Supersolo
Well-Known Member
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- #1
Thought I'd share my Paint Protection Film experience.
I collected my GT in March and promptly booked it in for paint correction and Paint Protection Film (PPF).
After a bit of research, I decided I wanted the Xpel product.
I popped onto their website to try to find a list of Xpel approved fitter, but couldn't get it to work for the U.K.
I got my paint work corrected by a bodyshop I've used for decades, but they don't apply PPF.
However, I was told to visit a place in Norwich, who did wraps and tints, they might be able to help.
So I visited a place in North Norwich and as soon as I walked in I saw a black 911 bonnet partially covered with Xpel, leaning against the wall, their advert for Xpel.
I opted for the front end package, ~ÂŁ1.5K for bonnet, wings, bumper, grille, mirrors.
When I got my car back, I wasn't impressed. There were areas of liquid gel which is used to adhere the PPF to the panel, still in a liquid state.
I mentioned this and the fitters casually told me it would dry out and disappear.
After a few weeks the areas didn't competely clear and there were small white dots on the panels where contaminents had not been removed from the panel, before applying the PPF.
I still wasn't happy, but then other none car related events, meant I moved away from Norfolk and frankly my priorities changed, significantly.
During the summer I noted some of the edges of the PPF were lifting and I realised I'd had a cowboy fit my PPF.
Disillusioned by this experience, I went through the summer, thinking I wanted to protect the paint, but was disuaded by not knowing who to trust to do the rest of the car.
Then while filling up one day I noticed a small scratch in the lacquer on a panel and I knew if I didn't address the paint protection issue, the car would get away from me and the appearance
and finish of the paint would degrade.
I hit-up the Xpel website again, perhaps the U.K. list of fitters was now working? It was!
I finally decided to book the car in with Jules Sturgess Automotive (JSA), in Cambridgeshire.
Prices seemed competetive and although JSA weren't the closest Xpel certified fitters, the JSA website convinced me enough to give them a chance.
I booked my car in with JSA, and as soon as we met and started discussing the task and my previous experience, I got the impression things were likely to go better this time, but I'd reserve my judgement until collection.
I added a few panels and needed some custom templates made for panels Xpel didn't support, in all JSA had my car for almost a week, while they applied Xpel PPF to most of my GT, from the windshield rearwards.
The result is 110% better than the first PPF I had fitted to the front end of the car.
I've inspected each panel and I can see JSA, who have attended the Xpel training courses, really take care and pay attention to detail and finish.
I'm really pleased with the end result and happy in the knowledge the paint work is now well protected.
That's my new car, PPF, experience. I'm happy with the product I chose and very pleased with the job Jules Sturgess Automotive, there in Cambridgeshire, have done on my car.
On the basis of my experience, I can now recommend JSA. Also, always chose a certified fitter for your product, hopefully you'll find a list of approved outlets and fitters, on the Product manufacturer's website.
I hope this is of some use.
I collected my GT in March and promptly booked it in for paint correction and Paint Protection Film (PPF).
After a bit of research, I decided I wanted the Xpel product.
I popped onto their website to try to find a list of Xpel approved fitter, but couldn't get it to work for the U.K.
I got my paint work corrected by a bodyshop I've used for decades, but they don't apply PPF.
However, I was told to visit a place in Norwich, who did wraps and tints, they might be able to help.
So I visited a place in North Norwich and as soon as I walked in I saw a black 911 bonnet partially covered with Xpel, leaning against the wall, their advert for Xpel.
I opted for the front end package, ~ÂŁ1.5K for bonnet, wings, bumper, grille, mirrors.
When I got my car back, I wasn't impressed. There were areas of liquid gel which is used to adhere the PPF to the panel, still in a liquid state.
I mentioned this and the fitters casually told me it would dry out and disappear.
After a few weeks the areas didn't competely clear and there were small white dots on the panels where contaminents had not been removed from the panel, before applying the PPF.
I still wasn't happy, but then other none car related events, meant I moved away from Norfolk and frankly my priorities changed, significantly.
During the summer I noted some of the edges of the PPF were lifting and I realised I'd had a cowboy fit my PPF.
Disillusioned by this experience, I went through the summer, thinking I wanted to protect the paint, but was disuaded by not knowing who to trust to do the rest of the car.
Then while filling up one day I noticed a small scratch in the lacquer on a panel and I knew if I didn't address the paint protection issue, the car would get away from me and the appearance
and finish of the paint would degrade.
I hit-up the Xpel website again, perhaps the U.K. list of fitters was now working? It was!
I finally decided to book the car in with Jules Sturgess Automotive (JSA), in Cambridgeshire.
Prices seemed competetive and although JSA weren't the closest Xpel certified fitters, the JSA website convinced me enough to give them a chance.
I booked my car in with JSA, and as soon as we met and started discussing the task and my previous experience, I got the impression things were likely to go better this time, but I'd reserve my judgement until collection.
I added a few panels and needed some custom templates made for panels Xpel didn't support, in all JSA had my car for almost a week, while they applied Xpel PPF to most of my GT, from the windshield rearwards.
The result is 110% better than the first PPF I had fitted to the front end of the car.
I've inspected each panel and I can see JSA, who have attended the Xpel training courses, really take care and pay attention to detail and finish.
I'm really pleased with the end result and happy in the knowledge the paint work is now well protected.
That's my new car, PPF, experience. I'm happy with the product I chose and very pleased with the job Jules Sturgess Automotive, there in Cambridgeshire, have done on my car.
On the basis of my experience, I can now recommend JSA. Also, always chose a certified fitter for your product, hopefully you'll find a list of approved outlets and fitters, on the Product manufacturer's website.
I hope this is of some use.
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