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I have PPF with a ceramic coating over the film on my 16R on hood, and other parts. Parts of the car just have the just ceramic. Considering STEK gloss hydrophobic film on the '18.. I saw a members car with gloss STEK being washed and the water just rolled off. The film protects from scratches, flying stones, etc. The ceramic is primarily for anti-swirl, although I don't believe it is bullet proof. The film is more expensive. All depends on your expectations and how much you are willing to spend. Either will make cleaning your car easier and both are not waxed. There is a certain look from a good wax but the constant maintenance is time consuming. The film is best protection overall and most expensive. The installation is key otherwise edges can peel and collect dirt. You could have your car wrapped in a different color if you do the whole thing and get an extra bang for your buck. A whole car PPF or film is likely north of $5k or more depending on where you are. Would recommend ceramic coating the wheels as that has made them easier to clean also.
I am already noticing a few tiny rock chips just forward of the rear wheels at the lower part of the body. I live in a somewhat rural location and there is a lot of gravel on the roads. What would be a good solution to protecting that area ? Is Xpel considered a PPF product ? Has anyone else covered just that area of the car ?
I am already noticing a few tiny rock chips just forward of the rear wheels at the lower part of the body. I live in a somewhat rural location and there is a lot of gravel on the roads. What would be a good solution to protecting that area ? Is Xpel considered a PPF product ? Has anyone else covered just that area of the car ?
My 17 Vert came with factory added PPF to a small area in front of the rear wheel wells. The installers removed the factory stuff and custom cut larger sections to protect much better. I had researched and had PPF (3M) 3 months ago......amazing results! In travelling from SW Utah to our ranch around Beaver Utah LOTS, I have collected only a couple "rock dings" to the frontal area and north of the rear fender wells. Impact caused the PPF to absorb the shock with NO damage to paint,. Certified 3M Installers charged $1,100.00 with a 12 month warranty that allows me to repair/replace sections that become damaged. After which a nominal fee (under $500.00 to refresh entirety...probably every 4 to 5 yrs.
Ceramic Coating with mucho "prep" was done by Moi.....and looks GREAT.
I am already noticing a few tiny rock chips just forward of the rear wheels at the lower part of the body. I live in a somewhat rural location and there is a lot of gravel on the roads. What would be a good solution to protecting that area ? Is Xpel considered a PPF product ? Has anyone else covered just that area of the car ?
In retrospect that's something I wish I'd done when the car was new. That area takes more abuse than anywhere else. Pre-cut pieces for that are available directly from Xpel, although at quite a premium over bulk material.
Ceramic coat / Protective films??
Is there a consensus on what's the best protection for our lovely cars??
Depends on what level protection you are looking for - complete rock chip protection with a wrap, or just maintaining a shiny/sparkly car? I do not have PPF on mine - I annually do a bit of polishing, use a clay bar once or twice here and there if needed, then a quick Tech Wax or a spray and wipe spray wax after washing. A touch up with graphene spray about every 6 months keeps it extremely shiny. I did initially do a good correction polish back when and then applied a ceramic coating as well.
Last edited by Taylorguy74; Nov 16, 2021 at 10:47 AM.
I did PPF on the nose (hood, front fenders, front bumper, headlights) along with the back of the mirrors and the lower rocker below the door. And then ceramic coated the entire car (minus the cloth roof, obvs.)
PPF protects you from rocks, bugs, and tar.
Ceramic gives you the shine back that PPF kind of dulls, and also protects you from UV radiation, pitch, acid rain, bird dirt, and repels quite a bit of dust and sheets away water.
That combo gives you a pretty worry-free car that stays cleaner and stays beautiful longer. Quick detail and microfiber is enough for most cleanups and when you do hand-wash it it's a quick job because of the ceramic coating.
I have an estimate in NYC to get XPEL for $3400 that includes the normal areas and the doors. It just seems high, but much better than the $5000 for a place on Long Island. Do you think PPF will protect the car from parking lot door dings too? Just asking since I am very careful where I park. Thanks.
I have an estimate in NYC to get XPEL for $3400 that includes the normal areas and the doors. It just seems high, but much better than the $5000 for a place on Long Island. Do you think PPF will protect the car from parking lot door dings too? Just asking since I am very careful where I park. Thanks.
I recently got a quote for a level 1 paint correction and PPF over the entire car for $6500-7k from what many consider to be the best shop in the state. Not NY tho...
I have had 3M and Suntek PPF in the past and with this car I tried Xpel since it is I think the only self healing PPF on the market. I would imagine it only works with smaller impacts. I responded above but again have both PPF over most of the car and paint correction and ceramic over the entire car including the rims and windows. It ran about $5k. Somehow I have a very light scratch on my rear driver fender and it isn't where the PPF is applied so I am taking it back to the shop that did the install and see if they can do anything with it. Personally I don't think anyone would notice but I apparently have OCD.
If you are going to get it done consider getting the door sills covered. It will help prevent scuffs on them when you get in and out of the car. I had mine done when the car was new and they still look brand new.
Looks like the price I got for the PPF for the Brooklyn Xpel installer is reasonable based on other pricing I received. Another question. This installer does not want to risk removing the small original film just in front of the rear wheels and place the new film over it. Any issues with that or suggestions on how to remove that small piece? Thanks.
I have my car in Xpel PPF followed by ceramic coating. Can't imagine there is much else we can do to protect the paint other than not drive
yep, I have the same coating and film as you do on my ‘21 F type R. Nothings perfect, but this combination is about as good as you can get. The only other thing you could add is splash guards for both front and rear wheels/tires. I haven’t yet checked to see what Jaguar has to offer, but typically with these types of cars, with the above protection plus the guards, you’ve done about everything possible.
A while back many of us added front splash guards There is a bit of work involved but if you are handy at all it is not very difficult. Details are in the thread below.
A big fan of Xpel but if the car is not new and you have some chips and such is it still worth doing? Since I have used cars with some surface damages I don't know how well the PPF will work on used surfaces?
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