[Intimidator]

Has anyone purchased the optional 3M paint protection?
How does it compare with other protective films?

[chozn4service]

I prefer Xpel and this is my third Camaro, each had it.

[TLSTWIN]

I am interested in knowing this as well...

[Intimidator]

My reasoning is that there is not a "film" installer close to where I live, so I am limited on options.

[chozn4service]

Most window tint guys can do it. There is an online site and you can google 'Cleartastic' I believe it is, they sell pre-cut films precision laser cut for most cars but the Camaro is one. Order the kit that suits your needs and if you're not savvy enough to do it have a tint guy do it.


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[TLSTWIN]

Originally Posted by chozn4service

Most window tint guys can do it. There is an online site and you can google 'Cleartastic' I believe it is, they sell pre-cut films precision laser cut for most cars but the Camaro is one. Order the kit that suits your needs and if you're not savvy enough to do it have a tint guy do it.

Is there a difference in the coatings? quality, thickness, life? Or they all pretty much the same?

[chozn4service]

Xpel is the best! It's self healing and by that I mean, if something impacts it and creates a mar or indention, simply parking in the sun or blow dryer (heat) will make it smooth again, it doesn't yellow and in spite of its thickness it's almost impossible to see the lines. It's THE BEST!!
3M is okay and cost less but as we say, good shit ain't cheap and cheap shit ain't good!
I'd rather do it right than donut again.



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[mdmoore23]

I actually think Suntek has the best film. To me, it is totally invisible. My installer has switched to Suntek only and no longer uses Xpel. My installer doesn't even offer 3m. 3m isn't the same clarity as Xpel and Suntek from what I've seen. How close is the nearest installer? I wouldn't chance the factory stuff. I haven't heard of anyone seeing it firsthand.

[FringBirdAloha]

The 3M one yellows. Xpel Ultimate or nothing.

['68-'88-'01-'10-'17]

My understanding is that if you order the paint protection through GM it is not installed at the factory - it is dealer installed and they will likely charge you for doing it - you are ordering the kit so that it comes with the car, but it is not installed. That being said, my dealer said they were unable to add it to my order because the option was not available in the ordering system, so it was a moot point.

There are several different brands and if you read through the forums you will find people who prefer either Xpel, Suntek or 3M (some of the negative comments refer to their older products - their newest products are supposed to be competitive with the others), and they all have different products with different options - different thickness, self-healing, warranty periods, etc. In my limited experience, the experience and quality of the installer is almost more important than the film being installed.

I recently bought 2 different Camaros and had film put on both - the first was the ZL1 and we had the dealer do the installation - big mistake because they did not have the experience or skill to do a good job. They ended up leaving a lot of debris under the film (dirt, hair, bubbles, etc.) and the cut and placement was bad, with lots of jagged and/or overlapping edges. They ended up paying an outside shop to completely remove the film they installed and reinstall it. The second installer did a better job than the first, but there are still places that we think could have been done better.

When we bought the second Camaro, we went through a different dealer (we had a lot more issues with the first dealer than just the bad film), and they claimed to have a guy that did a great job, so we decided to give it another try - and we are happier with the results on the second one, but it is really difficult to get a perfect job.

The ZL1 was done with SunTek, and the 2LT was done with 3M - they are both self-healing and have 5-7 year warranties. These are the first cars we put the film on, so I don't have any indication yet as to which one will hold up better, and to my untrained eye they look the same - ask me again in a few years We probably won't have any of the discoloration issues some people complain about because our cars are in garages at home and at work - they don't spend much time in the sun.

I think the film is worth having, because all of my Camaros have ended up with lots of pits and chips across the front and we are hoping the film saves the paint on these two, but you have to find a decent installer and you might have to accept some flaws in the installation (the first dealer told me "it's paint protection, not paint perfection - it's not designed to look perfect", which ticked me off because that was just their excuse for a crappy job!).

Good luck!

[utsteve98]

Don't forget to do the ceramic coating, I've had that on my current M4 the last 3 years. Never waxed. Water still beads up and runs off. It does a better job of repelling dirt. And my paint still looks brand you with a glassy finish.

[Intimidator]

Our last tint shop (Zebart) just closed...getting a tint installer around Springfield is a sketchy endeavor.
At least if the dealer did it, I have control under warrenty.

I'm still a faithful Zaino user on all my cars!

[XPEL]

Originally Posted by Intimidator

Has anyone purchased the optional 3M paint protection?
How does it compare with other protective films?

First off, thanks for all the XPEL love.

Intimidator,
Thank you for expressing interest in paint protection film. Having quality patterns is ideal to ensure proper adhesion and fitment. We have seen a lot of the newer ZL1's and SS's coming in for full front wraps including full hood, fenders, front bumper, mirrors, and in some cases the headlights. If you have any questions about this, feel free to ask.

[Nitro66215]

My local tint place has used Xpel, 3M and LLumar. He has been back and forth for a few years and decided that LLumar (in his opinion) was the better product. I have LLumar on my 17 ZL1 and do not have any complaints. Personally, they all have similar qualities. It really depends on your preference, use, and availability in the area you live in.


Just my $0.02 worth.