Hello from MA

A

AndrewP

New member
Big question I have is should I have protective film installed on a new car or not so hope to find helpful posts on the subject her. Have had it on cars a few years ago, some of which were good and stayed glossy and one that faded badly and looked worse were there were small breaks from small stone impact than if there were no film. Will search for perspective. Really appreciate a well keep finish, but not obsessive.
 
AndrewP said:
Big question I have is should I have protective film installed on a new car or not so hope to find helpful posts on the subject her. Have had it on cars a few years ago, some of which were good and stayed glossy and one that faded badly and looked worse were there were small breaks from small stone impact than if there were no film. Will search for perspective. Really appreciate a well keep finish, but not obsessive.
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Welcome to AutopiaForums...

The biggest con's to me about paint films are that they:
  • Degrade, usually oxidize or discolor faster than paint
  • Cost
  • Limited effectiveness

One thing to remember is there is a wide difference of cost, both from the material standpoint and the install stand point...

While they degrade faster than the paint, the level of degradation seems to be dependent on the quality of the material. Even companies like 3M have upgraded their films over the years, to the point their film is more expensive than it used to be, but far longer lasting..

In terms of limited effectiveness, they are not an end all be all... However, they do offer substantial protection against abrasion, bird bombs and bug splatter. Large rocks can definitely make it through, but general road blasting is eliminated. However, imagine how much more damage their could have been without the film...

Paint films also require maintenance, just like paint. Leave a bird bomb on their too long, or acidic bug remains for too long, and they will stain. However, it is cheaper to replace a section of film then repaint. If they are washed, clayed as needed, and protected they will last a considerably long time.

Cost... The real final drawback is the cost of quality film and quality application (the latter cannot be over empathized.) Not only does better film last longer and tend to protect more, but it looks better, with less orange peel and distortion.

To me, if I was going to get a film installed, I would pony up for a high-quality film and I would only have installed by a top notch shop/person. Then, because of my investment, I would make sure to keep well maintained!
 
Just joined from Beaver Dam WI. I am anxious to learn all the secrets to keeping cars, boat, golf cart, mower and Gator looking good!
 
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