clear bra myths
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Joined: Jul 2002
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From: MA, USA
Originally posted by mikeinatlanta
Xpel clearbra.com is a company that designs and manufactures paint protection film kits. They use both 3M and avery films. They offer a kit that is designed to provide the most protection at an afordable cost. Their kits are very well designed given the limitations they have placed on design (24" wide material and no edge wrapping). Thier kits tend to be the ones installed at car dealers and on lower priced cars.
Stongard stongard.com is a slightly higher end kit that offers a little more protection at a higher cost. they use 3M film only (except headlights). Their kits tend to look better than Xpel but are harder to install. A do it yourself install would be better with Xpel.
DynaShield (websit not up yet) full wrap kits are a premium, no compromize kit. they are designed for only the most high-end and enthusiest cars only. They offer the most protection 3m material can provide. They are best siuted for those who want only the best and are willing to pay for it. Their are currently only three CERTIFIED installers in the country, but any retailer can procure them and do the install. Certification only means they have actually demonstrated proficiency and have a reputation for customer service.
Their are others making kits. they tend to fall between Xpel and StonGard in coverage. Quality varies greatly. Many are just relabled Xpel kits.
Xpel clearbra.com is a company that designs and manufactures paint protection film kits. They use both 3M and avery films. They offer a kit that is designed to provide the most protection at an afordable cost. Their kits are very well designed given the limitations they have placed on design (24" wide material and no edge wrapping). Thier kits tend to be the ones installed at car dealers and on lower priced cars.
Stongard stongard.com is a slightly higher end kit that offers a little more protection at a higher cost. they use 3M film only (except headlights). Their kits tend to look better than Xpel but are harder to install. A do it yourself install would be better with Xpel.
DynaShield (websit not up yet) full wrap kits are a premium, no compromize kit. they are designed for only the most high-end and enthusiest cars only. They offer the most protection 3m material can provide. They are best siuted for those who want only the best and are willing to pay for it. Their are currently only three CERTIFIED installers in the country, but any retailer can procure them and do the install. Certification only means they have actually demonstrated proficiency and have a reputation for customer service.
Their are others making kits. they tend to fall between Xpel and StonGard in coverage. Quality varies greatly. Many are just relabled Xpel kits.
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From: atlanta
Originally posted by mwaller
Mike-
You said NEVER use Vinyl. Well, Stongard uses vinyl on the headlights. What do think of that? Problem, or is it fine? What other options are available for headlights?
Thanks,
Mika
Mike-
You said NEVER use Vinyl. Well, Stongard uses vinyl on the headlights. What do think of that? Problem, or is it fine? What other options are available for headlights?
Thanks,
Mika
Here goes:
Vinyl, PVC (polyvinylchloride) and several other common plastics share essentially the same chemical makeup with one notable exception, plasticisers. These are the chemicals that make your shower curtain more pliable than pvc pipe. The problem is that these plastisisers evaporate over time. This is where that Vinyl smell comes from. All Vinyls will become hard and brittle. For example: A shower curtain will loose about half of its weight in about two years. Have you ever noticed how much heavier the new one is? The same thing is happening to your paint (or headlight) protection. The protection on your car is literally evaporating away as time goes by. As it evaporates, it is getting hard and less able to protect. Urethanes on the other hand, have proven to remain pliable for ten plus years in severe use. They will too eventually become brittle, but not in the very short time of vinyl.
In summary:
In the world of paint protection, Vinyl is bottom feeding. Research and find out what you are buying. As far as I know, DynaShield IS CURRENTLY THE ONLY MANUFACTURER USING GENUINE 3M PAINT PROTECTION FILM TO MANUFACTURE HEADLIGHT PROTECTION. Available in 9, 15, and 30 mil thickness.
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From: atlanta
Originally posted by bsantini
Mike, another question
How easy is it to remove the film down the road (to replace it, ect.) and will removing it damage the paint. Thanx!
Mike, another question
How easy is it to remove the film down the road (to replace it, ect.) and will removing it damage the paint. Thanx!
Mike,
you mentioned CGM in Detroit does Dynoshield I live in Detroit and have yet to find anyone who does this. Can you give me more information on this place so i can look them up .. thanks
you mentioned CGM in Detroit does Dynoshield I live in Detroit and have yet to find anyone who does this. Can you give me more information on this place so i can look them up .. thanks
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From: Kirkland,WA
Thanks for the pic, Mike. Very informative.
Just curious... how crucial is it to cover the hood and fenders? Aren't most of the rock chips going to occur in on the front cowling area? Personally, I'd rather just get the front panel done, especially if it affords, say, 80% protection as compared to the entire kit (with fender and hood prtection) Is this a bad idea?
Mika
Just curious... how crucial is it to cover the hood and fenders? Aren't most of the rock chips going to occur in on the front cowling area? Personally, I'd rather just get the front panel done, especially if it affords, say, 80% protection as compared to the entire kit (with fender and hood prtection) Is this a bad idea?
Mika
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From: Carolina
Mike,
Thanks for the great info, but your last statement is a bit misleading. The widest available Scotchcal film available from 3M is 24". This dimensional limitation does not apply to Stongard alone. Xpel, Invincishield and Amourfend are all limited to 24" as well.
Dean
Thanks for the great info, but your last statement is a bit misleading. The widest available Scotchcal film available from 3M is 24". This dimensional limitation does not apply to Stongard alone. Xpel, Invincishield and Amourfend are all limited to 24" as well.
Dean
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From: Atlanta
Originally posted by Dean
Mike,
Thanks for the great info, but your last statement is a bit misleading. The widest available Scotchcal film available from 3M is 24". This dimensional limitation does not apply to Stongard alone. Xpel, Invincishield and Amourfend are all limited to 24" as well.
Dean
Mike,
Thanks for the great info, but your last statement is a bit misleading. The widest available Scotchcal film available from 3M is 24". This dimensional limitation does not apply to Stongard alone. Xpel, Invincishield and Amourfend are all limited to 24" as well.
Dean
Hey Mike, If that's a 24 inch ruler at the bottom, you can sell millions of these rulers to the male population!
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From: Carolina
Seeing is believing, Mike. 
According to 3M's corporate web site, the widest available roll is 24". Of course, the paint film gurus like you may have access to the "unobtainable."
http://products.mmm.com/us/auto_mari...gvPKD7VS0CHGgl
Another "confimatory" link:
http://multimedia.mmm.com/mws/mediaw...SSSTFabV6666q-
Again, my point is that you implied that Stongard is limited to the 24" wide film. Show me a stock X-pel template that's greater than 24" wide and I'll gladly shut up.
Dean
According to 3M's corporate web site, the widest available roll is 24". Of course, the paint film gurus like you may have access to the "unobtainable."
http://products.mmm.com/us/auto_mari...gvPKD7VS0CHGgl
Another "confimatory" link:
http://multimedia.mmm.com/mws/mediaw...SSSTFabV6666q-
Again, my point is that you implied that Stongard is limited to the 24" wide film. Show me a stock X-pel template that's greater than 24" wide and I'll gladly shut up.
Dean
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From: atlanta
Originally posted by Travic
Mike,
you mentioned CGM in Detroit does Dynoshield I live in Detroit and have yet to find anyone who does this. Can you give me more information on this place so i can look them up .. thanks
Mike,
you mentioned CGM in Detroit does Dynoshield I live in Detroit and have yet to find anyone who does this. Can you give me more information on this place so i can look them up .. thanks
BOB REID
onecarguy@aol.com
8921 crown
Livonia, MI. 48150
734-425-1015
Tell Bob I said hi and "you da man!"
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From: atlanta
Originally posted by mwaller
Thanks for the pic, Mike. Very informative.
Just curious... how crucial is it to cover the hood and fenders? Aren't most of the rock chips going to occur in on the front cowling area? Personally, I'd rather just get the front panel done, especially if it affords, say, 80% protection as compared to the entire kit (with fender and hood prtection) Is this a bad idea?
Mika
Thanks for the pic, Mike. Very informative.
Just curious... how crucial is it to cover the hood and fenders? Aren't most of the rock chips going to occur in on the front cowling area? Personally, I'd rather just get the front panel done, especially if it affords, say, 80% protection as compared to the entire kit (with fender and hood prtection) Is this a bad idea?
Mika
The hood is less likely to chip due to less exposure. The hood is more likely to chip due to being harder.
This argument can go back and forth forever. In the end, what the customer wants is right. IMO the more you cover the better
