Aussie S650 Paint protection and detailing thread

[bfets]

Just thought I'd start a dedicated thread for us Aussies to discuss paint protection and detailing options for our new S650 Mustangs.

With these cars finally arriving, I'm sure people are keen to hear what everyone's doing to protect their pride and joy.

Personally, I'm taking mine to MADinc here in Perth, WA for the following:

• XPEL XR Window Ceramic Film: Keep that harsh Aussie sun out.
• XPEL Fusion PPF (Paint Protection Film): Full front (bumper, bonnet, fenders), mirrors, black roof, and lower sections of the doors and quarter panels – gotta protect those areas from stone chips!
• XPEL Fusion Plus Ceramic Coating: For the rest of the paintwork, to keep it looking glossy and protected.

What are your plans for protecting your S650? Share your chosen detailers, products, and any experiences you have. Let's make this a one-stop shop for all things S650 paint protection in Oz!

We even have our own local Aussie expert, @DFB5.0, who I'm sure will be willing to give some great advice in this area.

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[bfets]

Just wanted to add a bit more about why I went with this particular combo of protection for my Dark Horse.

I'm a bit old-school when it comes to car care. Usually, I'm happy to just give my cars a good wax with my favourite, Collinite 845. But with the Dark Horse, I figured it was time to embrace some of the newer tech.

The Blue Ember paint was a big factor in my decision. I have a feeling it'll be a nightmare to colour-match if any touch-ups are needed down the track. So, protecting those high-impact areas with PPF seemed like a no-brainer. Plus, let's be honest, PPF just gives you that extra peace of mind!

I thought I might as well get the professionals at MADinc to give the rest of the car the ceramic coating treatment. It'll keep the paint looking its best and make washing a breeze. This is something I would have been able to do myself, but seeing they are already doing the PPF, I'm just going to let them do it all.

I would have loved to do the whole car in PPF, but it's an expensive endeavour. This seemed like a good compromise to get the best protection where it's needed most.

 

[OzzieRoss]

We're doing the full PPF (Xpel Stealth), also at MADinc. Plus the window tinting (Xpel Ceramic) and the fabric protection. Yes, it's expensive at about 10% of the OTR cost of the vehicle, but there's the peace of mind and this car will be pampered until we can't drive it anymore. At least that's the plan

 

[Deano1978]

I'm talking to my neighbour about PPF. He's had an M3, M5 and an X50M filmed at a guy close to us who uses Suntek.

I'm lucky enough to have seen the results of this guys work first hand over a 2 year period and he seems to know what he's doing (edges wrapped, removes badges to film under them and throws in film on internal screens using offcuts for nothing etc...).

We'll top it with good quality ceramic to waterproof the film make the surface hydrophobic/water resistant and I'll prob add my own layer of a cheaper ceramic on top of that every 3-4months as an "ablative" coating (in addition to regular washing) to keep the original ceramic and PPF in good nick.

From what I can tell via internet searching/forums the consensus seems to be that a quality PPF result is 20% based on the film and 80% based on the installer.

It'll prob end up costing 6-7k but we'll work something out, my neighbour is considering running it through his ABN so he can claim it somehow and will only charge me the CGT component he has to pay which will make it cheaper.

13/11/24: Edited after reading DFB's post to fix some broken english, poor explanation on my part

 

[N1T3MRE]

Hey guys - gave the beast the full treatment - I want to drive and the roads are less than average this way not to mention the bugs. It will also see some track time as well. After a lot of research and asking around, I went with Auto Protective in Brisbane. I do have pics in the delivery and road trip thread.

@bfets same reasons as you pointed out, I did not want to mark this paint, it will be a massive pain to match - in the 40km that the car had travelled, there were 4 small marks in the paint on the front passenger quarter panel that were found when they did the PPF clean, and you don't notice unless pointed out- it is what it is.....

Xpel PPF full exterior - and I opted to have vinyls covered on bonnet in one piece (except for the shark fin)
Gyeon Infinite Ceramic coat over the PPF
Gyeon Interior coatings all surfaces
Gyeon Infinite Ceramic coat in exposed paint in engine bay, strut brace and visible plastics
Gyeon Wheel protection
Xpel window tint (I think it was the 40% to stay legal)

I have also noticed a couple of stone marks in the PPF already - so already paying for itself - and being 45 degrees during the day up here at the moment, just park in the sun and hey presto all good again.

Did have a $9k bill (still trying to appease wife), but I think it is worth to protect something I am hoping to still be driving around in 20 years.

And it is so easy to clean

 

[DFB5.0]

Just thought I'd start a dedicated thread for us Aussies to discuss paint protection and detailing options for our new S650 Mustangs.

With these cars finally arriving, I'm sure people are keen to hear what everyone's doing to protect their pride and joy.

Personally, I'm taking mine to MADinc here in Perth, WA for the following:

• XPEL XR Window Ceramic Film: Keep that harsh Aussie sun out.
• XPEL Fusion PPF (Paint Protection Film): Full front (bumper, bonnet, fenders), mirrors, black roof, and lower sections of the doors and quarter panels – gotta protect those areas from stone chips!
• XPEL Fusion Plus Ceramic Coating: For the rest of the paintwork, to keep it looking glossy and protected.

What are your plans for protecting your S650? Share your chosen detailers, products, and any experiences you have. Let's make this a one-stop shop for all things S650 paint protection in Oz!

We even have our own local Aussie expert, @DFB5.0, who I'm sure will be willing to give some great advice in this area.

I would add a wheel coating to your list as well. Personally, I see coating the wheels as absolutely necessary, if only to make cleaning easier with dusty Brembo's. For matte finishes, you want to do this ASAP before the brake dust permeates the paint.

 

[bfets]

I would add a wheel coating to your list as well. Personally, I see coating the wheels as absolutely necessary, if only to make cleaning easier with dusty Brembo's. For matte finishes, you want to do this ASAP before the brake dust permeates the paint.

I agree. MADinc mentioned they might throw that in for free. I'll see if it pans out. If they dont get the time to do it, I'll get myself some of Armour Detail Supply wheel ceramic coating and do it myself for sure.

 

[DFB5.0]

A couple of tips to consider, be that you applying protection, or a detailer -

- Please be aware that ceramic coatings are NOT impervious. Yes, they can last longer and have higher chemical resistance, but they DO NOT tolerate neglect, improper maintenance or prevent foreign substances (bird droppings, acid rain, sap ect) from etching through to the clear.

- Ceramic coating DO NOT mean everything "just rinses off" and therefore allow touchless washing. Many dealerships and some detailers lead customers astray in this regard. You still need to wash the car.

- A coating does not mean you can neglect regular washing.........................you will kill that coating in short order doing that. I've seen enough people ruin what was supposed to be a 5-year coating within 12 months by pure neglect.

- Try not to get too hung up on coating "hardness" or longevity claims. They are a guide only, your milage may vary.

- Don't waste money on bogus claims of "8-year coating" or "10-year coating" or similar. Chances are, you will have sold the car by then, or it would need to be polished anyway within a few years to refresh the finish, which removes that coating. Don't be upsold on this crap.

- PPF can be polished as well, so again, don't waste money on coatings with extended longevity claims.

- I think if you are having a coating installed, 3 to 5-year coatings are more than sufficient and you won't be unhappy with the results. Again, don't be upsold on pie in the sky numbers.

- PPF is a brilliant addition if you can afford it. But, again, it's not completely impervious. Also, be prepared to replace it at some point in the distant future.

- If you are doing PPF, NEVER EVER do partial panels. In other words, do a full hood, full roof ect. The paint will age differently and leave a defined difference that can not be polished away. Also, as the film ages, the PPF'd sections will stand out like dog's bal.............................

- Price. You get what you pay for! If you are looking at a substantially cheaper quote, I would be questioning the prep-work leading up to the actual install (be that PPF or coatings). That little bottle of coating and the time to apply is only a fraction of the time spent getting the car prepared for said coating/film.

- The price you pay for most coating and PPF applications is paying for the expertise and skill of the installer and, therefore, his/her time to do so.

I hope that helps. I read and hear of far too many people who get sold on paint protection (dealer or aftermarket) that are lead down the garden path with false claims, which leads to false perceptions. I actually have a gardening client that paid more than $5000 for the dealer to apply a ceramic coating on his brand new Landcruiser 12 years ago. To this day, he still thinks the coating is there, when in actual fact, it left the building within two!

I'm happy to guide anyone here, so PM me or post here, it would be my pleasure.

 

[DFB5.0]

I agree. MADinc mentioned they might throw that in for free. I'll see if it pans out. If they dont get the time to do it, I'll get myself some of Armour Detail Supply wheel ceramic coating and do it myself for sure.

If you are happy to do it yourself, the calipers as well, then I'd favor the ADS Wheel coating over what they use. It's THE best wheel coating out there.

 

[5.0ALM]

If you are happy to do it yourself, the calipers as well, then I'd favor the ADS Wheel coating over what they use. It's THE best wheel coating out there.

Down another wabbit hole we go.
Armour Detail Supply High Temp Wheel Coating – The Best Way to Protect Your Wheels

D, you have me researching new things now!
This DS article doesn't specifically point to a particular prep spray, applicator of mf towel.
Any recommendations you can single out there?

 

[DFB5.0]

Down another wabbit hole we go.
Armour Detail Supply High Temp Wheel Coating – The Best Way to Protect Your Wheels

D, you have me researching new things now!
This DS article doesn't specifically point to a particular prep spray, applicator of mf towel.
Any recommendations you can single out there?

Ha ha, I actually wrote that article!

I chose to leave the prep spray as a general recommendation so it would work better for them. The general rule of thumb is to use the corresponding prep spray offered by the coating brand itself, in that case it would be ADS Prep Spray. I've used Carpro Eraser (my favorite) with success, as well as a final wipe with Rupes Reveal Strong. You can skip Reveal Strong, its pretty potent stuff and should be used with care, I just used it as a insurance measure.

If the wheels are properly cleaned, then wiped with Eraser or similar, you will be fine. It goes on pretty sticky, and the initial levelling wipe is grabby, it transforms into a lovely slick finish when you are done..........................often missing from wheel coatings. THIS is why I love this coating.

I've applied that coating a few times, it's easily the best wheel coating, and the best ceramic coating I have ever used. In Australia, Detailing Shed (Sold out, more arriving in December) and Autobuff sell ADS, you can otherwise import it from ADS direct.

ARMOUR Detail Supply Wheel Coating - Detailing Shed
Armour Detail Supply Wheel Ceramic Coating
Armour Wheel Coating – Armour Detail Supply

Application here -
Armour Detail Supply Wheel Coating Review | 2015+ S550 Mustang Forum (GT, EcoBoost, GT350, GT500, Bullitt, Mach 1) - Mustang6G.com

What's In DFB's Cabinet? | Page 53 | 2015+ S550 Mustang Forum (GT, EcoBoost, GT350, GT500, Bullitt, Mach 1) - Mustang6G.com (Post 786)

A couple of pointers -

- This coating cures hard and fast, so you will need to swap to a fresh applicator half way through your wheel set.

- For matte or satin finish wheels, the lack of clear coat makes the finish vulnerable and somewhat porous. While this is a single layer coating, I would 100% apply two layers on matte wheels, 1-2 hours apart. And no, it won't make the surface shiny.

 

[VB50GT]

I'm happy to guide anyone here, so PM me or post here, it would be my pleasure.

I can attest to that. I ran a couple of options I was considering past DFB and he responding with his thoughts, suggestions and tips galore... I was blown away how much info he shared.

I ended up taking his advice and looking at the CarPro range. I found a local installer (which DFB even ran his eyes over their website and gave the tick of approval...) and went with CarPro Finest Reserve Ceramic Coating.

I didn't end up doing the wheels (because I want to change them sooner rather than later) but they put a sealer(?) on them to help keep them cleaner until I change them.

When I went back to pick the car up, they were in the middle of doing a photoshoot with it for their website (hence the fake plates...)

 

[DFB5.0]

I can attest to that. I ran a couple of options I was considering past DFB and he responding with his thoughts, suggestions and tips galore... I was blown away how much info he shared.

I ended up taking his advice and looking at the CarPro range. I found a local installer (which DFB even ran his eyes over their website and gave the tick of approval...) and went with CarPro Finest Reserve Ceramic Coating.

I didn't end up doing the wheels (because I want to change them sooner rather than later) but they put a sealer(?) on them to help keep them cleaner until I change them.

When I went back to pick the car up, they were in the middle of doing a photoshoot with it for their website (hence the fake plates...)

That gloss is amazing!

Grab yourself some EliXir or Amplify for Maintenace and you will keep it looking like that!

 

[prestj1]

Hey @DFB5.0 have you written a foam cannon review anywhere, I've been reading through a ton of your pages and can see you have a few go to cannons but can't see any reviews as such...You have a lot of content so I might have missed it hahaha

I've currently got a Karcher K2 or 3 can't remember so what gun would be a good recommendation that can connect to a Karcher...thanks in advance JP.

 

[DFB5.0]

Hey @DFB5.0 have you written a foam cannon review anywhere, I've been reading through a ton of your pages and can see you have a few go to cannons but can't see any reviews as such...You have a lot of content so I might have missed it hahaha

I've currently got a Karcher K2 or 3 can't remember so what gun would be a good recommendation that can connect to a Karcher...thanks in advance JP.

I don't have a review of multiple foam cannons, but I can steer you in the right direction.

Now, at this point I will highlight there are countless foam cannons on the market, from $10 Amazon specials right through to the premium end above $100. Now, those $10 foam cannons work, but the limiting factor is "for how long". The cannister quality is not there, and replacements will not often be available. You also won't have direct access to spare parts like the filter (which creates the foam). This is not to say, "buy the most expensive", just shop smart.

Also, I don't advocate buying MJJC Foam Cannons. These have got a lot of traction over the last couple of years, mainly because of how expensive the MTM stuff is. But, the plastic they (and many other foam cannons) use for the bottle is not HDPE, meaning it degrades quickly and is prone to shattering. No one would intend on dropping their foam cannon, but mistakes happen and I remember watching a comparison where several foam cannons were dropped, the non-HDPE bottles all broke. It also seems clear bottles are not made from HDPE either.

There two main foam cannons that sit right at the top of the tree.

The Griots Boss Foam Cannon is arguably the best on the market. Last time I looked, the $99 USD turned into over $220 AUD by the time it was landed in Australia. However, I now see these are available on Amazon AU for $162. The main benefit of the Griots is the metering tips that can mean you don't need to dilute the soap, the foam cannon will do it for you. Actually, you can screw the cannon onto a bottle of soap.
Griot's Garage BF302 The BOSS Foam Cannon - for Use with Pressure Washers, High-Foam Output, Adjustable Nozzle, 9 x 5 x 7.5 inches, White : Amazon.com.au: Automotive



The MTM PF22.2 is what I have been using for more than 4 years now. You might have thought the $162 for the Griots was expensive, but the MTM is about the same price give or take a few dollars. The main thing I like about the MTM is that it seems to use less soap without compromising foam quality. Like the Griots, spare parts are available, as well as spare/extra bottles so you can dedicate bottles to certain products. The MTM is available from multiple vendors locally, most stocking spares as well. If you do go this way, make sure its the updated version with the wide-mouth bottle and weighted filter straw.
MTM Hydro PF22.2 Auto Detailing Foam Kit : Amazon.com.au: Garden

New -
MTM PF22.3 Foam Cannon Kit with NEW Wide Mouth Bottle 2024 - Detailing Shed

Old -
MTM Hydro PF22 Foam Cannon for Perfect Car Wash - Detailing Shed

it might look like I'm just promoting Detailing Shed here, but they have put in the legwork for the Aussie market and offer the most comprehensive spares and supporting fittings/parts. You will note that in those links, there are options to adapt to various pressure washers, in your case chose the Karcher adaptor, which will work with the standard Karcher gun. You can also upgrade to an aftermarket gun like the SGS28 or a foam cannon/gun kit, but if you still wanted to keep the standard gun, there are also adaptors to convert it to quick connect for that as well. I can advise on that if you need.



As for a written review, I have this on the updated MTM here -
Updated MTM PF22.2 Foam Cannon | 2015+ S550 Mustang Forum (GT, EcoBoost, GT350, GT500, Bullitt, Mach 1) - Mustang6G.com

And a demo by yours truly (still using the older bottle design in that video).....................



Now, I know the cost of those two are up there, if you wanted something a little cheaper, check out the following. Again, you would need the Karcher adaptors. I'd probably avoid the Bowden's version as I have heard of multiple bottle failures around the threads. From below, the Meg's one is currently on sale, or the Autoglym from Waxit.

Autoglym Polar Blaster Foam Cannon – Waxit Car Care
Meguiar's Mega Snow Cannon | Supercheap Auto
Maxshine Snow Master Foam -Fittings are pre installed - Detailing Shed

If you want to save even more, or get a better deal on the MTM, I'd be waiting till the Black Friday sales, Waxit's will go live on the 18th of November and should give you a decent saving on the MTM.
MTM Foam Cannon Kit PF22.3 with Nv Snow 1L 2024 – Waxit Car Care

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