3M paint protection film...is it worth it?

[gnagel]

I've had my 2006 Prius for just over a week now. Of course, the body is in perfect condition still---and I am interested in keeping it that way for quite some time to come.

Anyway, I heard that the 3M paint protection film was effective in protecting the Prius from chips. It seems to me that the Prius is more susceptible than other cars to having knicks and chips on the hood because of the steep angle of the hood. So, I am considering having the 3M film professionally applied to my Prius.

3M's website has a search engine for locating a professional applicator. Fortunately, there is a professional (Plastic Surgeons) just 15 miles from my house. I called them earlier today to learn more about the product and to request pricing information.

I was told that I could choose from three options. The first one protects 15" of the hood; the second one protects 24" of the hood; and the third one protects the entire hood. Additionally, all three options cover the front bumper and the backs of the side mirrors. The cost of the kit and installation is $595, $695 and $795 respectively.

This seems like a very expensive treatment. If I knew that the treatment would be effective, I would consider doing it, but I am concerned about any long-term consequences of having this film on the paint. The installer mentioned that the work is guaranteed for 5 years. However, I intend to keep my Prius for much longer than that. My previous car was 18 years old!

I'm concerned that over enough time, the film will begin to peel at the edges or show some discoloration. I am also concerned that it will be difficult, if not impossible, to remove after several years. The installer told me that it becomes increasingly difficult to remove the longer that it remains in place. He said that the film will come off relatively easily, but that the adhesive can be very stubborn. And, what about discoloration of the paint below the film as compared with the paint that does not have film on it?

Of course, I am also concerned about how to best treat this material. The installer indicated that there is a special solution which keeps the film slick and clean and that it should be applied monthly. But, this sounds more complicated that simply washing and waxing the area just like the rest of the car.

Does anyone have any thoughts or experiences with this product over a long period of time? Is this a good investment?

[jbarnhart]

I would rely on the 3M website more than this installer. The film does not start to peel, it gets dull after years of abuse from road debris. It is designed to let your paint fade at the same rate under the clear bra, so discoloration of the paint should be a non-issue. It also is designed to be cared for exactly like you paint -- just wash it and wax it exactly like the paint. No "special formulas" every month.

Your only choices other than the clear bra are a "traditional" bra (black leatherette with fabric lining) or do nothing and repaint the front of the car if it becomes objectionable.

You can install it yourself and save money, but it isn't for the feint of heart. The bumper is a difficult install -- I did my own from a kit I bought on Ebay.

[Roger3125]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(gnagel @ Apr 19 2006, 04:01 PM) [snapback]242273[/snapback]</div>

I've had my 2006 Prius for just over a week now. Of course, the body is in perfect condition still---and I am interested in keeping it that way for quite some time to come.

Anyway, I heard that the 3M paint protection film was effective in protecting the Prius from chips. It seems to me that the Prius is more susceptible than other cars to having knicks and chips on the hood because of the steep angle of the hood. So, I am considering having the 3M film professionally applied to my Prius.

3M's website has a search engine for locating a professional applicator. Fortunately, there is a professional (Plastic Surgeons) just 15 miles from my house. I called them earlier today to learn more about the product and to request pricing information.

I was told that I could choose from three options. The first one protects 15" of the hood; the second one protects 24" of the hood; and the third one protects the entire hood. Additionally, all three options cover the front bumper and the backs of the side mirrors. The cost of the kit and installation is $595, $695 and $795 respectively.

This seems like a very expensive treatment. If I knew that the treatment would be effective, I would consider doing it, but I am concerned about any long-term consequences of having this film on the paint. The installer mentioned that the work is guaranteed for 5 years. However, I intend to keep my Prius for much longer than that. My previous car was 18 years old!

I'm concerned that over enough time, the film will begin to peel at the edges or show some discoloration. I am also concerned that it will be difficult, if not impossible, to remove after several years. The installer told me that it becomes increasingly difficult to remove the longer that it remains in place. He said that the film will come off relatively easily, but that the adhesive can be very stubborn. And, what about discoloration of the paint below the film as compared with the paint that does not have film on it?

Of course, I am also concerned about how to best treat this material. The installer indicated that there is a special solution which keeps the film slick and clean and that it should be applied monthly. But, this sounds more complicated that simply washing and waxing the area just like the rest of the car.

Does anyone have any thoughts or experiences with this product over a long period of time? Is this a good investment?
[/b]

In my opinion its a no brainer. I had lots of doubts until I had my hood done. Two weeks later I was back for more. Whether its 3M or another brand the stuff works great. And depending on you car color it is nearly invisible.

I paid $200 for the hood and $250 for the front bumper, headlights and mirror. Workmanship was excellent.



I'm concerned that over enough time, the film will begin to peel at the edges or show some discoloration. I am also concerned that it will be difficult, if not impossible, to remove after several years. The installer told me that it becomes increasingly difficult to remove the longer that it remains in place. He said that the film will come off relatively easily, but that the adhesive can be very stubborn. And, what about discoloration of the paint below the film as compared with the paint that does not have film on it?

Of course, I am also concerned about how to best treat this material. The installer indicated that there is a special solution which keeps the film slick and clean and that it should be applied monthly. But, this sounds more complicated that simply washing and waxing the area just like the rest of the car.

Does anyone have any thoughts or experiences with this product over a long period of time? Is this a good investment?
[/quote]

To address your othe issues. I was told and given it in writing that the ClearBra is guranteed for as long as I own the car. It is my understanding if I wax, Saino or seal the paint and the ClearBra it will oxidize at the same rate if at all. Yes it can be removed although bar no accidents there would no need to.

I hope this helps. My advice "Go for it" but you might want to consider getting more estimates

[Priuseely]

For anyone in the Orange County/Los Angeles area, I just had this done yesterday by Jeff at Pro-Armor Solutions Clear Bra 3M Paint Protection Film Orange County San Diego California

Price was about $500 installed and the workmanship was excellent. I only wish I had done this sooner on my '06, as it already had a small amount of damage.

[Pinan]

For what it's worth, I installed a hood protector myself that I purchased on ebay for $24 shipped: http://priuschat.com/forums/prius-mo...uccessful.html

[rochesteruser]

Originally Posted by gnagel

I've had my 2006 Prius for just over a week now. Of course, the body is in perfect condition still---and I am interested in keeping it that way for quite some time to come.

Anyway, I heard that the 3M paint protection film was effective in protecting the Prius from chips. It seems to me that the Prius is more susceptible than other cars to having knicks and chips on the hood because of the steep angle of the hood. So, I am considering having the 3M film professionally applied to my Prius.

3M's website has a search engine for locating a professional applicator. Fortunately, there is a professional (Plastic Surgeons) just 15 miles from my house. I called them earlier today to learn more about the product and to request pricing information.

I was told that I could choose from three options. The first one protects 15" of the hood; the second one protects 24" of the hood; and the third one protects the entire hood. Additionally, all three options cover the front bumper and the backs of the side mirrors. The cost of the kit and installation is $595, $695 and $795 respectively.

This seems like a very expensive treatment. If I knew that the treatment would be effective, I would consider doing it, but I am concerned about any long-term consequences of having this film on the paint. The installer mentioned that the work is guaranteed for 5 years. However, I intend to keep my Prius for much longer than that. My previous car was 18 years old!

I'm concerned that over enough time, the film will begin to peel at the edges or show some discoloration. I am also concerned that it will be difficult, if not impossible, to remove after several years. The installer told me that it becomes increasingly difficult to remove the longer that it remains in place. He said that the film will come off relatively easily, but that the adhesive can be very stubborn. And, what about discoloration of the paint below the film as compared with the paint that does not have film on it?

Of course, I am also concerned about how to best treat this material. The installer indicated that there is a special solution which keeps the film slick and clean and that it should be applied monthly. But, this sounds more complicated that simply washing and waxing the area just like the rest of the car.

Does anyone have any thoughts or experiences with this product over a long period of time? Is this a good investment?

I have 3M Paint Protection Film on all my cars. They are worth every penny and do not peel. fade or turn yellow. The best part is that you can't even see it or detect it once installed. Plus, my cars all look showroom new.

[paprius4030]

If anybody is interested I have an extra one that I got on ebay. It's not 3M but the same thing. It's the protector for just the hood. Never used, still in the tube. Fits 04-08 Prius. If anybody's interested send me a PM. I'd sell it for $35 includeds shipping in Cont. US.

[drive2much]

Definitely worth it!

I have one that goes about 2/3 up my hood. I can definitely see rock chips where I don't have the film. I had mine put on in 2005 when I purchased my Prius. I have not seen any discoloration or peeling. I don't know if it was 3M or not, but it was done by an auto body shop.

[richard schumacher]

You mean, does it work? Yes. Only you can decide whether it is worth it.

On my silver, the chips are inconspicuous, and of course the aluminum hood does not rust. I'll save my money and buy a new hood if it ever gets seriously dinged.

[exbauer]

I am in Chicago and I am having my installed. I picked up my car Monday and want to make sure to get it on there before I get any rock chips. The main reason I got it is because of the salt they throw on the roads during winter. I will let you know how it goes.