[ProfessorCook]

I'm strongly considering dropping roughly $1.5k to add paint protection film to the front areas of the car and mirrors to help reduce paint dings as I'll drive this car year 'round and they do put down sand and whatnot when the roads get slick in the winter.

Another $1.5k would add layers of ceramic coatings and top coats that would include polishing and glass and wheel treatments.

So... Do you think these treatments work?
Do you think they're worth the considerable extra cash?

(It's hard to find objective opinions out there. Naturally, sellers say it's the best! People who drop the money are, naturally, inclined to say it's worth it. Those who don't invest are likely to say it's all rubbish.)

 

[boogle]

It depends on how much you like your car and how long you're going to keep it. I've had it done on my Boxster and Model 3.

The ceramic is well worth it, washing the car is significantly easier and the car looks clean for longer. It also makes the paint pop more. It doesn't cost that much either since it's a relatively easy application.

The PPF for me is piece of mind. Shortly after having it put on my Boxster a big chip hit the front bonnet hard. There was a big mark into the PPF but the paint was fine. A few months later the PPF was completely healed, which really surprised me. I was expecting a minor mark there forever. I have full coverage so I don't have to worry about normal car park dings, it makes for a stress-free experience for me.

So does the PPF work? Absolutely. Is it worth the money? Depends entirely on your anxiety levels really, and whether you worry about stone chips or car park paint transfer. It also means you don't have to use touch-up paint to prevent rust for the stronger hits.

 

[GDank]

PPF - It does work 99% of the time. There is always going to be that one stone that could get through 12" of steel! However it's only is recommended for 3 years then you need to get it removed and reapplied.

Note: A coloured wrap isn't necessarily full PPF - PPF will self heal if left in the direct Sun light if the chip or scratch is not too bad. Wraps are just plastic colour wraps mostly.

Ceramic - Lasts from 3-7+ Years (depending on brand and level) - I had this done on my Jaguar I-Pace (I'll add pic's below) .... was awesome. Doesn't stop chips (but helps a little) ... did help when someone tried to key my car ... got the coat but not the paint.

Defiantly does make it easier to clean and wash. Finally at the start of lockdown my Stinger (which I also had done) was parked at an odd angle ... was going to move it at the weekend but first lockdown kicked in so it stayed there. At some point a bird shat all the way down a side I could not see - we are talking bigger than your hand! Was there for a week. When I finally washed it off there was still a paint discolouration where the poo had been. I spoke to my Ceramic Specialist he said wash it a few more times and use a very clean microfibre cloth as hard as I could on that area.
2nd wash and it was like new again!

The best protection is as you have mentioned ... PPF the front bumper/bonnet/wing mirrors then Ceramic the whole car (including the PPF'ed sections)

------

So both my F-Pace and Stinger got the same Gtechniq treatment. The Jag still had a load of stone chips ... the Stinger had none (except on the windscreen 2 days after new!). The Jag was only 1 year old when it was stolen yet the Stinger was 3 years old. I suspect the F-Pace being a giant box on wheels didn't help with the aerodynamics - or I get really lucky/unlucky with one of them!

I was planning to get the P*2 just Ceramic coated again....but already seen a few chip reports from Facebook so now I'm worried that front end is too slab like and maybe I'll do the same as you - but then I'm like do I want to spend £1500 - £2500 on getting both. BTW a full car PPF is £3000+ just on it's own - if I owned a £200k car I would do full PPF!

I can totally recommend a top end Ceramic Coating ... like Gtechniq Crystal Serum Ultra and being professionally applied - note these take 2-3 days inside to "bake/harden" on to the car. The Paint pops and it's dead easy to keep clean, protects against things that would discolour the paint, including UV's.

PPF I've never had done, but when researching for the Jag if paint protection is 100% important then this is it if you get the right self healing top end stuff.





Doesn't stop everything sticking to the car

 

[boogle]

PPF - It does work 99% of the time. There is always going to be that one stone that could get through 12" of steel! However it's only is recommended for 3 years then you need to get it removed and reapplied.

If you get quality PPF you'll have an 8+ year warranty. I think mine (Xpel Ultimate) is 10yrs, but I'd need to fish out the documentation.

 

[GDank]

If you get quality PPF you'll have an 8+ year warranty. I think mine (Xpel Ultimate) is 10yrs, but I'd need to fish out the documentation.

Maybe ... but the glue degrades and everyone I've spoken to even using the best PPF out there you should replace in 3 years, as any longer than that when peeled off it can peel the paint off with it.

Maybe I'm wrong. I've not researched it in 4+ years.

 

[toscal353]

Slightly off topic, but this is a link to pics of our M3 which we had detailed.

Tesla Paint Correction Ceramic Coating | GALLERY

Ceramic Coating in Lowestoft

www.diablodetail.co.uk

@ProfessorCook & other colonial cousins - you may find the pics after the M3 cool as well!

 

[skwark]

Got mine booked in for a ceramic coat in 3 weeks... Matrix 3yr application (leased so 5yr option not worth it) so good to hear it's recommended.

 

[krheinwald]

Just picked up my car from ceramic coating. Looking at the result, I'd say it's definitly worth it - not only does it shine, the slight orange skin of the original paint is gone as well.

 

[lawe]

Isn't it cheaper to respray the front if needed rather than spending 1.5K on film?
I did coating but not cheramic. I prefer to get a machine polish when its time to refresh the coating. With cheramic they only use chemicals when refreshing after 18 months (at least where I do it).

 

[krheinwald]

No refresh needed for 3 years or done for free under warranty. Dirt will not stick and washing can be done by driving through the rain or with a water jet.
Did I mention the shine already?

 

[ProfessorCook]

'Looks outstanding, krheinwald!

 

[whiteco3]

I've never considered it on any of my previous new cars before but, after reading this thread, seriously considering getting ceramic coating on my P2 now.

 

[ProfessorCook]

To summarize what I've figured out so far...
1. It's pricey.
2. It's not a miracle... pebbles and such can still damage the paint.
3. It does protect against bird poop and such.
4. It does make it much easier to wash the car by hand. (I always obsessed about swirls etc...)
5. It does enhance the look of the paint.
6. It's best applied by professionals who will polish and prep the paint ahead of time.
7. Warranties range from a few years to "lifetime," but it makes sense to get it refreshed every five years or so.

If you want protection against dings from pebbles, a paint-protective film (PPF) is in order for the forward-facing surfaces.
1. PPF is also pricey.
2. Modern films don't diminish the look of the paint. (Older films dulled it some.)
3. You can have it done at various levels from just a bit here and there in the most likely areas to be dinged to the whole car.
4. Some say the film should be replaced every three years or so to prevent bonding.
5. From what I know of materials, plastics do degrade over time due to outgassing resulting in brittleness, so replacing it every few years makes sense to me.
6. Some, apparently, are "self-healing" meaning that a ding in the film will smooth out with warmth and bright sunshine allowing the plastic to rebound some.

PPF and ceramic coatings can both be applied and they can work together.

Since my car will be a daily driver, including during our New England winters with road salt and sanding, and based on my experience with my previous car, I'm going to get both the PPF and the ceramic coating when the time comes.

 

[GDank]

PPF costs more than a Ceramic coating, but yes are not a cheap compared to a DIY version.

You need to PPF first then ceramic coat the film.... PPF won't stick to a car with a Ceramic coat on it.

 

[ProfessorCook]

PPF costs more than a Ceramic coating, but yes are not a cheap compared to a DIY version.

You need to PPF first then ceramic coat the film.... PPF won't stick to a car with a Ceramic coat on it.

All the more reason to have both done by the same professional outfit, no?

 

[krheinwald]

The Paint shop were i had the coating done also offers paintable protection. A very new product, which ist sprayed on and cures into a transparent film. It can be peeled off again, if needed.

 

[ProfessorCook]

Wow! 'Hard to watch that screwdriver grinding into the paint!

 

[krheinwald]

That's just the protective paint. They peel it off in the end and the paint is unharmed. The whole video is a (nice) infomercial disguised as a practical joke on the owner.

 

[dave]

Hi
I have no clue about this stuff but I want my car to stay looking shiny and that.
My local place which has been around for years is -
Ceramic Coating
If anyone with knowledge has a minute to take a look, which of their packages would you recommend?
Obviously the paintwork is currently perfect so no repairs required.
I will probably go for exterior & interior ceramic coating & a black gloss wrap on the colour coded roof panel.

 

[ProfessorCook]

The packages and the prices are remarkably similar to what I'm finding in the Boston area.

'Not quite sure what I'll be going for, but I'm leaning towards the more expensive exterior treatments.