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Has anyone here had PPF (Paint Protection Film aka Clear Bra) or ceramic coating applied to their paint/car? If so was it worth the cost? Are they really effective in protecting the paint and/or making it look better?
I'm considering both or either b/c the paint on the 2013 GS I just bought is in very good condition, save for a couple of rock chips that have gone all the way thru the paint, but not really sure if it's worth paying $2,500 for PPF and up to $1,400 for 4 year ceramic coating on an 8 year old $29K car.
PPF and ceramic coatings do different jobs. PPF protects from rock chips and ceramic coatings do not. I have both because I have a buddy that does this as a business. I'd recommend the PPF. If money is an issue, you could always do half hood and fenders rather than full front end. Ceramic coating is more of a luxury. You also need to do a paint correction before applying ceramic coating. Just wash your car often and use some of the shelf products to bring out the shine in your paint.
Ceramic coating protects against most swirl marks, minor scratches, and makes the car much easier to clean.
I have my entire front end PPF with XPEL Ultimate, highly recommended! This was done by a pro.
Then I ceramic coated the entire car myself with gtechniq crystal serum lite, whole days work and about $200(claybar, microfiber towels, ceramic coating ect) in supplies.
I recommend both, but must have at the least is PPF!
If you're interested in ceramic coating the car, I suggest looking into graphene ceramic coating instead of the traditional ceramic. Graphene is new tech that can last up to 800+ washes and is better in almost every way than traditional.
800 washes is a gimmick. The claims on these coatings is marketing hype. A car that's driven daily and washed regularly would get 2 maybe 3 years max on a coating.
$2,500 is a lot of money for PPF. How much of the car are they doing? I have it on all of my vehicles. Two of my cars have the entire front ends done including the front pillars and above the windshield. They also have the rocker panels, door edge guards etc. That was $1,100 and $1,600. My other cars have the same but half hoods and fenders. That's about half the price. My 2008 IS250 has had it on since I purchased the car new. 182k miles later and the car looks great. The best is having it on the headlights because it will minimize the yellowing. You'll still get yellowing around the edges but it won't be too noticeable.
800 washes is a gimmick. The claims on these coatings is marketing hype. A car that's driven daily and washed regularly would get 2 maybe 3 years max on a coating.
Ehh, a good friend of mine tests and has done reviews on numerous detailing products and this stuff lasted 800+ washes in his testing. I have no idea what the product claims it can handle.
$2,500 is a lot of money for PPF. How much of the car are they doing? I have it on all of my vehicles. Two of my cars have the entire front ends done including the front pillars and above the windshield. They also have the rocker panels, door edge guards etc. That was $1,100 and $1,600. My other cars have the same but half hoods and fenders. That's about half the price. My 2008 IS250 has had it on since I purchased the car new. 182k miles later and the car looks great. The best is having it on the headlights because it will minimize the yellowing. You'll still get yellowing around the edges but it won't be too noticeable.
OK I misquoted by $100. It's actually $2,400 and that includes the following. This seems to be the most high end place in central TX as they are doing Ferraris and whatnot so they are probably the highest cost place in my city.
"For our Full Front Package we apply film to the Front Bumper, Full Hood, Front Fenders, Headlights and Fog Lights (if applicable), and Side Mirrors (if painted). - $2400 We should be able to take care of those rock chips for you before installing the PPF so that they are less noticeable."
Ehh, a good friend of mine tests and has done reviews on numerous detailing products and this stuff lasted 800+ washes in his testing. I have no idea what the product claims it can handle.
OK I misquoted by $100. It's actually $2,400 and that includes the following. This seems to be the most high end place in central TX as they are doing Ferraris and whatnot so they are probably the highest cost place in my city.
"For our Full Front Package we apply film to the Front Bumper, Full Hood, Front Fenders, Headlights and Fog Lights (if applicable), and Side Mirrors (if painted). - $2400 We should be able to take care of those rock chips for you before installing the PPF so that they are less noticeable."
I paid $1500 for the same exact thing in Xpel Ultimate. Sounds like they are charging you the Ferrari price lol.
08-01-21, 01:37 PM
Paint protection film or ceramic coating?
