CAKETOWN

iTrader: (7)

Whatever sections you don't get ppf'd, make sure you get the touchup paint and apply it asap and then some clear after it dries, makes all the difference especially on the metal parts of the car. Plastic won't rust.

peasodos

iTrader: (1)

Just make sure negotiating price does affect the quality of the work.

websurfer

Thanks, will do.

websurfer

I order Dr Colorchip already. It's a 1 step compared to the dealer one for Ultra White. I think it's a 2-stage process. Ultra White then the clear coat.

I had a '14 TL and it was 2 stage to touch up with dealer paint, a real pain.

peasodos

iTrader: (1)

On my car liquid platinum chip looked worse off when I tried to touch it up, just cleaned out my touchup job and leave it as is, not down to metal so no risk of rusting. I only have 3 rock chips on the entire car, 2 rear fender and one on a door, all are low so not obvious unless you know where to look. For a 100k+ mile car, 3 rock chips I can live with that.

MX5NES350

The newer XPel PPF won't show that dirt mark depending on the paint. My wife just bought a '20- Mazda3 Hatch in a Polymetal and we had the "regular treatment" done which included 1/3 hood and quarters. It will show a dirt line on a Corvette. It all depends on the paint because, in the case of the Corvette, the XPel has a higher gloss than the factory paint does. Most all the Corvettes that my resource does get the full body panels done for exactly this reason. And the Lexus paint is definitely super soft. It reminds me of my first pair of Oakleys. Stare at it wrong and it scratches.



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peasodos

iTrader: (1)

Dirt will collect in the edge of the film especially on a flat surface. Xpel is relatively thick compared to other films and you will see the line across the hood, even when the car is clean. After a couple years it will be even more noticeable.

charley95

Xpel on mine for almost 3 years now with no build up on the edges. A little detail spray and a tooth pick is all I use.

peasodos

iTrader: (1)

the point is you can see the edge of the film and will have a line going across your hood whether it’s dirty or clean. I know because when I bought my car it had the ppf on the first few feet of the hood. Easily avoid able by having the full hood wrapped.

charley95

Seeing the edge doesn't bother me vs. having no protection at all. Did yours have the Lexus installed 3M on the hood?

peasodos

iTrader: (1)

yes it was the factory ppf. I peeled it off and had the whole front end done after changing my bumper to f-sport

charley95

I'm trying to build up the courage to DIY on my hood. "The PPF channel" on the Tube has some really good tutorials. A sheet from Xpel is about 300. I specifically want to wrap the edges since my DD is really beat up on the front edge. A hood wrap doesn't appear that difficult since there's no complex curves.

donkiboy

As someone that did a partial install (partial hood and fenders, front bumper, headlights, a pillars, door cups) at home. This is not an easy DIY.
The hardest thing is trapped air, water, lint that causes bubbles to form. They're not easily spotted during install unless you have good lighting.
It will cost more than bulk sheet but I'd suggest the precut film.

swfla

iTrader: (1)

I have a partial hood film on my white Lexus and I can't see a line where it ends unless I'm 12 inches away. PPF is 10 times more difficult than window tint. Pay a pro, it's guaranteed to be perfect and warrantied.

peasodos

iTrader: (1)

It's one of those things once you see it you can't unsee it. Also after several years crap gets built up on the edge and you end up with a more noticeable line.