Paint Protection Film 101
May 8, 2012 | 01:34 AM
#1
Thread Starter
| TEAMSPEED.COM
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,509
Paint Protection Film 101
We often receive inquiries to our services and there are commonly asked questions that are actually excellent questions, so we decided to post this one up to inform those seeking paint protection film installation for your vehicles.
Q: How much does it cost?
A: There are many answers to this question.
i. There is the cost of labor and this would vary from one shop to another. More importantly is to compare the cost within your local region as cross comparison between counties, states, or even countries would not provide much accurate information. For example, running a facility would likely be much cheaper in Denver than to run one New York.
ii. The cost of labor likely reflects the valuation that is set by the installer himself or herself. In general, the higher cost companies do better work as they will see value in the services they provide.
iii. Coverage - how much are you looking to cover? Naturally, the more coverage (partial hood, full hood, etc.) the higher the cost. Be sure to compare apples to apples when seeking an installer.
Q: Will the film harm the paint if it is removed later?
A: No, paint protection film (aka clear bra, clearguard) will not harm OEM paint. Aftermarket paint is a different story and is completely dependent on the quality of the installer.
Q: What is the difference between custom and precut?
A: Precut templates have come a long way compared to its infancy. Items fit much better, but with better fitting and tighter tolerance in gaps, the tougher they are to install. Quality precut templates require a high skill set to achieve compared to even just several years ago, so the installer is still the key.
When it comes to custom, be sure to compare qualified companies. Company X can just take a piece of film and blade to a car with very little experience and call it "custom". The results can be horrific. Below are just a few examples of this:
http://www.****************/lamborgh...one-wrong.html
http://www.****************/detailin...lers-work.html
http://www.****************/porsche/...turbo-cab.html
The benefits of a custom clear bra app is that a crafty paint protection film installer can produce results that is superior in many ways by being able to tuck and hide the film wherever possible...keep in mind, custom and precut apps require quality installers nonetheless.
Q: What to seek for in an installer?
A: Ask for references, look at prior work and if possible take a look at the work in person, length of time in business (in this industry particular as some may have just added the service to a pre-existing business)....hope this helps!
Q: How much does it cost?
A: There are many answers to this question.
i. There is the cost of labor and this would vary from one shop to another. More importantly is to compare the cost within your local region as cross comparison between counties, states, or even countries would not provide much accurate information. For example, running a facility would likely be much cheaper in Denver than to run one New York.
ii. The cost of labor likely reflects the valuation that is set by the installer himself or herself. In general, the higher cost companies do better work as they will see value in the services they provide.
iii. Coverage - how much are you looking to cover? Naturally, the more coverage (partial hood, full hood, etc.) the higher the cost. Be sure to compare apples to apples when seeking an installer.
Q: Will the film harm the paint if it is removed later?
A: No, paint protection film (aka clear bra, clearguard) will not harm OEM paint. Aftermarket paint is a different story and is completely dependent on the quality of the installer.
Q: What is the difference between custom and precut?
A: Precut templates have come a long way compared to its infancy. Items fit much better, but with better fitting and tighter tolerance in gaps, the tougher they are to install. Quality precut templates require a high skill set to achieve compared to even just several years ago, so the installer is still the key.
When it comes to custom, be sure to compare qualified companies. Company X can just take a piece of film and blade to a car with very little experience and call it "custom". The results can be horrific. Below are just a few examples of this:
http://www.****************/lamborgh...one-wrong.html
http://www.****************/detailin...lers-work.html
http://www.****************/porsche/...turbo-cab.html
The benefits of a custom clear bra app is that a crafty paint protection film installer can produce results that is superior in many ways by being able to tuck and hide the film wherever possible...keep in mind, custom and precut apps require quality installers nonetheless.
Q: What to seek for in an installer?
A: Ask for references, look at prior work and if possible take a look at the work in person, length of time in business (in this industry particular as some may have just added the service to a pre-existing business)....hope this helps!
May 9, 2012 | 01:13 AM
#3
Thread Starter
| TEAMSPEED.COM
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,509
May 9, 2012 | 12:32 PM
#5
Thread Starter
| TEAMSPEED.COM
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,509
As shocking as they are, it happens more frequently then one would believe. First, over the recession, many skilled installers went out of business. 2nd, a new wave of installers coming into the market (from detailers to window tinters) to sustain a pre-existing business. Unfortunately, this is a highly skilled craft and to master it takes 10+ years of daily work.
May 10, 2012 | 12:20 AM
#6
Teamspeed Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 241
From: Victoria Australia
As shocking as they are, it happens more frequently then one would believe. First, over the recession, many skilled installers went out of business. 2nd, a new wave of installers coming into the market (from detailers to window tinters) to sustain a pre-existing business. Unfortunately, this is a highly skilled craft and to master it takes 10+ years of daily work.
I would never let a clients car do looking sub standard to what I would like my own car like!.
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