This brand new BMW X5 was just purchased and brought to us Unique Car Care for a new car prep and clear film install (aka clear bra) to get it off on the right track. I gave the exterior a wash and claybar treatment to prep the paint before polishing. The were some minor imperfections in the paint which would need to be removed before the clear bra was installed, so I polished the complete exterior with Menzerna power Finish using an orange pad using a DA polisher. This combo cleaned up the paint nicely and ready for the film install. To ensure the paint protection film had a perfect foundation to adhere to, I wiped the paint down with 91% alcohol to remove any polishing oils from the paint surface. In addition, I removed the BMW hood emblem and the hood grills to ensure maximum coverage and avoid any unnecessary seams in the film. Removing the hood grills: Using blue painters tape to protect the paint when prying the BMW emblem off: All ready for the film install: On this particular install, the owner requested a pre-cut front bumper. Here’s a few pictures of my installer working his magic… For the hood, fenders and mirrors we used bulk film to offer a little more coverage than the pre-cut pieces offered in the kit. Here’s the film laid down on the paint… After using a squeegee to apply the film, all edges were trimmed and wrapped around the edges of the hood and grill openings to reduce the amount of seams that tend to take away from the look of the finished product. After the install was complete, I applied Menzerna Power Lock sealant to the complete exterior and clear film surfaces for long-lasting protection. As you can see in the close-up pictures below, the film is so clear and glossy that it’s virtually invisible. The film is 8 mils thick and will protect the paint against stone chips, road debris, abrasions, etc… After removing the sealant, I reinstalled the BMW emblem and grills. Here’s a couple close up pictures to show how nice the install came out. Notice there are no seams! The owner didn’t feel it was necessary to remove the headlights in order to wrap the edges over, so we trimmed the film as close to the edge as possible as you can see below… When the owner arrived to take the car, he walked into the shop and asked me if we had already completed the install because he couldn't even see it. When I told him yes, he was in complete awe how well it came out. Here are the final results!
I agree Ken. We also have a large share of hack shops around here. A VERY large amount of them. People don't know any better and go to hacks because it's cheaper. Then when a good installer tells them their price they choke.
Brilliant work. I'm sure the skill of your installer is the biggest piece of the puzzle but if you'd be willing to disclose I'm wondering what your shop is using for the precision trimming around the lights, etc. It seems like there ought to be some sort of specialized tool for that work. I can sort of visualize one, perhaps made of polyoxymethylene or PTFE coated steel aside from the blade.
Thanks guys! It's true. There are so many hacks in the business that it took me years to find an installer that I can trust. I have been specializing in complete frontal wraps lately (complete hood, complete fenders, front bumper & mirrors) and even complete cars, which has really been taking off. I have been doing 3 or 4 complete frontal wraps per week, which people love because there are barely any seams, besides the front bumper which requires relief cuts in order to conform to the curves. I remove the headlights, grills, marker lights, etc. in order to tuck the film in these areas and can make the hood and fenders 100% seamless with all edges wrapped over. I tell my customers there are three important factors to a quality install. The first is a proper prep of the area receiving film to ensure there aren't any imperfections or contamination on the paint and to ensure the film has a perfect foundation to adhere to (no waxes, sealants, etc..). The second important factor is a quality installer. You can use the best film on the market, but if the installer is a hack, they can actually do more harm than good. Being in the detail business, I have seen so many horrible installs with uneven cuts, razor marks in the paint, etc... The third important factor is using a quality film. There are lots of cheap films on the market which look good when first installed, but tend to yellow and cloud up not even 6 months later, so choosing a quality film is the way to go. This car belongs to one of my good customers which he uses for his daily driver, so this was just a basic kit. I literally have about 50 full frontal wraps to post up when time allows so you can see how far film has come just in the past couple years. My high-end clientele love the frontal wraps because it is insurance that the entire nose of there car will continue to look brand new and can't be seen.
Love the post Rick! That is a really nice color on the X. Does powerlock really protect for a long time? What is your experience?
Really nice work! I was also going to ask if you're using the 3M Scotchcal. I have that on my G35X and while the installer did a very nice job it's not nearly as invisible as your job.
The "J' misses nothing....................especially a 2011 Alpina tightness, have a blue one I am quoting and hopefully will be working on. Nice work Rick, how come Ryan is never in any pics................. that is because he is chasing 24 year old hottie's..............sick old man(lol).
