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.

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 www.stek-usa.com and see our products installed on our YouTube channel.