10-12-2023, 01:41 PM | #23 |
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+1 on finding a reputable shop that will cover the edges.
After two years with my partial "track" PPF package + ceramic coating, some points I would consider: 1. If you plan on any aero additions soon, do it before you get PPF for maximum savings. My shop charges $250+ for each CF spoiler, lip, sides, all which could have been included had I already had the installed. 2. If you sustain damage on just the PPF, you have to re-do which will be $500+per panel. If the damage goes through the PPF, you have to repair, re-coat paint, AND re-do the ppf. 3. With different tiers for Ceramic Coating, I'd get it done professionally only if you get the highest package- for anything below, I'd just do it myself, if you have polishing experience. I saw significant difference from the mid-tier Ceramic Coating vs when I upgraded to the highest a year later. 4. If you are OCD, the lines across panels for partial PPF is pretty noticeable, not to mention any color differences when you do remove them. Overall, here is what I'd recommend: - Forever car, Investment car- Full PPF, Professional Ceramic Coating - Weekender, 4-5 year keeper- Front bumper/Hood, Rocker panels, Ceramic Coating (Pro or DIY) - Track use- Above+ PPF on mirrors, Front Fenders, Windshield But given your situation, especially if many things are uncertain, I'd honestly just ceramic coat it myself and call it a day. These are ultimately just additional leisures and hobbies.
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10-12-2023, 01:43 PM | #24 |
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But it can also be too glossy. I've seen that many times. Until the film gets some age on it you can clearly see the difference between it and the paint.
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10-12-2023, 01:51 PM | #25 |
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Interesting. Are you saying in applications where you have only parts of the car done? I can definitely see that being an issue because my car is full PPF (not XPEL) and its way glossier and flatter than any factory paint job I've seen on a BMW. But since its full there are no transitions.
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10-12-2023, 04:57 PM | #26 | |
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10-12-2023, 05:34 PM | #28 |
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I would not be concerned about the aging of the film, honestly. I would be more concerned about the non-PPFed areas oxidizing slightly over time and that causing a mismatch. You can always pull the film and replace, and will need to if it gets enough rock chips etc.
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10-12-2023, 05:41 PM | #29 |
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How well does PPF withstand touchless car washes? If you live in a colder climates where they use salt on roads, taking your car though a touchless carwash is pretty much a must in winter (as they do an underbody spray to wash off the salt).
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10-12-2023, 08:17 PM | #30 | |
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10-12-2023, 09:58 PM | #31 | |
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I use hand washes (wand washes) exclusively. There are ones with underbody jets too that you park over. Wand washes also allow you to inspect the car for damage as you clean it as well. My car has full PPF with ceramic infused. I generally don't touch my car much physically in winter I just use the wand wash once a week and don't bother with the road film because it just comes back immediately. There are no swirls on my car from last winter at all and I get it professionally detailed in the spring and it looks brand new. The ceramic infusion is also as good as new. |
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10-12-2023, 10:24 PM | #32 | |
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The problem with not washing the car in winter is that you are not doing your underbody any favours by allowing salt and other chemicals they put on the road to accumulate there. |
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10-12-2023, 10:37 PM | #33 | |
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10-12-2023, 10:47 PM | #34 |
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The guy I use, he did paint correction, ceramic coat then PPF the entire front, ceramic coat the PPF afterwards.
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10-13-2023, 12:48 AM | #35 |
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Touchless should be fine but will weaken sealants and ceramic coatings over time. They usually use alkaline washes some over pH 11. I doubt it would affect PPF adhesive once it’s had a week or so. I probably wouldn’t use them all the time but occasionally shouldn’t be disastrous.
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10-13-2023, 01:44 AM | #36 |
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10-13-2023, 04:36 AM | #37 |
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10-13-2023, 08:26 AM | #38 |
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Not only that, it could interfere with the adhesive if it’s a slick coating, though not all are.
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10-13-2023, 05:06 PM | #39 |
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It has no problems getting the ppf to stick. It’s to save the headache when the PPF needs to be replaced, easier to remove PPF, also less likely to damage paint when PPF gets removed.
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10-13-2023, 06:34 PM | #40 |
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Ask XPEL, Suntek, 3M, STEK, etc. directly and I bet none of them will tell you it is a good idea to apply it over a ceramic coating.
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10-14-2023, 11:13 AM | #41 |
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10-18-2023, 03:41 PM | #43 | |
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10-18-2023, 04:11 PM | #44 | |
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Oh, look, SunTek specifically says to remove the coating first. |
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