting device to plot kits in-house. However, not all software are created equal. The crucial point of paint protection software is the number of pieces and size of the kit per panel. Some softwares are designed to provide ease of installation by using multiple pieces on the front bumper. The disadvantage of such a design is the seams will be more visible. One piece kits are more difficult to install; thus, experience is a requirement for a "clear" install.

Another installation technique to minimize seams and visibility of the kit is customizing from a bulk roll. This requires precision cutting (non-jagged cuts) on the car, which requires the installer(s) to be at the top of their game. These guys can cut film on the car and not cut through the tape. This can only be done by a handful of installers in the industry.

Whatever a ppf company uses, they tend to believe their film is the "best". I just want to shed some new light into this never-ending debate about which tape is better than the rest. Hope this helps.

 

I totally agree with Wil. If you are in Cali, definitely give him a call.

 

The best of the best is LLumar and (uggg can't remember now it starts with a V.). They are transparently clear unlike 3M which looks like Orange peel. IT also doesn't change the color of the paint. 3m makes your area that is covered have a yellow effect especially on white. LLumar has a lifetime warranty as well. I have it on my black Sedan and you can't even see it. Black is the worst color to have it on because it shows up so easy.

 

When I bought my 04 sedan, the dealer installed a clear bra and I think is is 3M. I have no complaints. Yes you can tell is is there but you have to really look for it (my sedan is DG). The only problem I have had is that one of the pieces on the rear passenger door edge began to peel off. The dealer treated this as a warranty item with no problem.

The only paint chips I have in almost 2 years of driving my G are in places without the "bra". Bugs and road crud wash off very easily. I can't help but think re-sale value will be enhanced as well (if I ever sell!).

Go for it! You won't be sorry....

 

I've used 3M and Venture, and both worked well. I didn't prefer one over the other. Both were very clear and both protected the finish well. I cleaned and waxed both whenever I was cleaning and waxing the car. They both came off with no issues, when I needed to remove them. Due to issues not related to the film.

I agree with everyone, that installation is key. You can screw up a great film or make a mediocre film look better, all by having the right or wrong installer do the job.

If you are that concerned about seeing/not seeing the lines, don't bother doing it. Every color and install is different, and you will see a line from one angle or another, if you are really looking for one. Just get it if you want your car protected. It is that simple.

I personally think it is worth the time, money, and lines, to have the front of the car covered from the road debris out there.

 

Thank you very much for the opinions. SInce I am in Cali., I will give will a call in the near future.

 

"If you are that concerned about seeing/not seeing the lines, don't bother doing it. Every color and install is different, and you will see a line from one angle or another"

OR you could have the entire hood wrapped.......w/ the film tucked around to make it a seamless applicaiton.

 

Wil, PM sent...

 

The dealership did a clear-bra installation on my G, even though I did not ask for it (long story) and I thought they did a crappy job. Better than I could have done myself, but there are a few places that have small air bubbles trapped and such. you have to be standing close to see it though, so I am not complaining...its an **** retentive issue, but I would check other vehicles a shop has done before I let them put the clear-bra on. Just my $.02.

Kevin

 

But will it prevent front end sag ?