3M vs. Llumar paint protection film

[eak354]

Ok i have the 3M Invinca-shield still sitting in a corner. Then i find out about Llumar protective film over at the tinting place that installed my tint. They showed me both 3M and Llumar, the Llumar is clearer, much clearer when the paper is peeled back from adhesive. Also, it's thicker. And to top it off it comes with a lifetime warranty, as compared to the 5 year warranty of the 3M film.

Has anyone installed Llumar? any feedback? now i'm having second thoughts about the 3M.

their website : http://llumar.com/na-eng/Automotive/auto-paint.html

[seasalsa]

Eak354,
Looks like it is just another competitive product and is rather new to the market. Here are the comments of a pro on an internet thread on this subject. Guess it just comes down to using 3M’s proven product or take a chance on a new product.


“I took some of the new Llumar and hand cut a new hood and fender kit.

The first problem I encountered was it is impossible to distinguish the cap sheet from the backing sheet once you have cut the material free from the bulk sheet. Its also more difficult to remove these cover sheets. It would be nice if the cap sheet were tinted, which would also help plotters read the film for precuts.

Once you get the sheets to come off there is a lot of static cling on the side without adhesive and with wet hands, its hard to tell which side is stickiest. I actually had the film upside down when I first laid the hood piece and didn't know it. It looked absolutely perfect except when I would try and stretch the film to the end, the whole thing would slide across the hood. I tried for probably 20 minutes before I thought that maybe I had the wrong side down, flipped it over and it started sticking, and got the piece done in 10 minutes. At first I felt pretty "special" for not even knowing which side goes down, but then again, this film is incredibly clear and very forgiving. I bet I won't be the only one that throws this film on upside down.”

[Bill60546]

Had the 3M product applied about 2 weeks ago by Plastic Surgeons (630-669-7033); an aftermarket auto group here in suburban Chicago. I watched the entire process and the 3M material stretched perfectly. Since that time, the material is crystal clear and has adhered without wrinkles, bubbles or edge curls.
Since the functionality and purpose of this material provides such a wonderful benefit to the car, and subsequent resale value, it doesn't surprise me that a second manufacturer may have introduced a similar product. With the road salt, winter gravel that is spread for traction purposes, potholes and various road debris here in the Midwest coupled with the protruding front end design of the Prius, anything to protect the car is a good thing. Atleast it now appears that 3M has a competitor which may give everyone some negotiating points.
But what every you decide, put that stuff on!

[eak354]

yeah i'll definitely install my 3M, the thing that attracted me to the Llumar is the Lifetime Warranty. Well since i've already got the Invinca, i'll install it, and if it doesnt holdup after 5 years, then i'll replace it with Llumar, at least it will be tested by then. (then again, 3M also might have an upgraded product by then!)

[smoore]

I'm kicking around the idea of one of these sheets as well. I heard that they leave a lateral line across the hood (since they don't go all the way up to the windshield), which gets pretty visible as time goes on. Anybody seen this on prior applications? And, when the 5 years is up (using the 3M) how difficult is it to remove? One other -- does the paint fade quicker/slower under the plastic? Any answers will help decide this for me.

Thanks.

[Joel]

The Llumar stuff was a big hit at SEMA - many PPF installers say it is better but harder to cut. 3M is suppose to be updating their product to "keep up" with the advancements that Llumar are taking advantage of - the main difference is a completely smooth and crystal clear result as opposed to 3M's "orange peel" look.