Paint Film Protection

[Next Phase]

I have ised Xpel and Suntek products. I'd recommend Xpel for max protection and Suntek on darker cars because it doesn't show as easily.

$4k-$5k seems crazy expensive in my area.

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[mrdigray]

Hey Superdog, I don't see a cost for the detail? Maybe being redundant, but I'd have the car detailed to the "T" prior to installing the PPF. That way, underneath the PPF you have that minty paint you reference in your above post - no swirls, no hairline scratches - paint as perfect as a Ford can be!

I was wondering what they did to prep as a follow up. These are the questions I asked the installer:

1. How long will it take? - 2 days

2. How are the stripes handled? Is the wrap just over the top of them? - Wrap would be over stripes, yes. Unless they are flat finish.

3. What kind of prep do you do to the car before applying the wrap? - We wash, clay and make sure surface is clean and smooth before applying film
…. If the car has issues w/ paint prior to doing - like from the factory or as a pre-owned formerly improperly detailed - then I would recommend a full exterior detail to correct before applying film - $ 200 – 250. +/-

 

[torque124]

I was wondering what they did to prep as a follow up. These are the questions I asked the installer:

1. How long will it take? - 2 days

2. How are the stripes handled? Is the wrap just over the top of them? - Wrap would be over stripes, yes. Unless they are flat finish.

3. What kind of prep do you do to the car before applying the wrap? - We wash, clay and make sure surface is clean and smooth before applying film
…. If the car has issues w/ paint prior to doing - like from the factory or as a pre-owned formerly improperly detailed - then I would recommend a full exterior detail to correct before applying film - $ 200 – 250. +/-

I will not apply over stripes... God forbid you need to remove it, you are getting your stripes off for sure. It is VERY hard to remove XPEL, don't ask me how I know.

 

[mrdigray]

I will not apply over stripes... God forbid you need to remove it, you are getting your stripes off for sure. It is VERY hard to remove XPEL, don't ask me how I know.

What about chips/marks in the stripes? I would assume they are not super resilient. Just live with it?

 

[Superdog]

I was wondering what they did to prep as a follow up. These are the questions I asked the installer:

1. How long will it take? - 2 days

2. How are the stripes handled? Is the wrap just over the top of them? - Wrap would be over stripes, yes. Unless they are flat finish.

3. What kind of prep do you do to the car before applying the wrap? - We wash, clay and make sure surface is clean and smooth before applying film
…. If the car has issues w/ paint prior to doing - like from the factory or as a pre-owned formerly improperly detailed - then I would recommend a full exterior detail to correct before applying film - $ 200 – 250. +/-

I appreciate the insight. I'll be sure I do that.

I literally have under 600 miles at this point, so it should not be an issue. But might as well get it done properly.

 

[Superdog]

^^^

Oh and no stripes for me. So I'm good.

 

[Mike02z]

Doing the entire car will cost between 4k and 6k. I think it's overkill. I did the entire front end, mirror covers and rockers. There is really no way to do the 1/4 panel without seeing a seam unless the whole panel is done.

 

[Superdog]

I was wondering what they did to prep as a follow up. These are the questions I asked the installer:

1. How long will it take? - 2 days

2. How are the stripes handled? Is the wrap just over the top of them? - Wrap would be over stripes, yes. Unless they are flat finish.

3. What kind of prep do you do to the car before applying the wrap? - We wash, clay and make sure surface is clean and smooth before applying film
…. If the car has issues w/ paint prior to doing - like from the factory or as a pre-owned formerly improperly detailed - then I would recommend a full exterior detail to correct before applying film - $ 200 – 250. +/-

Full detail included in cost just to ensure its perfect when the film goes on.

Thanks!!

 

[Mike02z]

Full detail included in cost just to ensure its perfect when the film goes on.

Thanks!!

Full detail is required (except for sealant, wax etc) for the film to go on correctly and adhere. Any wax/sealant left on the car prior to the film will cause problems. If the shop is charging you extra just to do this, I'd be concerned. If you want a ceramic coating over the film, that will be additional.

 

[Superdog]

Full detail is required (except for sealant, wax etc) for the film to go on correctly and adhere. Any wax/sealant left on the car prior to the film will cause problems. If the shop is charging you extra just to do this, I'd be concerned. If you want a ceramic coating over the film, that will be additional.

Sorry if I wasn't clear. It's not extra. It's included in the overall costs that was already provided.

From what I can tell, it sounds like my guy is about right in terms of price, if not a little bit high.

But based on his reputation and his book of work, I'm ok paying a small premium for the shop that is apparently the best in this area.

From what I can tell he is nothing short of meticulous.

 

[MTWINN]

I had XPEL Ultimate installed on full front bumper, full front fenders, headlights, full hood, A-Pillars, rocker panels, the front section of the rear wheels, and the lower rear panel behind the rear wheels for $1625. So far, no chips or damage.

 

[theman1990]

I had both mine done with the SunTek stuff.... 2000 miles on my tech and not a rock chip to be found. I considered not doing the R but after reading the horror stories of how fragile our paint it I changed my mind and did it. 500 miles in and so far, so good!

 

[Mike02z]

Why is everyone so worried about the stripes. Those can be replaced, can't they? Hell, I may want my OTT stripes removed at some point anyway.

 

[FPCV8YO]

Why is everyone so worried about the stripes. Those can be replaced, can't they? Hell, I may want my OTT stripes removed at some point anyway.

Sure but, $$$ for OEM replacements.

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