Well, let me just say that the clear mask 3M film is a capital B to put on. I got the front bumper kit for the new CRV and I could not get it on. Called the manufacturer and he sent out another one. Still wouldn't fit. They said your suppose to stretch it, but when you do, it misaligns with everything else, so as you go do the rest of car, your left with a lot of wrinkles. It's funny, the lens cover went on perfectly. All the edges matched and was easy to put on. The bumper, forget it. That video the send with it is a bunch of junk. The use a Ferrari as an example and of course, it's all flat lines, not a lot of curves. I'm out 114 bucks, but at least I got the lens cover. Unless your an expert, take my advice and don't try this at home and save your money. It will be cheaper to go and have your bumper painted.
paint protection film
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JHZR2
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Pros seem to be able to get this on any vehicle... I am sure there is a learning curve.
Doing the headlight film on the wife's VW, we had a few issues, mainly related to the stretching and heating on the light, causing a bit of overhang over a few edges...
Doing the headlight film on the wife's VW, we had a few issues, mainly related to the stretching and heating on the light, causing a bit of overhang over a few edges...
Most things I DIY. This is one of them I don't. I tried a DIY tint kit once, and it was a disaster. I would leave this to the pros. Even the light kits get tricky if there are a lot of curves.
Originally Posted By: kkreit01
Most things I DIY. This is one of them I don't. I tried a DIY tint kit once, and it was a disaster. I would leave this to the pros. Even the light kits get tricky if there are a lot of curves.
Ditto on the pros. My first vehicle to have this done had a few air bubbles. The installer thought with time and sun they would smooth out - they didn't. Took it back for replacement (installer's instructions), and took my magazine to the lounge to wait. Two hours later I went the shop to see how long it was going to be, and he was red faced and cussing - said he was on his 3rd or 4th sheet - which he finally got done beautifully.
I would never try this myself.
Most things I DIY. This is one of them I don't. I tried a DIY tint kit once, and it was a disaster. I would leave this to the pros. Even the light kits get tricky if there are a lot of curves.
Ditto on the pros. My first vehicle to have this done had a few air bubbles. The installer thought with time and sun they would smooth out - they didn't. Took it back for replacement (installer's instructions), and took my magazine to the lounge to wait. Two hours later I went the shop to see how long it was going to be, and he was red faced and cussing - said he was on his 3rd or 4th sheet - which he finally got done beautifully.
I would never try this myself.
I HEAR YOU!!! Wish I would have done that instead. Could have saved myself 114 bucks. At least I got two good lens covers out of the deal and I did manage to save a small strip and put it on the hood and looks good. Just worry when it's bug time o' year, just what the #ell am I going to do to keep the bugs off that thing. I've read about Bounce fabric sheets, WD-40, etc. etc. This car will see about 95% highway miles, which means lot's of bugs and paint chips from the road debris and those 18 wheelers who don't give a rats arshe about your car.
Sorry to hear Schmoe. I was thinking about doing it myself as well, but this is definitely a job for the pros. There's a reason why they charge $700 to do a pre-cut kit: it ain't easy.
Yeah, I got caught up in the DIY hype. Watched the videos, studied and read everything I could, got my confidence up. I was being quoted around 4-500 for just the bumper, you can buy the material for 114 bucks. Thought I was saving some cash, but Holy Cow, this stuff is dang near impossible to apply. If you got a really flat surface, like a hood, no problem. When you get around curves...PROBLEMS. Of course now I look back and re-evaluated what I did and think I can do it myself now....yeah, NOW after I threw it away, but the same problems would still be there. Oh well....I figure if I could help some brethren here to save money and advise NOT to DIY, it was worth it. I'll take this one for the team...but seriously, if you've never done this before, don't. It's that difficult.
Well, with that out of the way, I'm moving to the next step. Ya'll give me some advice for keeping that bumper clean. What really works. So far I've read: Rejex, Bounce fabric softner sheets, WD-40, Pam. What do I need to do? Or screw it.....keep it clean and waxed as I would any of my vehicles...if it get's that bad, just have it re-shot.
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I agree with the last thought in your post since that is what I do.
Just keep it sealed and waxed during the bug months. They come off with little scrubbing. Buy a bug scrub sponge.
My tranny is still holding up fine - no leaks, no bad shifts, etc.
Get the bugs off the trouble areas as quickly as possible, w/in reason of course. Rock chips can be repaired as they happen with touchup paint.
Get the bugs off the trouble areas as quickly as possible, w/in reason of course. Rock chips can be repaired as they happen with touchup paint.
Doing the clear shield paint protection film is an art, just like professional window tinting.
We do a lot of it at my store, my clear shield and tint guy has 15 years of experience doing this and makes this look easy. Sometimes he even makes a goof requireing him to start over.
We do a lot of it at my store, my clear shield and tint guy has 15 years of experience doing this and makes this look easy. Sometimes he even makes a goof requireing him to start over.
I know I'm chiming in a little late on this thread, however I have a 2010 CR-V and had the 3M PPF installed on my hood and bumper. The certified 3M installer shop did an excellent job on my V. He has been doing it for about 8 years. I watched him and it is like an art....came out perfect
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