Tweet
Sorry I didn't take enough pictures of the entire process. It was the first time using a DA and I wanted to focus on getting the job done right. I did the paint correction for the entire car about 2 months ago. Being fairly new, it was already in good shape except for some light scuffs, towel grit scratches from the dealer, and a few dull spots on the hood and roof.
I used a Harbor Freight DA, green CG hex-logic pad, and Meg's UC for the first phase.
I followed that up with Meg's UP and a blue pad.
After all the detailing was done I wanted to get some kind of paint protection at least for the front end of the car. I researched different coatings, 3M paint defender spray-on, paint protection films/clear bras. I wanted something tough and durable that would protect against rock chips so I decided on a clear bra. I requested quotes from some local shops, but their prices were way too expensive for me. One quote was $1099.99 (starting price) for partial hood, fender tips, and front bumper.
I found a site online called carprotectionpros.com that offers precut film kits for your specific vehicle. You can also choose the type of film you want, from 3M Scotchgard, VentureShield, Scotchgard Pro, Xpel, Suntek. If you're new to PPF like me, I recommend NOT going with 3M Scotchgard Original series if you're going to DIY. The first order I made was for a 3M Scotchgard bumper kit. After installing it, I wasn't happy seeing all the mistakes I made. Way too many lift lines and creases from repositioning, scratches from improper squeegee technique, and marring in some areas from trying to force out fluid bubbles. I realized later that I didn't have to worry about small liquid bubbles under the film. They slowly migrate out and evaporate, so don't try to force them out if the film is already tacked.
Anyway, I wasn't happy with that first attempt so I peeled off the kit and felt awful throwing away $169. It was a learning experience though, and I didn't want to accept defeat. So not long after that, I ordered a Deluxe kit, which included partial hood, fender tips, upper/lower front bumper, mirror backs and the guys even included door handle cups and door edge guards. Whole kit minus $15 coupon was around $290. This time though, I chose the 3M Scotchgard PRO series film and I'm glad I did. It's a lot more forgiving, easier to manipulate and mold to curves and edges, and the best thing about it is the self healing clear coat. It's very optically clear once fully cured, and you only see the edge lines when you're behind the film or at extreme angles. Looking straight on from about 5 ft away it's pretty much invisible.
I used a Harbor Freight DA, green CG hex-logic pad, and Meg's UC for the first phase.
I followed that up with Meg's UP and a blue pad.
After all the detailing was done I wanted to get some kind of paint protection at least for the front end of the car. I researched different coatings, 3M paint defender spray-on, paint protection films/clear bras. I wanted something tough and durable that would protect against rock chips so I decided on a clear bra. I requested quotes from some local shops, but their prices were way too expensive for me. One quote was $1099.99 (starting price) for partial hood, fender tips, and front bumper.
I found a site online called carprotectionpros.com that offers precut film kits for your specific vehicle. You can also choose the type of film you want, from 3M Scotchgard, VentureShield, Scotchgard Pro, Xpel, Suntek. If you're new to PPF like me, I recommend NOT going with 3M Scotchgard Original series if you're going to DIY. The first order I made was for a 3M Scotchgard bumper kit. After installing it, I wasn't happy seeing all the mistakes I made. Way too many lift lines and creases from repositioning, scratches from improper squeegee technique, and marring in some areas from trying to force out fluid bubbles. I realized later that I didn't have to worry about small liquid bubbles under the film. They slowly migrate out and evaporate, so don't try to force them out if the film is already tacked.
Anyway, I wasn't happy with that first attempt so I peeled off the kit and felt awful throwing away $169. It was a learning experience though, and I didn't want to accept defeat. So not long after that, I ordered a Deluxe kit, which included partial hood, fender tips, upper/lower front bumper, mirror backs and the guys even included door handle cups and door edge guards. Whole kit minus $15 coupon was around $290. This time though, I chose the 3M Scotchgard PRO series film and I'm glad I did. It's a lot more forgiving, easier to manipulate and mold to curves and edges, and the best thing about it is the self healing clear coat. It's very optically clear once fully cured, and you only see the edge lines when you're behind the film or at extreme angles. Looking straight on from about 5 ft away it's pretty much invisible.
Comment