With the advent of water-based paint systems, new vehicles' paint has never been softer. Paint protection film was first created for helicopter blades where sand storms are prevalent and indeed worked well to protecting aircrafts from wear and tear. It was then brought over to the automotive side some 14 years ago.

Paint protection film has undergone many revisions and into the newer generation of films come with greater clarity and strength. As a consumer, there are some things to keep in mind when searching for a product to be installed:

1. Most importantly, it is the installer that will determine the outcome. Certifications do not mean very much as this is a craft that takes many years to become efficient and many more after that to become a specialist. Paint protection film installation is a craft and the number of years in the business would be a great determinate of what the installer can do for you
2. Today, there are more similarities in paint protection film than differences. Be wary of installers boasting film A being better than film B as the only sell point. If this is all they have, then move on.
3. There are precut kits and custom installations. What's better?
a) precut molds are printed from a laser directed printer that would cut out the kit for the specific model. The benefit of this is that it takes much less time to install. Downside is that there would be more gaps and pieces for areas with complex curves such as the bumper
b) custom installation is where the craftsmen is tested. Not all custom applications are equal as is the rule for precut installations as well. We have seen custom applications where there are multiple pieces and very jagged cuts. The art of creating an excellent fitting mold from bulk material goes into the amount of time the installer has spent in the field working on custom applications. How is custom application better? Most importantly, the installer would have control on tucking the film wherever possible making the installation to much more seamless. One way to find out how their work looks is to look at it in person.
**** Ask to look at a black vehicle as it is the most difficult color to work on. However, if the installer is cofident and is experienced with this type of work, he will not hesitate to show you the final product on a black car.
**** Do not rely on pictures on the internet especially of lighter colored vehicles. First off, most pictures taken by installers are from 5-6 ft away and the cameras used are usually not SLR quality. Couple this with pictures of lighter colors, then it would look like there is nothing on the vehicle.

Hope this helps everyone!