Paint Protection Film
12-31-2018, 01:01 PM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Paint Protection Film
Any one recently had wrapping done?
Sounds like a good investment to protect the paint from rock chips, scratches, etc..
However, it is very pricey so wondering if anyone has any first hand experience.
Pros and cons ....
Thanks
Sounds like a good investment to protect the paint from rock chips, scratches, etc..
However, it is very pricey so wondering if anyone has any first hand experience.
Pros and cons ....
Thanks
12-31-2018, 05:58 PM
#2
MBWorld Fanatic!
It's very common in the Middle East - where they even use wrapping to "change" to matte - or "super shiny" colors that are now available in premium films.
Overall - with properly installed Premium Paint Protection film they only downside is your added cost - for a "hand cut" installation of a premium paint protection film like oft mentioned XPel (and there quite a few others) - a "hand cut" job done by a experienced team gets you the most wrinkle/bubble free install...
In my area - a normal job is the front nose (not including Bull Var) covering 25%/30% back on the front hood and front fenders - mirror covers - and "slices" behind front/rear fender will in the event you lick up some road gravel.
I have heard of - but not seen - paint protection film used for the spare tire carrier - to protect and/or color any stainless there ..
Keep the beat !
Overall - with properly installed Premium Paint Protection film they only downside is your added cost - for a "hand cut" installation of a premium paint protection film like oft mentioned XPel (and there quite a few others) - a "hand cut" job done by a experienced team gets you the most wrinkle/bubble free install...
In my area - a normal job is the front nose (not including Bull Var) covering 25%/30% back on the front hood and front fenders - mirror covers - and "slices" behind front/rear fender will in the event you lick up some road gravel.
I have heard of - but not seen - paint protection film used for the spare tire carrier - to protect and/or color any stainless there ..
Keep the beat !
12-31-2018, 06:44 PM
#3
Member
Wrap
I have my 2019 G 550 wrapped in a clear wrap. I also have my Audi R8 wrapped clear to protect the paint. I had both of them ceramic coated over top of the wraps for easy cleaning. They work very well. I also wrapped my S63 in a satin gray and it turned out beautiful. I don’t know if you can see my pictures in my album on this site but they are all on there besides the Audi.
12-31-2018, 06:50 PM
#4
Newbie
Had mine wrapped and I'm happy with the results. However, on close inspection you will notice imperfections, as is the nature of the process. The wrap will bubble and peel over time, but it is very minute, and you have to be actively looking for it to notice. The shop I went to does on-demand maintenance, which was included in the price. I've had it for 6 months and have only had to go in once.
12-31-2018, 09:16 PM
#5
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Hand cut means no body panels, covers, parts etc..needs to be removed?
I would rather they leave everything in tact if possible when wrapping the vehicle. But unsure if that would be possible on G wagon.
Also, has anyone done a clear protective film on the front windshield?
I read that there are a few companies offering this specific product for the windshield..if this works as advertised then I think it is a great investment. It would greatly reduce windshield cracks from flying rocks.
I would rather they leave everything in tact if possible when wrapping the vehicle. But unsure if that would be possible on G wagon.
Also, has anyone done a clear protective film on the front windshield?
I read that there are a few companies offering this specific product for the windshield..if this works as advertised then I think it is a great investment. It would greatly reduce windshield cracks from flying rocks.
12-31-2018, 09:36 PM
#6
Newbie
They removed the bumpers, lights, parking sensors and grill. My guy brought in a certified MB tech for that part. No actual panels were removed, but the wrap itself was a pain in the *** according to them. They also weren't able to wrap the door hinges. They offered to spray them, but I opted out because the hinges are black and didn't clash with the dark grey satin wrap.
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01-01-2019, 10:03 AM
#8
MBWorld Fanatic!
Hand cut means no body panels, covers, parts etc..needs to be removed?
I would rather they leave everything in tact if possible when wrapping the vehicle. But unsure if that would be possible on G wagon.
Also, has anyone done a clear protective film on the front windshield?
I read that there are a few companies offering this specific product for the windshield..if this works as advertised then I think it is a great investment. It would greatly reduce windshield cracks from flying rocks.
I would rather they leave everything in tact if possible when wrapping the vehicle. But unsure if that would be possible on G wagon.
Also, has anyone done a clear protective film on the front windshield?
I read that there are a few companies offering this specific product for the windshield..if this works as advertised then I think it is a great investment. It would greatly reduce windshield cracks from flying rocks.
I have in the past used clear inside window tint applied on the outside of the windshield. It has UV protection plus some abrasion resistance but has visual distortion. Also tried NASCAR tear off material. Forget it if there is the least amount of a curve to the glass, however the G windshield is pretty flat so it might work. The best alternative is to move to AZ where they are required to offer zero deductible on comprehensive glass claims.
01-01-2019, 11:41 AM
#9
Senior Member
Thread Starter
They removed the bumpers, lights, parking sensors and grill. My guy brought in a certified MB tech for that part. No actual panels were removed, but the wrap itself was a pain in the *** according to them. They also weren't able to wrap the door hinges. They offered to spray them, but I opted out because the hinges are black and didn't clash with the dark grey satin wrap.
Having lots of flat square surfaces, I thought it would be easier than the typical sport cars and such, but I guess I was wrong.
Roughly how much were you charged for a job like that in your area?
01-01-2019, 11:53 AM
#10
Senior Member
Thread Starter
I've used "Clearplex" on my cars that do track duty and have been satisfied as it more than doubled the life of the windshield before replacement. . Recently had it applied to AMG GTS and not happy as it scratched very easily and had a lot of road rash from sand and clag from the track. . I mentioned to my installer and he said that Clearplex had been sold and the product is not as good as it has been in the past. He doesn't recommend it. It runs $400-500 installed.
I have in the past used clear inside window tint applied on the outside of the windshield. It has UV protection plus some abrasion resistance but has visual distortion. Also tried NASCAR tear off material. Forget it if there is the least amount of a curve to the glass, however the G windshield is pretty flat so it might work. The best alternative is to move to AZ where they are required to offer zero deductible on comprehensive glass claims.
I have in the past used clear inside window tint applied on the outside of the windshield. It has UV protection plus some abrasion resistance but has visual distortion. Also tried NASCAR tear off material. Forget it if there is the least amount of a curve to the glass, however the G windshield is pretty flat so it might work. The best alternative is to move to AZ where they are required to offer zero deductible on comprehensive glass claims.
Is the Clearplex still pretty much distortion free despite scratching more easily ?
Winshield wipers function (wipes water off) normally on Clearplex ?
01-01-2019, 01:16 PM
#11
Newbie
Join Date: Sep 2007
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2019 G550, 1999 SWB G500, 2012 SLS
On my last G, I went without protection and it very quickly accumulated a bunch of chips and scratches on the front end, due to the many huge and flat exposed surfaces. With the new 2019, I was too lazy to do the proper clear bra install (Which as others have pointed out, necessitates removal of many pieces etc) but went ahead and did a multiple layer ceramic coat. Way too early to tell, but from my experience it will help keep the car in good shape.
01-01-2019, 02:39 PM
#12
MBWorld Fanatic!
Clearplex was the top choice so far after researching, but from your experience if it scratches easily than that is not too good. Do you or your installer recommend another brand?
Is the Clearplex still pretty much distortion free despite scratching more easily ?
Winshield wipers function (wipes water off) normally on Clearplex ?
01-01-2019, 04:09 PM
#13
Senior Member
Thread Starter
On my last G, I went without protection and it very quickly accumulated a bunch of chips and scratches on the front end, due to the many huge and flat exposed surfaces. With the new 2019, I was too lazy to do the proper clear bra install (Which as others have pointed out, necessitates removal of many pieces etc) but went ahead and did a multiple layer ceramic coat. Way too early to tell, but from my experience it will help keep the car in good shape.
FYI, saw some videos on YouTube on Meguigar’s new spray on hybrid ceramic product for consumer grade usage.
Seems like a great and easy to use item for everyone.
01-01-2019, 04:11 PM
#14
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Clearplex is pretty much it. In my most recent install the windshield wipers put a scratch all the way through the cycle. Never had that before and I've used Clearplex on three other cars. It is not as durable as previous installs so I'm sure they've changed the material in some fashion. It did stop a some rocks from the track event which would have done some damage to the windshield. $400 is a lot cheaper than $2000.
01-06-2019, 07:24 AM
#15
Newbie
Being a friend, and the fact that he really wanted to do it, I was charged $4000. I had gotten quotes from $6500 to $8000 from other places in the Houston area.
