Why this matters
Compare the exact product, material category, preparation and written terms before approving the installation. A quoted price or product label alone does not establish performance.
1. What film brand and grade are you installing?
Ask for the specific product name. Not “ceramic film,” not “10-year film” — the actual brand and product line. Then look it up. Every reputable film manufacturer publishes spec sheets: heat rejection numbers, UV rejection numbers, warranty terms, dealer locator.
Walk away signal: shop refuses to name the product line, or names a house-brand you can’t find published spec sheets for.
2. Can I see the written warranty?
Every quality PPF, ceramic, and tint carries a manufacturer warranty against specific failures (yellowing, delamination, cracking, hydrophobic failure). The warranty is between you and the manufacturer, not you and the shop. The shop registers the install so you can claim.
Walk away signal: “we warranty it ourselves” or “the manufacturer’s warranty doesn’t really apply here.” This means the shop bought grey-market product that isn’t warranty-registered.
3. Will my quote be in writing before you start?
Non-negotiable. A written quote that itemizes: film brand, film tier, coverage areas, warranty period, and total cost. Handed to you before any work begins.
Walk away signal: verbal quote only, or a quote that lists “PPF install” without specifying the panels covered.
4. What’s your prep process?
For ceramic, the answer should be: wash, iron decon, clay bar, paint correction to a specific level (single-stage or two-stage), IPA panel wipe, coating application in a controlled environment. For PPF, the answer should include: paint decon, alcohol wipe, computer-cut templates, controlled-environment install with distilled water and slip solution.
Walk away signal: vague answers like “we clean it and put it on.”
5. Can I see a completed vehicle before dropoff?
Reputable shops have completed builds on-site or nearby customers who’ll show you their car. Ask to see PPF edge quality, ceramic beading, tint edge fit around the belt line.
Walk away signal: only Instagram photos, no live examples.
6. What’s the aftercare?
Ceramic: no wash for 7 days, no touchless washes ever, apply maintenance spray quarterly. PPF: no wash for 48 hours, no waxes containing petroleum solvents, no automatic car washes with hard brushes for 30 days. Tint: don’t roll windows down for 48 hours, mild haze during outgassing period is normal for 2 weeks.
Walk away signal: “you can wash it right away” or no aftercare instructions offered.
7. Do you install to legal Texas tint spec?
The only correct answer is yes. Illegal tint is a legal risk to you and voids most film warranties.
Walk away signal: “we’ll install whatever darkness you want, no problem” without discussing the medical exemption process.
8. What’s your turnaround?
The shop confirms installation time and appointment availability after reviewing the vehicle, preparation and selected coverage. A quote request does not confirm an appointment.
9. What’s the total price, including everything?
Every charge disclosed up front. No pickup-day “the paint needed extra correction so we added $400” surprises.
Walk away signal: hedging language like “starting from” or “final price depends on how the paint responds.” Real shops know before they start.
How we handle these questions at PLM
Every install at PLM is written up front. Every film and coating brand is named on the invoice. Every warranty is manufacturer-backed and registered in your name. Every quote is what you pay. Every aftercare instruction is documented.
That’s the standard. If a shop — any shop, including us — can’t clear these nine questions, keep looking.
Ready to talk about your build?
Call or text 210-759-9994, or request a quote using the form. The shop confirms the scope, price and appointment availability; submitting a request does not book an appointment.