Does this stuff work and does it stay put? I need something to protect my new paint. Anyone using the 3M system for the front bumber and bottom of hood?

 

I had a similar protectant applied to the front bumper, bottom 1/3 of the hood, behind each of the 4 wheel wells, and on the lower rockers below the doors. I was planning on doing a write-up and post some pics (if I can find a digital camera to use) in the next week or so, but since you're asking, here goes:

The product I had installed is called ArmorGlove. It is manufactured by AF America, a company in southern Connecticut and sold to a number of installers/body shops/new car dealers/etc all over the country. The website is: http://www.armourfendamerica.com/index.html

The stuff is incredible! I can't say enough good things. There are basically 2 companies that produce the raw materials for this type of product: Dupont and 3M. ArmorGlove uses Dupont, ClearStatic uses 3M. IMHO, avoid the 3M products at all costs. I have no affiliation to ArmorGlove or Dupont. In deciding which to go with, I viewed countless cars with both products, and the 3M product had yellowed on every car I saw even after 12-24 months (although one was even slightly yellow that was only 7 months old). None of the Dupont cars had any yellowing, and some had it on for 4-5 years.

IMHO ArmorGlove is absolutely worth every penny, even though its a little pricy. The cost will be in the $900-1000 range, depending on labor costs. The product is great, but it will only look as good as the talent of the installer who applies it. I had mine installed by AF America itself. They do great work, and the owner (a former driver for Porshe racing) is a great guy to deal with. My advice: Find a reputable installer, get references, and see as many cars as possible that have had that installer do the work, before making your appointment to have him apply it. With an excellent installer, the product looks amazing on the car. It is completely invisible. Even putting your face 1-2 feet from the car, all you can see is a faint line at the edges of the product (the edges are even invisible at 5-10 feet away). You wash/wax/polish the protectant on the car just as you would the rest of the car, and let me tell you, it shines just as great and looks awesome.

If any one has any questions or would like more info, feel free to PM me. And sorry for the long post, but I've just been so impressed with this that I had to share.

 

I have always heard mixed reviews about the stuff.

Many people say that it works, but some people have mentioned yellowing (like mentioned above). I would rather have some paint chips then discoloration....

so far I have come to the conclusion that one day I will need to repaint her....

 

The cleartastic appears to be a good product. Did the areas around the wheels etc... Patience and time to do it is a key factor...... great stuff but tedious to get it right...........

 

I've had it for a long time. Not real easy to get on right w/o bubbles, especially where the pieces overlap. After some time, dirt and air gets underneath where pieces over lap, you have to clean it. It's not bad for a year or two, then it really doesn't look so hot on the car. It just depends on if you want to put up with the look or risk rock chips.

 

Ah yes, the nightmare of repainting.
Being a paint-aholic I can definitely testify that
if you do have to repaint anything on the front of your
car, you will definitely need some rock/chip protection
thereafter. ALL, repeat ALL, aftermarket paint jobs do not
adhere like the factory paint. ALL, repeat ALL, chip so much
easier.

One question on the clear coating that always bugged me - when they install it, do they take an Exacto knife to trim it after it's mounted?
Any chance of cutting the paint surface?

DG

 

No, the pieces are already cut to fit. You won't need a knife at all.

 

Cleartastic is a temporary vinyl color-forms type product- Not for permanent installation. 3M, Venture Tape, Armor Glove are permanent- CLear-Bra type products. Have it professionally installed unless you are very adept. I use 3M and have no problems, it is clear coated and is worth every penny.

 

 

Talk to Ernie(04 Commemorative Vert @ Scramblers) he did 3M on his car had likes it a lot.

 

Cleartastic will yellow over time, but the advantage in my mind is you simply remove it and replace it with new stuff. For the price, I don't mind throwing on a new set every year if necessary. A lot of dings I have gotten this year was due to not using it.