I've been thinking of installing some of the clear films on the hood of a few of my cars (matrix + impreza). I know that 3m makes these films (sold under various names such as stoneguard and xpel). Unfortunally only one store in my area carries the 3m film (or is willing to sell it and not install it) wants to charge an arm and a leg for it (about 3 times what other brand films cost).
My question is that, many other companies carry films by companies such as solar-guard and lumar shield, etc..... I know these companies are "famous" for window tint films but are the quality of these "clear bra" films as good as the 3m stuff? Also, do these companies really make a special film designed for paint/headlight use or are all these tint shops just trying to make some quick cash by selling me some clear window tinting film?
btw.. I'm looking at the 8 mil stuff and i'm going to first do the hidden areas to see how easy it is to work with the stuff. I rather do the installation myself since i've heard one too many stories of shops installing the film (not using precut kits) and cutting the film on the hood of the car breaking through to the painted surface.......... and thus requiring a re-paint of the car :sosad
My question is that, many other companies carry films by companies such as solar-guard and lumar shield, etc..... I know these companies are "famous" for window tint films but are the quality of these "clear bra" films as good as the 3m stuff? Also, do these companies really make a special film designed for paint/headlight use or are all these tint shops just trying to make some quick cash by selling me some clear window tinting film?
btw.. I'm looking at the 8 mil stuff and i'm going to first do the hidden areas to see how easy it is to work with the stuff. I rather do the installation myself since i've heard one too many stories of shops installing the film (not using precut kits) and cutting the film on the hood of the car breaking through to the painted surface.......... and thus requiring a re-paint of the car :sosad