Invisible Bra

Does anyone have experience with either the 3M paint protection film (2 yr. warranty against yellowing) or the Venture Tape(lifetime warranty)? Venture claims the piant under its film will fade the same as the surrounding paintwork. True or false?

 

Talk to Skip on FChat.....he can give you some insight

(703) 944-7076
[email protected]
www.pftfilms.com

Antony

 

I'm new to FChat. How do I get in touch with Skip on FChat? Thx Gary

 

After reading the thread on Spitzer, I expected something completley different in this thread.

 

i have a few cars with the 3m & no problems with anything. just had my lexus nose repainted & they put a new spray on clear bra. it's recent, but so far i like it better than the film.

 

today's paint protection film technology is much improved from even 2 yrs ago. Venture is now owned by 3M. Both films will do its job in protecting your paint while Venture's film is more transparent with 3M exhibiting more orange peel. What it comes down to is the installer. Here is a link to an example of what we see on a day to day basis - http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=185631

Do keep in mind that the "cheaper" installers are usually newer to the industry and to gain work experience, they would try to entice through walmart type pricing.

 

All I've heard about the spray on bra is that if for any reason it needs to be removed ie:discoloration and or faulty application. The sprayed on protection needs to be sanded off. Paint and all. The wrap can be removed without damaging the paint finish. If you have the right installer.

 

I've got the 3M product on my 355 and overall I'm satisfied with it but like others have said, "It's all about the installer."

 

that is correct, it is a permanent application. Paint protection film is a clear thermal urethane that can be removed if it is ever damaged with no effect on OEM paint.

 

Which film would you use on a daily driver?

 

I would use either Avery topcoat or 3M.

Christopher

 

In 2004 I bought a new MINI Cooper S and tried the 3M clear bra from the factory approved BMW/MINI catalog and my experienced installer showed me how bad the stuff was.It would not stretch,conform or "lay down" properly.We tried it again thinking we got a bad batch to no avail.We then tried a product called Cartol and it worked great.In 2005 I bought a new Mustang GT and again chose the Cartel clear bra and used my same installer and It still looks good today.Maybe they have improved 3M by now.Their products are usually top drawer.I think I was charged about $650.00 for part and labor for the Mustang.

 

Thx to all for your comments I decided on using a local installer and he used 3M around wheel well lips and door sills. However I decided not to apply to the bumper (too many curves) and hood ( saw it on a Lexus 600L sedan and did not like seeing the bra edge on the front end of the hood. I'll just have to be more conscious to vehicles around me as I don't drive my F355 daily.

 

You should definitely do the hood as your car is one of the few that can be done in one piece and wrapped under even with the 3M film which is 48" wide. We've installed film for the last 8 years and I can definitely tell you with a reasonable amount of certainty that you will get a rock hitting your hood if you drive your car any reasonable amount. Well that's just my 2 cents. Good luck with your car!

Matt

 

the most important areas to cover are:

1. wheel opening (all 4 of course)
2. headlamps are made out of soft plastic nowadays, so they chip up quite a bit over time
3. hood
4. front bumper (naturally)
5. apillars
6. front fenders

 

Don'f forget the side mirrors.

 

Yes, the side mirrors are important as well as the Apillars get some chipping as well.

 

I am using the 3M scotchguard clear film, works fine, but you can see the lines which i don't like.