Alex (UK)

QUESTION: is there an argument against getting paint protection?

I am getting close now to my delivery and my preferred Ventureshield reseller has now severed ties with Venture Tape. As such they are now offering 2 European choices of Llumar and Avery (both with new products only just released that are supposed to be as good if not better than 3M/VT).

Anyway, this change has made me a little nervous as I am worried about these products not being fully proven yet. This is how the fitter rates them all:

• Clarity – Llumar by some margin

• Strength – Avery/VT are almost identical (the strong part of the film comes from the same manufacturer

• Glue – Avery

• Stretch – VT then Avery the difference is in the glue

• Orange Peel – 3M has least smooth finish

• Max Film Size – 56inch VT, 54inch Llumar, 40inch Avery(63inch due any moment), 48inch 3M

• Scratch resistance – 3M/Llumar and Avery similar, more like VT non Clear coat

With the added decision of whether to go for just bumper or full front end, I have started to question whether I could live with not having anything at all. I did just fine with my old Carrera and a basalt black Porsche paint stick for chips.

Then there is the question about my painted rockers (lower lip and grilles). As these are flexible areas apparently even with protection these painted areas can crack and then get dirt in them.

So I am just wondering whether it would just be easier/cheaper to give it a miss?! Some of the really good waxes dry like concrete so perhaps this is an alternative...

Premier

it is more of a question of where you stand with chips. Some don't mind, some don't see it, others despise it. Llumar is one film to stay away from as it will go bad very quickly. Avery's film has quite a bit of orange peel texture; although, durable is still too visible to some. One thing to consider is the cost of a repaint. Here in the U.S. it is quite expensive to repaint any European cars especially with the metallic base. Good luck.

Premier

Better to choose the installer than the film as mr997's experience here has already shown

Alex (UK)

Almost certainly not going to bother now getting any paint protection.

The above is giving me a headache trying to decide what to do.

* If I go with 3M it will cost me a lot more plus they won't fit at my OPC without invalidating warranty. Plus I am not too keen on 3M from the stories I have heard.

* If I go with Ventureshield then VT won't honor UK warranty as apparently they only care about the US market and leave it to local dealers to sort out any issues. Plus VS clearcoat has not got the greatest scratch protection reputation from what I hear.

* If I go with new to market Llumar/Avery products then who knows what these will be like in a years time as they are yet unproven. And these are not exactly big players in the paint protection market as far as I am aware.

* Then there are the fiddly and problematic grilles along with lower spoilers to worry about fitting.

My OPC say they have stopped bothering putting paint protection on their Cayenne models now as wherever they fit it, a big stone ends up hitting exactly just outside the covered area. Sods law and all…

So I think I will make do with my trusty Porsche paint touch-up stick. Only like £8! I managed just fine with my old black Carrera for nearly 3 years so an Arctic Silver 911 should be very easy to maintain in comparison. A full front-end re-spray would be about £1500 apparently should I wish to do it one day. Not far away from what it would cost to put the paint protection down in the first place.