Premier

Lately, we've seen quite a few complaints from consumers who had their clear bra installed from various installation outfits and the results were far from acceptable. The most common answer to our question of why they were chosen was because "they were certified". This concerns us as it seems that such accreditation can bring about a false sense of security for the consumer. Hopefully the following information would be helpful for this community in choosing the best installation possible.

With the advent of water-based paint systems, new vehicles' paint has never been softer. Paint protection film was first created for helicopter blades where sand storms are prevalent and indeed worked well to protecting aircrafts from wear and tear. It was then brought over to the automotive side some 14 years ago.

Paint protection film has undergone many revisions and into the newer generation of films come with greater clarity and strength. As a consumer, there are some things to keep in mind when searching for a product to be installed:

1. Most importantly, it is the installer that will determine the outcome. Certifications do not mean very much as this is a craft that takes many years to become efficient and many more after that to become a specialist. Paint protection film installation is a craft and the number of years in the business would be a great determinate of what the installer can do for you
2. Today, there are more similarities in paint protection film than differences. Be wary of installers boasting film A being better than film B as the only sell point. If this is all they have, then move on.
3. There are precut kits and custom installations. What's better?
a) precut molds are printed from a laser directed printer that would cut out the kit for the specific model. The benefit of this is that it takes much less time to install. Downside is that there would be more gaps and pieces for areas with complex curves such as the bumper
b) custom installation is where the craftsmen is tested. Not all custom applications are equal as is the rule for precut installations as well. We have seen custom applications where there are multiple pieces and very jagged cuts. The art of creating an excellent fitting mold from bulk material goes into the amount of time the installer has spent in the field working on custom applications. How is custom application better? Most importantly, the installer would have control on tucking the film wherever possible making the installation to much more seamless. One way to find out how their work looks is to look at it in person.
**** Ask to look at a black vehicle as it is the most difficult color to work on. However, if the installer is cofident and is experienced with this type of work, he will not hesitate to show you the final product on a black car.
**** Do not rely on pictures on the internet especially of lighter colored vehicles. First off, most pictures taken by installers are from 5-6 ft away and the cameras used are usually not SLR quality. Couple this with pictures of lighter colors, then it would look like there is nothing on the vehicle.

Hope this helps everyone!

Mr. Brown

Anyone have this product on their 997?
Mr. B

kw_1055

Yes, I do and many on this board. Many of us, including myself will tell you that Premier is the only one you should use.
I have been to many car shows and have seen some of the other installations. I will not have anyone else touch my car.
Premier tours the country sometimes, so check their schedule.

I am just a client and not related any other way but have passed on their info
to anyone who ask me about clear bar.

GR997S

I had them do mine two years ago when the car had 6 miles on it.....Still looks perfect and people still comment about the high quality....GR

Deanski

Yes and before it was driven from the dealership, I had the crew install my film.

Would never drive off a dealership lot without it. Porsche paint is super soft and having it done years ago to all my other cars, I can tell you first hand that the newer films have much better technology in that they have become more clear, no orange peel look, better protection and flexability for the installers to fit.

It's all personal preference. Some like having it, some hate the look.

Black cars are the hardest to really install film on and have it not visible. However, with new films and installers, it now takes a closer look to find the edge.

Bottom line, If I was in the area where Premier does their work, I'd stop in and have it done or have the car shipped to have it done. Yes, they are THAT good.

If you are in the area, go check them out! Look at a black finish with film. See how cleanly the install is done. Also, those that have film on now, learn how to clean and maintain it. Unhappy with your film install? Make an appointment to have it changed there.

I'm on the east coast and I did see one car that shipped north and had a Premier film application done. Flawless!

Regards,
Deanski

Paladin

Being in the Philly area I didn't see Premier as an option. But there is another "super" installer. I had protection film put on my beloved c2s about a year ago by Detailing Dynamics in Mineola, NY. Their custom installation expertise, attention to detail and philosophy of providing an unsurpassed product are real. I couldn't provide a stronger recommendation. Great guys that do great work.

I have no affiliation. I'm just a satisfied customer.

ceresma

Hi,
Do you have any visable seams??? around the headlights bumper wheel wells etc?
Thanks
Mark

Paladin

There are no seams. A seam would be where two distinct pieces of film are butted together. This is where custom application differs from pre-cut. There are places where the film transitions to unfilmed, bare areas of the car, generally behind the wheel areas. And there you can see that the film ends. But you've gotta be close to the car and looking for it to notice it.

As far as around the bumper or lights, they tuck the film in and around most areas wherever possible. That's part of what makes it a custom install.

Go to the sites of Premier or Detailing Dynamics and you can read about what you can expect from an install of this quality.

ceresma

I guess I was speaking about where the film ends not a seam between to sections of film? Do you have a close up picture of the headlights area? How long did it tale detailing dynamics to do the install (and if you can share the aproximate cost)
Thanks
Mark

Paladin

There's plenty of pics on the web sites previously mentioned but you really can't get a good look through pictures. You've got to see it in person. The film on my car is tucked under the hood, around the lights, around the bumper and so on. So no, you can not see the edges. And even around the wheels it's very tough to see any edges. You've got to be looking for them.

Price depends upon what coverage you get. I can't speak to current prices as mine was done about a year ago. I can say it ain't cheap. Mine was upwards of $1500.

Coochas

I've always been able to see the edge of the clear bra where it goes across the lower portion of my hood. Perhaps this is a problem with lighter colored cars? Perhaps it just wasn't applied properly in the first place.
My guess is that I won't get one on my next 911.

Deanski

Yes, Detailing Dynamics do an exceptional job here on the east coast and I strongly advise those looking for film to use them all the time. The work they do is just beautiful with skilled installers.

Film is always a personal preference. For those looking to protect the car, it's worth every penny. Others may not care about peppering of the nose and have the hood, bumper, headlights etc repainted or replaced.

Full film work is more labor intensive and this is where you'll weed out the good installers from the hacks. TO film a whole hood and headlight areas just takes talent and training. Done correctly, it's impossible to see.

Regards,
Deanski

Premier

Thanks Deanski. It is appreciated for your feedback as we read your informative posts on detailing / products here on this forum. Out of curiosity, the one you saw - would it happen to have been a black CGT? We had a customer sell one out of state not long ago.

Again, thank you for your positive comments on our work. That's what really keeps us going - positive feedback from highly regarded individuals like yourself.

Mr. Brown

Where is Detailing Dynamics located?
What about 3M film?
Mr. B

JHD

66 Windsor Avenue
Mineloa, NY 11501
516-747-4114

Paladin had the link in his post but here is another http://www.detailingdynamics.com/filmporsche.html

Cover from the door forward including entire hood