paint protection film - good idea?

[martinvantage]

Based in Hertfordshire and have been thinking about this for a while. Once bitten with the cost of stone chip repairs, twice shy. I am wondering if anyone has experience of using this stuff. Any recommendations for local fitters / views on best products / cost would be really helpful.
Thanks all.

[bogie]

many people are split on having it or not

some like to stay stonechip free

others dont like the appearance of the film (although I do think maybe theyve seen some particulary poor film or installation)

it really needs to be put on a freshly resprayed, unmarked and blemish free paint ...and put on properly...you dont want to put it on top of chips, nor on top of swirl marked paint...even a new car may need paint correction detailing first..

do it properly and its near invisible, the good quality stuff wont yellow with age

then look after it - dont use abrasive polish on it, or the film itself can go milky over the years with tiny scratches, and dont use wax that leaves white powdery residue around the edges otherwise you will really see it

I had it for many years on a couple of cars and they always looked like new, I would have it again if I had the car resprayed - these water based paints seem soft, and my car is black, and peppered at the front and the rear arches


I had mine done at the bodyshop that did the work on my previous cars - Sinclaire Motorsport in Romford, Essex ...im sure others will have recommendations for someone in your area

[alevine]

I have it on my car and it is wonderful! Half of my hood, the entire front end and mirrors are covered. You could barely tell it is there and my car looks amazing. I would do it again in a heartbeat.

I have pics of the front of my car where it is installed but I cannot figure out how to upload pictures. If you post the same question on www.6speedonline.com I will be happy to respond and upload some pictures for you.

Adam

[foxsy wattsy]

check out www.supercarhub.com sponsored by paintshield poss the most experienced in the biz and if you book through the site, they have free collection/delivery within 200miles of site. hope helps (info on the 'news' page)

Edited by foxsy wattsy on Friday 22 January 13:49

[martinvantage]

Thanks, I'll check it out and post any feedback for others.

[clorenzen]

I saw an onyx black V12 Vantage at Bramleys with paint protection and it look lackluster. Would not do it.

[Murph7355]

If they did film wide enough to fit the Vantage in one piece I'd consider it. But as they don't...

A well polished car will always look better IMO, but if your car gets used everday, film's probably a good option.

I just don't like the joins/edges with partial panels.

[Terminator]

Having had plenty of stonechips on previous cars, I had the entire front (bonnet, wings, headlamps and valance), plus the rear arches, of my V8 Roadster, covered with Ventureshield.

This was done pre-delivery at Grange Welwyn when the car was new. The finish is slightly affected but I've I had to point out the fact that the car has been 'done' to many people.

I'll have my next car treated the same, too