I seek the expertise of those here who have done VentureShield or Paint Sealant (i.e. Matrix) or both. I just picked up a white Range Rover Sport and I understand that both protectants serve different purposes, but I'm thinking that rather than paying for both would it not be better to simply wrap the whole car in VentureShield and save on the sealant?

Pros, cons, recommended installers on the eastside?

Thanks in advance!

 

Since we are experienced installation of both products I can give you a pretty good idea of both. They both serve different purposes. The Venture Shield does a great job at protecting the paint underneath the film from both roch chips, and also minor scuffs. Matrix Micro Coatings on the other hand will give your car the freshly waxed look, and ease of cleaning for life, but won't protect from stone chips. Venture Shield does need to be waxed to maintain it's luster, a service we provide for free for life in our shop. Please feel free to give us a call anytime and we can discuss in more depth.


John

 

Do VentureShield. Sealants won't protect from rock dings, etc.

I just had one of my cars done last week and a few things tips to learn from:
- not all installers are the same. Since everyone uses the same film, what you pay for is essentially the installer's expertise/experience. It is super important to find someone who has good reference and you can verify examples of their work.
- Find someone who will do a custom install, versus a template/precut install which are easier to install but looks ugly with lots of seams showing.
- if you have OCD like me, plan on having several visits after the initial install to fix issues. There will be stuff that will need fixing, corner/edges that will need trimming, etc
- expect to see the film on the car. No matter what anyone says, even on flat surfaces, you will see the film. It is definitely not "invisible". I would estimate that with film, you lose about 15% -20% clarity. However, IMO that loss is worth the ease of cleanup and protection.

As far as a reference, Matt @ UntimateAutoSkin.com did my car and did an excellent job. Plus he's mobile and can come to you...ie no risk of chips/dirt on your drive over to the installer.

 

I have both on my Turbo. Essentially the entire front end is covered in VentureShield and the rest has matrix coating on it. IMHO, that's the best way to go. My car still looks amazing even after almost 4 years since I had the matrix applied. I've never had to get her waxed/polished either so I'd say that it works. I had it done up at Metro too. And Juan is correct, the installer is the one that makes all the difference in the world.

 

Benjamin at Metropolitan detail has done three of my cars. It is a three hour commute for me everytime I go to seek their services. There is a reason why I drive that far. Never had to go back for any fixing and I am **** too. They did a full wrap on my 997.2. Talk about customer service...they go above and beyond to ensure customer satisfaction. Yes the wrap will distort the clarity of paint to a very negligable extent (even when done very well) but in most cases if not very noticeable and IMO too is worth the piece of mind.

 

John,

Can you put some prices for each. I have a 2007 Porsche C4S. I already have a Clear Bra, but I did not have it installed and it looks like it could be redone (at least some of the panels - maybe a full hood installed). I am mainly interested in the Matrix product costs. Also, I assume you would prep the paint first - clay bar, polish......

 

Thanks everyone for the responses/feedback.

John, I called your shop and Richard provided a lot of good information. However, I am still on the fence as to which direction to go as the prices between matrix coating and the premium ventureshield coverage that only covers partial hood and front fendors are comparable. But I would want to get more ventureshield coverage to eliminate the visible seam/transition and provide more chip protection and for this the prices shoot up drastically almost as if I am repainting the whole truck.

So I am at the point of really trying to decide whether to put all the money into ventureshield that will provide greater chip protection and no transition lines or do a little of both ventureshield and matrix (like Jason) but I will see transition lines and not have the complete chip protection . . . decisions decisions.

 

I have NO transition lines on my Turbo. My entire front end is covered. Matrix was applied to the rest of the non-covered portions. They do polish the paint so that it's "prepped" for the clear bra coverage. I'd suggest you go that route. Get the entire front end covered and the rest matrix coated.

 

If you want to only do 1 I would suggest clear bra (Venture Shield). You can always do the wax and Sealants....by hand yourself.