Thoughts on Paint Protection - Wrap, Ceramic, Teflon,...

[Zig]

If I had the money of course I'd cover the whole thing but at the end of the day I'd rather spend it on performance not paint.

don’t forget: a freshly waxed or ceramic coated car is faster - less wind resistance :dance:

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[JimC]

Has anyone seen a pre-cut ppf kit for sale anywhere for a 2024? I'm thinking of selling my 2019 EcoBoost and picking up a 2024 GT. The one I'm looking at is black, and of course black looks great when it is clean - keeping it clean is another matter. But I also want to put some of the paint protection film on the front bumper, hood front, A pillars and over the windshield to protect it from chips.

 

[Kraus143]

Ceramic Pro Ultimate Ion, it's worth it!

 

[LCDRChemEng]

I’d like to revive this thread and ask: what consumer-apply wax products do you guys prefer? Specifically for a black car, but I’ll take recommendations from people without black cars of course.

Best I've ever used is Zaino. The triplet kit is nothing short of stunning.

 

[Dave2013M3]

As many of us are preparing to (hopefully) take delivery of our new Mustangs soon, I'm wondering what this forum's thoughts are on some form of treatment for the paint? I'm not keen on a wrap although some seem to think that's the best option. My main concern is bugs, much less than rocks, so leaning toward a ceramic spray, but also torn on DIY or Detail shop. Sounded like Telfon needs to be re-apply fairly often. Thoughts?

PPF the front of the rear wheels on the quarter panel, especially if you run wider more aggressive wheels. The rear quarter panel in front of the wheels take a beating.

 

[Jays Stang]

PPF the front of the rear wheels on the quarter panel, especially if you run wider more aggressive wheels. The rear quarter panel in front of the wheels take a beating.

 

[Jays Stang]

So, can u guys still take the ppf or ceramic car thru an automatic car wash? I really really want less maintenance and hand washing at home is a no go due to well water.

 

[BrianJ77]

Didn't want to start a new thread so thought I'd jump into this one for a quick opinion. After already sustaining 2 large rock chips and numerous smaller ones I have decided to have paint correction and full body PPF done. Shop near me uses XPEL which appears to be of the best per a Google search. Does anyone have experience with XPEL? Is their clear wrap really clear (not yellowish)? How good is the self-healing? I want to keep the luster of the rapid red paint, but I'm tired of stressing about rocks and road debris hitting the side of my car every time I want to take her out and enjoy her. I think for $2-3k its worth it to get it done right and be able to still enjoy the car. Appreciate any comments or answers to my questions.

 

[RLE55]

Shop near me uses XPEL which appears to be of the best per a Google search. Does anyone have experience with XPEL? Is their clear wrap really clear (not yellowish)? How good is the self-healing? I want to keep the luster of the rapid red paint, but I'm tired of stressing about rocks and road debris hitting the side of my car every time I want to take her out and enjoy her. I think for $2-3k its worth it to get it done right and be able to still enjoy the car. Appreciate any comments or answers to my questions.

Had my 2008 Roush done with Expel. Didn't do a full wrap, just the areas prone to stone throws, etc. Decided to remove it in 2022, as it began to yellow a bit. It protected the front of the car and mirror housings perfectly, no complaints. For the S650, I'll be doing a professional ceramic coating, with 10 year warranty.

 

[Dave2013M3]

I had PPF done just in front of the rear wheels on the 1/4 panel. Im glad I did...that area eats rocks.

 

[BrianJ77]

I had PPF done just in front of the rear wheels on the 1/4 panel. Im glad I did...that area eats rocks.

Which brand did you go with?

 

[dusman59]

I did Xpel as I have had it on other cars. One of my cars is white with no yellowing in 5 years. The MY24 I had the A pillars and 1 foot of the roof done as Ford has raised the roof and is more exposed to chips. The hood was done from the vent down. The vent is painted and was done. The front grill is painted and required 12 individual pieces to protect properly. Head lights and back of mirrors are a must. Lower rear quarters in front of the wheels done. My 2011 was on 12 years and redone as it was showing some age as Xpel had later improvements that I wanted. The AZ heat and granite rocks on the side areas of the express ways really will chip the whole front of the car. I paid $800 and the guy has experience for 20 years.

 

[Dave2013M3]

Which brand did you go with?

Brian, I don't know to be honest. I believe it was Legend Paint Protection Film. It has been on the car for 4 years now.

 

[BrianJ77]

Brian, I don't know to be honest. I believe it was Legend Paint Protection Film. It has been on the car for 4 years now.

That's fair, Dave. I appreciate your input. Thanks, man!

 

[Skye]

Does anyone have experience with XPEL? Is their clear wrap really clear (not yellowish)? How good is the self-healing?

I see XPEL as the current benchmark. I have been using XPEL since 2022. Skye is the first car I've owned which has had it. From my experiences, each of my vehicles will use it in the future.

The product comes with a 10-year warranty against defects, to include cracking and yellowing. Many of the concerns expressed of these specific issues, I see them as by-products of previous generations. The material will eventually wear out. Could be 10 years and a day. Could be 13. If garaged, it will probably be longer.

The wrap is completely clear. The finish appears natural, not fake or glassy.

Immediately after install, I was advised to avoid washing the car for the first several days, with the product healing and curing over the first week to ten days. It's best to put the newly-installed product in direct sunlight, as the UV rays will help cure and dry-out the product, while assisting in any self-healing.

Two weeks after install, I returned to the detailer to have them review their work. After initial installation, several small air bubbles were present. As things dried and cured, all but a few settled and went away. For the handful that remained, the detailer worked them out in short order. Since then, I've had not one issue.

Heat and UV light can assist with the self-healing. PPF has three layers. The first layer attaches to the car, the second discourages scratches and is somewhat malleable, while the top coat is something akin to just that, a clear coat.

Heat and UV is something of a two-edged sword. While assisting in self-correcting and healing, it's best not to manhandle the surface when hot, even after curing. It's not like you'll wreck it or have to treat it with kid gloves. It's simply best to avoid pressure and swiping when hot.

For care and feeding, I use three products.

For routine maintenance wash, I use Gyeon Bath. This is a maintenance soap that can be used any time, all the time, any paint or finish.

https://gyeonusa.com/products/q2m-bathe

PPF is somewhat porous, like your skin. But using a paint decon soap would not be advised; it'd be too harsh. Gyeon makes a PPF decon soap, to cleanse those pores. The soap should be used a few times a year. It's a mild decon soap.

https://gyeonusa.com/products/q2m-ppf-wash

Paint sealers are well-used and appreciated, but again, PPF is a bit different. I use Gyeon's PPF Maintain, which is a sealer for PPF. I use this product a few times a year. XPEL also sells their own sealer, which gets good reviews.

https://gyeonusa.com/products/q2m-ppf-maintain

https://prestigefilms.com/product/xpel-ppf-sealant/

I noticed XPEL's sealer recommends using it monthly. YMMV, but I'm not sure it needs to be used that often. I use Gyeon's sealer like two or three times a year.

Regarding washing and maintaining the finish, discuss all this with the installer.

One thing I haven't done is take my car though any type of car wash. Automatic, brush-type car wash on a hot day? Er, no Thank You. I was advised, long-term, avoid physical car washes. A good point was made regarding "touchless" car washes; these sites often use alkaline-based products. If you look at the pH scale, more alkaline is more basic (see bleach). While not actually bleach, the solution is breaking down organic material as bleach does. Again, something I don't want the materials, PPF or others, exposed to.

As far as accepting strikes and repair, I've had good results. The majority of the strikes which have happened result in "flash" type marks on the surface. The surface is free of a divot, but the dirt and impact area is obvious. Came home one day with a small rock actually sticking out of the PPF. There's the tiniest of blemishes there. If I lay on my side in the Sun a certain way, tilt my head a few inches from the area, I can see it. I take several strikes a year, none of which have left any meaningful impact crater. Certainly not a hole.

Anyone keeping their car for some time, I feel it's worth considering. Thinking of paint-matching pearls or metallics, finding a good shop to make repairs and the costs of all that, I feel it's worthwhile. Where you live and the drive locations will also have an impact, no pun intended. Someone on the Southern CA coast might not need much of any, while another driver in regular freeway traffic and big city will.

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