PPF
- Thread starter tim500
- Start date
Tasmania
Well-known member
- Jan 12, 2017
- 1,153
- 282
Get a xpel installer that has a machine to cut over hand cutting do your research on YouTube or Google. Look for sloppy signs of bad hand cuts, leaving dirty edges,
etc, (remember a poor man pays twice)
Shop around as prices vary significantly.
I have been getting partial front on every car since 2010, which is 5 cars not including the one I just purchased 3 days ago. I kept 2 of those cars for 9 years and there was no discoloration and certainly no "edges getting dirt under them" to make the line more visible. It is visible from certain angles at a close distance but most people are surprised when they see it because they hadn't noticed it before.
I only do partials because shining my car up is a hobby and I like access to the hood and also these are daily drivers. I would probably get much more coverage if I had expensive toys instead.
If the installer uses a national brand of film it will come with a warranty from the manufacturer that is independent of the installer.
I highly recommend it for any car that you drive much.
I have been getting partial front on every car since 2010, which is 5 cars not including the one I just purchased 3 days ago. I kept 2 of those cars for 9 years and there was no discoloration and certainly no "edges getting dirt under them" to make the line more visible. It is visible from certain angles at a close distance but most people are surprised when they see it because they hadn't noticed it before.
I only do partials because shining my car up is a hobby and I like access to the hood and also these are daily drivers. I would probably get much more coverage if I had expensive toys instead.
If the installer uses a national brand of film it will come with a warranty from the manufacturer that is independent of the installer.
I highly recommend it for any car that you drive much.
joebruin77
Member
- Jan 1, 2019
- 272
- 0
Tracwrap is a temporary PPF that you apply and take off yourself. As the name suggests, it is designed for people who want to have some PPF protection before hitting the race track. But it is designed for temporary use. Your supposed to apply it before visiting the track and then take it off when you get home. Not meant for long term protection.
I have had Xpel PPF on my 2018 Tesla P3D for the past 3 1/2 years and it still looks just as good as the day the PPF was installed. And this on a car that sits outside 24/7. I am a huge Xpel fan and highly recommend their PPF.
Bruno Soares
New member
- Mar 30, 2017
- 2,482
- 1
It adds a small amount of orange peel but because it hides small defects, it may actually make the paint look better. Some places don’t even paint correct first because PPF is good at hiding defects. Panels that get their edges wrapped are pretty hard to notice the fill. The ones that aren’t wrapped leave and edge you can see but only when up close.
joebruin77
Member
- Jan 1, 2019
- 272
- 0
Yes, it definitely helps maintain and protect the paint's appearance and gloss.
Here's an example. A neighbor walked by while I was washing my Tesla. He said something like "Congrats on your brand new Tesla". He was astonished when I told him it was actually 3 1/2 years old and parked outside 24/7. While I do wash it on a weekly basis, I believe the PPF is the main reason the car still looks new.
I wish my used car that I purchased had PPF because even if the PPF slightly affected the look, it would look a hell of a lot better than rock chips and bird #### etchings in the paint. Even if it reduced the paint look by 10% I’d still take it because it would look a hell of a lot better in the long run.
TTQ B4U
Well-known member
- Jan 20, 2016
- 5,504
- 70
Yes.
TTQ B4U
Well-known member
- Jan 20, 2016
- 5,504
- 70
FWIW, Premium Shield Elite will add ZERO. It's crystal glass-like clear. Actually makes the paint look better if it's on a surface next to paint with any perceivable level of orange peel.
- Thread starter
- #35
How long to install a Xpel front end hood and bumper?
TTQ B4U
Well-known member
- Jan 20, 2016
- 5,504
- 70
Have to disagree. Free-cuts, where the edges are wrapped, are best. Some distributors of film will account for this and ship larger pieces but overall, I'm not at all a fan of patterns as exposed edges are a nightmare. We do all custom cuts and tuck any edges say along the windshield under the corresponding weatherseals. Takes just a little more time and we charge accordingly, but the installs are 10/10.
- Thread starter
- #39
what happens if there is damage from a rock chip or there needs paint correction? how hard is it to be removed? Seems like quick repairs options like Dr. Color chip can't be done after ppf. Are there any alternatives for a day trip on the highways? Back in the old days I would put a bra/nose mask on the car for trips then take off after.
TTQ B4U
Well-known member
- Jan 20, 2016
- 5,504
- 70
4-7 hours depending. yes, you'd leave the vehicle for a day. morning drop off, afternoon pick up.