Originally Posted by Judy
I know this topic has probably been discussed in the past, but I'm curious what experience anyone has had with the 3M product. It appears Andrew has had good luck with it. However, I'd appreciate some additional help before I make a reasonable investment in it in both time & $.
Does it really work?
Any experience with "do it yourself" installation?
Is it visible once applied?
Does it last?
Who should I buy it from? I live in Ohio.
Any feedback on cost of professional installation would also be helpful.
Thanks for your responses!
Judy
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i live in ohio and am an installer. the film will last the life of the car...comes with a 5 year warranty. cost of installation...b/t $250 and $400 depending upon coverage area less product cost.. its worth every dollar in gold. the film is nearly invisible to the eye. a professional install is highly recommended.
Stongard Installation Instructions
Items needed:
1. New large plastic spray bottle
2. Rubbing alcohol
3. Glass cleaner
4. Water
5. Johnson & Johnson Baby Shampoo (allows you to pull up and re-apply SG for flaws or bubbles during install)
6. Scissors
7. Heat gun / blow dryer
8. X-acto knife
9. Minimum of 2 people to install (required for large pieces)
10. Lots of patience!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Use factory touch-up paint on any stone chips, apply with a toothpick. Allow paint to dry thoroughly.
2. Apply glass cleaner to paint surface, allow glass cleaner to soak. Re-spray and remove with a lint free towel. This removes any dead bugs on the paint surface.
3. Apply straight rubbing alcohol on a towel, apply to paint surface where Stongard (SG) will be applied. This removes any remaining wax.
4. Mix solution: water, rubbing alcohol, and a cap full of Johnson & Johnson's Baby Shampoo. Shake well.
5. Use scissors to cut out all pieces of SG from backing paper.
6. Start with smallest pieces first.
7. Saturate first area where SG will be applied on the car.
8. Spray finger tips with solution to avoid leaving print on the film.
9. Remove SG from paper and saturate adhesive side of film with solution, re-spray car surface. The wetter the better.
10. Line up SG, and saturate front of film.
11. Squeegee from the inside/out, pushing bubbles outward to the edge of the film.
12. Pull up if necessary to remove flaws, re-soak and re-squeegee.
13. Repeat for each piece.
14. Use heat gun/blow dryer for adhering loose edges. Squeegee. Be careful not to wrinkle film by using too much heat.
15. Apply largest pieces last.
16. Keep all surfaces wet/saturated at all times, until set in place.
Flaws will be present after installation, don't be alarmed. Park the car in the direct sunlight to aid with flaw removal. Don't be judgmental until at least a week after installation. Almost all flaws with evaporate with time.
Some trimming may be required on the edges. Use an X-acto knife to "slightly" to score SG, lift edge and remove excess SG. Don't push too hard when trimming, you may damage, scratch or etch the vehicles paint. this is an art.