Having been in this industry for 18 years, I have compiled some great questions every customer should be asking.
- What film do you use & how long is the warranty?
You want to make sure they are using a high quality urethane film that has a long warranty. As an example, Norm Schilling, Owner and Installer at Capital PPF in the Raleigh, NC area uses Suntek Ultra which has a hydrophobic and self-healing top coat and it comes with a 10-year warranty. Ask what the warranty covers. Does it also include the labor if any film does need replaced under warranty? Is it a well-used film manufacturer so that if you move then there will most likely be an installer near your new location? Be sure to get your warranty card upon payment.
- What areas do you suggest protecting for my vehicle?
Every vehicle has common high-impact areas like the front end and side mirrors. But as an installer, I may notice more areas in the design of your vehicle that may be prone to rock chips as well or may be a good idea to protect as well. For example, rockers below your doors, any rear fender panels that flare outward and the tire splash behind the wheels. Some cars already have additional plastic pieces that protect these areas while others don’t. Additional areas to protect from daily use could also include door handle cups, lower door sills and the truck ledge. Every vehicle is different so ask the installer and you can choose to protect those extra areas or not.
- Where do you wrap edges?
Wrapping the edges avoids dirt build up along visible edges of the film wherever possible. Most installers use pre-cut kits, however, all pre-cut kits should have the option to extend the edges that can be wrapped. Most custom (or bulk) installers would do this normally but you may have to insist that it be done if they use a kit. Common areas that should be wrapped (as long as there isn’t another body panel blocking it) are all edges of the full hood, inside your wheel wells on the bumper and fenders, tops of the fenders and doors. When pricing multiple shops, be sure to compare apples to apples. Custom installations may be a bit more than pre-cut kits, some shops offer packages that include areas that other shops don’t.
- Can I see an example of your work in person?
Whether you are spending a few hundred or several thousand to protect your vehicle you should take the time to look at an example of their work before you choose them. Any installer should welcome the opportunity to show off his completed work. Seeing photos of an entire vehicle doesn’t show you how much care they take to line up edges with body panels, any contamination under the film or working lines from installation. Ask to see their work.
- How long has the actual installer been installing PPF?
Most shops have been in business for a long time, but how long has the installer been doing this? Are they currently being trained or have they personally been installing for many years? This could be something to consider when choosing a business to use. This can directly tie in with Question #4, if you see the shop’s best work then they now have to match that for your vehicle, keeping your expectations high.
There you have it! 5 questions to help you make an informed decision on whom to have install your clear bra or paint protection film.