Opinions on 3M paint protection

[leftwing]

I am just wondering what peoples thoughts are on getting 3M paint protection done on their new vehicles? Specifically, just getting the front half of the hood, fenders, the whole bumper and mirror caps.

Those that have done it, would you do it again?
Those that didn't - you regret it?

[lilmira]

Not 3M specific but ppf in general, yes, everytime and whole hood so that you don't have the line, or the whole front.

[03ozwhip]

I have my whole front end done on the bimmer past the fenders, my truck doesn't have any. guess which one still looks brand new? it's well worth doing.

however, going that far like mine is pretty fucking expensive.

[eglove]

Do the whole hood, don't do the 1/4 or 1/3 hood

[relyt92]

Do it for sure, and as they said definitely do the whole hood even if it's more. It'll be worth it no questions.

[Squishy]

Yes have it installed. Ask for 24" cut on your hood, fenders and mirrors if you don't do full hood and do your front bumper, a pillars, front roof strip and the top of your rear bumper. You'll thank me later. Also depending on vehicle, the rear door pieces if it's a high impact area for debris.

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

I would never buy a brand new car again without having the entire car covered in it or wrapped in another color personally.

[BokCh0y]

Worht doing for sure. My only regret? Only doing 1/4 or 1/2 the hood and not the whole thing.

I always do the hood, bumper, fenders, mirror caps, fog lights, and head lights. For me, basically the front end.

I have 3m on my sons IS, it's been there for 15 years. When I took the 3m off after 15 years because it really started to yellow and has taken a beating over these years, the hood was still perfect....where the 3m was.

[cyra1ax]

Originally posted by Twin_Cam_Turbo
I would never buy a brand new car again without having the entire car covered in it or wrapped in another color personally.

I'm with you on this...I had the full front, mirrors, rocker panels/side sills, roof strip & A pillars, rear fenders and a tiny bit on the top of the rear bumper to protect from any scratches from loading the trunk, and I still wish I did more. It's alot easier than having to deal with or worry about scratches, and so much easier to clean as well.

To answer the OP: Don't get the half hood, get the full hood. I park at Brentwood and there's a ton of vehicles with the half hood, most of them either have a significant distinct line on the hood or they've had debris get under the edge which has led to the PPF lifting off.

Also, make sure to get the edges wrapped too in order to reduce the chances of having debris get under the film.

[Xtrema]

Full hood/front if you think you are keep it for a long time.

1/3 hood/full front if you don't.

I won't skip 3M in Calgary unless it's a beater.

[acedia]

Does 3M ever permanently bond to the hood and cause problems? Is the film easily removable after 15 years?

[mzdspd]

Depends on how long you want to keep the car.. Keep in mind that ppf needs to be replaced every 5 years or else it gets chipped like paint does (especially on the front bumper).
I personally don't bother because it is so expensive and I don't keep vehicles long enough to justify it.

[mzdspd]

Originally posted by acedia
Does 3M ever permanently bond to the hood and cause problems? Is the film easily removable after 15 years?

It won't permanently bond but I have heard so many horror stories that I would not attempt it on a 15 year old vehicle. Be prepared for potential repaint or take it to a professional.

[BokCh0y]

Originally posted by acedia
Does 3M ever permanently bond to the hood and cause problems? Is the film easily removable after 15 years?

It didn't bond. But it was like millimeter by millimeter for removal...

In terms of the need for repaint - it was still in amazing condition, looked new. I had the 3m re-done at the auto protectors last week.

[SkiBum5.0]

I think I mentioned this in other threads, but if it's a truck, do the leading edge of the bed.