STEK-USA

Greetings from STEK-USA – providers of SHIELD® paint protection films (PPF).

As one of Rennlist’s newest sponsors, we are excited to be a resource to members looking for straightforward advice, informed opinions, or just simple information about paint protection film and the industry. As one of the largest, yet least well-known brands in the market we’d like to provide a brief introduction. On this forum, consider us to be "myth busters" regarding PPF.

STEK started in 1977 making screen protection films. Our reputation for quality let to inquiries from a major Korean auto manufacturer interested in replacing an existing OEM supplier. It took us well over a year investing in test equipment and developing rigid test procedures to successfully meet this manufacturer’s requirements and start supplying them with product. This win led to business with other OEM PPF customers and increased our knowledge, skills, and quality.

Several years ago, we turned our R&D and marketing efforts to consumer-focused products and the private label/white box market. In 2016 we began selling under our own brand resulting in a partnership that led to our branch, STEK-USA. Based in the Pacific Northwest, STEK-USA reflects the experience of our founders, owners of a very successful detail and PPF business in the Seattle area. Those experiences guide how we relate to our dealers and to their customers.

Today’s films can be categorized into three main types of film plus an emerging fourth market. STEK has leadership products in all groups.

1. The least expensive is a non-top-coated film like STEK ANTIshield®. These films provide excellent protection from rock chips, etc. but being uncoated they can discolor or stain over time. I don’t know if Rennlisters would use an uncoated film, but if you do, you want it sealed with one of the new ceramic coatings.
2. The second category are self-healing top-coated films. These premium products, like STEK PROshield®, provide protection not only from mechanical damage, but increased resistance to stains, yellowing, and minor scratches. Additionally, PROshield provides optical clarity and extreme gloss. You might coat some of the films in this category; however, products like PROshield do not require an additional top coat or wax.
3. The third category is an emerging one – extremely hydrophobic top-coated films like STEK DYNOshield®. These products have the potential for extreme stain resistance, clarity, puncture resistance, etc. DYNOshield is a performance leader and has been available globally for over a year. DYNOshield is a benchmark product and definitely does not require an aftermarket coating!
4. An emerging category of films combine cosmetic effects with protection: DYNOmatt® is a satin-finished film with all the performance characteristics of DYNOshield. DYNOprism® is a high-gloss film with color-shifting prismatic flakes embedded in the product during manufacturing. We have more to come in this category of films!

One other important point is that the film you choose should be easy to install. By focusing on ease of installation and reduced waste, STEK helps your installer do the best job possible with the least amount of waste and frustration. A happy installer means a happy customer! 😉

In summary, STEK is an integrated company aiming to bridge PPF technology to customer value.

• We source materials to our specs from the US (70%), Japan (20%) and Korea (10%). The US provides two key components - the film and our proprietary top coatings.
• Our R&D group innovates within the industry. We don't rely on third-party companies for development.
• Our plant creates the products with the OEM experience driving top quality. We don't use contract manufacturing and we only produce protective film coatings.
• Our paint protection films protect your vehicles like no other product can. Find a dealer and ask for a sample of DYNOshield - write on it, try to tear or puncture it, pour water on it; beat it up! It's built for abuse!

Although STEK may not be the most recognized brand within the paint protection film market, we’re one of the oldest and largest. So we’re not the newest – we’re just different, and we think that’s a good thing.

Contact us or find a dealer through STEK-USA.comm and see our products installed on our YouTube channel.

Full disclosure - I'm "beaverlake" (aka Gordon) on Rennlist.

Keadog

As many have said before, the installer is key. It seems around me, the good guys tend to pick one brand and only use it. I honestly don't know if it's all $ oriented, but I'm pretty sure that's part of the equation. I imagine stocking only one brand limits required inventory while increasing their volume discounts.
I'm interested as I will have at least full front, mirrors and rear spray areas done on my Targa during paint correction/sealing when it arrives (July-ish).
Personally, I would prefer hydrophobic protection while minimizing the distortion of the color (Viper Green) - I guess like most people.

STG

Hey Gordon. Is this your company? Or do you work for them?

Tell us more please.

You're right, never heard, and I hear ALOT!

STEK-USA

Hey Keadog - you used to post a lot on Plant-9, right? Probably still do. I wound down there about a year after we traded our 981BS. Still miss that car. Re - clarity: We just had one dealer do an instrumented test on DYNOshield and it tested at 10% better optical clarity than another, newer hydrophobic film.

Back to your point - A knowledgeable, thorough professional installer is key. I'm sure you have some great installers around your area that can do Viper Green proud. I can't wait to see photos!

STEK-USA

Not my company - but I'm doing general management and leading sales for the US branch. We've got another rep on the east coast (an industry veteran). I don't know how much more I can tell you after posting my intro novella in addition to what's at STEK Automotive, our parent division, or the main STEK page.

Although I admit to a strong bias, I replaced a different film about three weeks ago and drove around Seattle in the rain and drizzle for 9-10 days since the last wash and the hood is still spotless. We'll be driving more innovation through the year but as a customer I'm liking the performance of DYNOshield a lot. That said, things can always be improved . . .

I have to reinforce what keadog noted. A good installer is the key. Many of our product features don't mean much to us consumers, but they mean a lot to the professional and I found that a happy professional PPF installer = a happy PPF consumer customer.

Thanks for asking - and to anyone feel free to PM me with questions on products or if the questions are more industry/market related post on this thread and I'll do my best to answer and/or research through our dealers to get the answer.

gordon

STG

Sounds great. Good luck with the position!

titanflyer

Do you just sell the materials or do you precut the kits for bumper and hood etc?

Do you have a list of certified installers outside the ones on your site, or just find someone that does the others and they can do your stuff too? Is there a good discount for going that way? There is literally nobody on the east coast on your site.

STEK-USA

We sell PPF; we are not an installer. Although STEK has been around since 1977 and selling automotive films for years - we haven't had a US branch until SEMA in November 2016 so admittedly our dealer list is not anywhere as comprehensive as other suppliers. We are one of the industry's largest manufacturers but we aren't one of the US largest brands - yet.

We'd like to have every great professional installer call and order - but earning their business takes time. Market reception has been excellent as is our growth.

Taking all that into consideration - choose the installer first. At the very least try to choose film where the product in the box is manufactured by the same folks whose name is on the box; there's no guarantee of quality and performance but the odds of consistent quality are better in that model.

Thanks for asking!
gordon

SFZ GT3

Hey Gordon. Great intro and the STEK-USA product sounds impressive. We spoke the other day about a car I am considering and what options might be best. Your expertise and guidance were (and will be) a big help.

Good luck with the new endeavor, and let me add my wish for some solid east coast and SE installers. Will be following this thread for sure.

beaverlake

Thanks. Closest current dealer is in Orlando. Oh well!

Keadog

Correct. I had two 981s ('13 S and '16 GTS) but decided to go back to a 911. Rarely visit Planet 9 anymore.
I miss the car in my (too lazy to change) avatar, but after waiting a couple years to check for massive failures of the targa top mechanism, decided to order one.
Looks like the closest installer is in Michigan right now. Maybe you can convince Todd at Esoteric to test it?

STEK-USA

Keadog - you can certainly request DYNOshield . . . Plus we'll be in "in the area" in early April!

R_Rated

You should get some market testers from this forum to test the waters and speak your praises

If it's more optically clear than Xpel and doesn't need way or other coating... - I'd be willing to be a guinea pig if you let JC install it.

STEK-USA

Sent a PM - but I'll entertain any suggestions; just send me a PM or an email to gordon@stek-usa.com.

THANKS!

SFZ GT3

Just sent you a PM about doing my 991. Thanks.