Need help with this!

[SBFV10]

I have an appointment next week to have my car fully detailed and the Venture Shield applied to the front of the car.

My car is white with CF mirrors and side blades so I will do the full hood with the shield. It is a 2010 V10 so it also has the very glossy black front and back ends.

Do you guys think the "shields" of any type are truly good for protecting the car? I assume some rock chips will be avoided, but from what I hear, the shields tend to rip themselves. Also, the shields tend to decrease the luster of the original paint and can scratch and show swirl marks and discolorations that a "waxed" white finish might not show.

So my dilemma....should I spend my money on a very high end detailing with exceptional products. Will a good detail make the car less prone to damage (since it is slippery and smooth) and also in the long run, allow the car to look better?

Any comments are appreciated.

Thanks.

Steve

[mngolfer]

I used 3M protective film. 3M showed me data that indicates, they say proves, their product is superior. I have not had an issues with detailing.

[drbf]

I used 3M protective film. 3M showed me data that indicates, they say proves, their product is superior. I have not had an issues with detailing.

I have had 3 cars done with 3M Film and I also have had no issues. If applied correctly you can hardley tell.

[SDR8]

The Venture Shield should help protect your car. It sounds like rocks and debris are semi common on your roads. Luckily white is a fairly forgiving color. As long as they use a good sheet and install it properly, you will most likely be happy. Several people have used the modern materials and had pretty good luck. The materials have gotten better than what was available a few years ago. Usually the installer will stand behind the product and the install. If you see flaws, discoloration or other problems make sure to let your installer know.

As I had posted in another thread, I did have the Venture Shield product on my Phantom Black car and had it removed. Black is a very hard color to deal with. It shows everything. I saw huge differences in reflections from straight paint and the areas that had the shield. It really depended on distance from car, different angles, how carefully you looked at things and how clean the car was. I found the shield to be fairly soft and could be stained or scratched pretty easy. I had a bird-dropping which I washed off in less than 30 minutes leave a stain on the waxed shield, while the same spot on the waxed paint left no mark. The stain could be buffed out of the shield, but ensuring the buffing would not leave a bigger mark was a concern. All the sheets have a texture/grain to them. Some parts are more pronounced than others. Some areas can have fisheye or dot textures to them. A good installer will select only very good materials for this job and make sure that it is trimmed to fit properly.

If I had a white car, I would most likely still have the shield on my car. Definitely get the whole hood done in one piece rather than just the half hood that some get. Be particular. Talk to the installer and really look over the job. Understand that it does take some time for certain areas to dry properly. Ask lots of questions and look at everything. You will still need to keep the rest of the normal painted areas waxed/sealed. You might want to ask what not to use on the shield. There is usually a cream/polish that the installer should give you for the shield. Keep things coated and you should be good.

Good luck

[peterh]

Steve,

The venturshield product you treat just like paint. Sealing/waxing/etc all without problem and it is truly barely noticable. Mine is on Black and as mentioned above, black being impossible itself, the clear shields do take away a very little from the natural luster. That being said, you really cant see it on my rear bumper, side skirts, or quaters. On white, do the whole hood. That first rock chip you get, you will be happy you did and with these cars being so low, they are prone for chips. I even have one on the roof! The only time I have ever had the shield tear was when someone backed into the front of my car at a stop sign. They just threw it in reverse and - wham! Actually moved the bumper (old B5 S4) out of alignment but did not scratch the paint at all - these sheilds are amazing. Took off the film after the bumper repaired and replaced the film. Good to go for another several years.

Also, yes, good products make a difference. That final wax coat really keeps things from "sticking" to the car like dust, rain drops, etc.

From my experience, I have full ventureshield (and extra bits done too) on all cars and then full seal and wax topcoats over everything for the best outcome.

Just be picky and ask lots of questions! More than happy to show you how it looks on my phantom black if you want.

[SBFV10]

Thanks guys. I guess I just was feeling a bit squeamish about putting anything over my new paint. But it sounds like it should be done!

So I appreciate all the reassurances.

Steve

[peterh]

You can always have it removed. It does not cause any damage.

[randombloke]

I have ventureshield on the front of mine and for certain it has prevented serious chipping given how low the car is and how much shrapnel is on the roads around here. I only have a partial hood cover on mine, but if I were doing it again I'd go full hood too to get rid of the line where it ends.

[SBFV10]

I guess I'll be heading up to Seattle next week for a couple of days while a shop Peterh recommended does the work on my car.

I'm sure it will be the best way to prevent frontal damage....I just need to learn how to clean it off without scratching it up once it gets dirty or bug encrusted.

I hope to meet up with Peter and have a few beers to celebrate our great cars!

Thanks for everyone's reassurance.

Steve

[randombloke]

.I just need to learn how to clean it off without scratching it up once it gets dirty or bug encrusted.

it's no biggie - you can polish it and seal it like paint with the advantage that if you get carried away it's not the actual paint you're working on.