PPF

[Tigger162]

My title PPF is Paint Protection Film so for those that don't know it is a polyurethane film permanently attached to the exposed surfaces which are most liable to damage from road hazards, mainly stone chips which other types of protection systems like the coatings can't protect you from. There are many different brands with a array of different warranties from 5 years to 10 to lifetime.

My question to the community is does anyone have experience with these products on there previous cars and your thoughts and or reviews. I am plagued which stones myself so this is high on my priority when my tiggy arrives in the coming week or so.

over to you...

[marcuskmt]

My research lead me to Opticoat.

However, even this won't protect you from stones.

I'm not sure how PPF or anything can protect you from stones.

Anyway, I had Opticoat applied 2 weeks ago and so far so good. Time will tell.

[Tigger162]

Appreciate your response Marc but Opticoat is a resin based paint protection solution right? This not a PPF and is not what this thread is about. Only interested in the films a.k.a protection wraps. I have heard people using the two together either under and over but the added cost seems extreme but I guess would add increased protection doing so.

PPF is designed to protect from stone chips and scratches and is self healing, some impressive YouTube examples out there on that.

[veew]

I'm also thinking of PPF as I'll be doing a fair amount of highway driving.
I was thinking of a car bra but will only protect the front bumper and have seen some photos of car bras rubbing on the paint so much that they've rubbed it off.

[HPRS230]

Hey Guys,
Yes I got PPF and glad I did it.

Items were: Front bumper, Head Lights, Fog Lights, Full Bonnet, Full Front Guards, Door Cups, Door Handles (just the out facing surface), B & C pillars (Black), Side Skirts, Bottom of doors, Door Edges, Mirrors backs, Top of windscreen/roof, A pillars.
If I get time Ill get some photos of there the "lines" are. Want Cheap tho ($2750)


I was going to get just the front part of the bonnet done, so there would be a line about 10 inches up, but on the day I said do the whole thing.

[Tigger162]

Hey Guys,
Yes I got PPF and glad I did it.

Items were: Front bumper, Head Lights, Fog Lights, Full Bonnet, Full Front Guards, Door Cups, Door Handles (just the out facing surface), B & C pillars (Black), Side Skirts, Bottom of doors, Door Edges, Mirrors backs, Top of windscreen/roof, A pillars.
If I get time Ill get some photos of there the "lines" are. Want Cheap tho ($2750)


I was going to get just the front part of the bonnet done, so there would be a line about 10 inches up, but on the day I said do the whole thing.

Which brand did you go with? What's it like when installed for eg: to the touch and is there a colour difference compared to the painted services. I don't plan to go as crazy as you did, but want to do full bonnet and front bumper, initial quote was about $1000 using premiumshield elite I believe, has lifetime warranty.

[kamold]

I have the 3m product on my Octy. Almost 5 years old now. There a 2 or 3 places where the more complex cuts have got a bit of dirt under them and are coming away slightly. But the large sections eg across the front of the bonnet are the same as when applied.
No discolouration or hazing.
I got front protection (all front areas, 1/4 bonnet, plus rear cargo load area.
When dirty you can see the line where it begins on the bonnet but when clean it's almost invisible.
I'm a fan.

Sent from my HTC 10 using Tapatalk

[HPRS230]

Hey,
Got mine at Solar Style, not sure what brand. As per kamold comments really.
Worth the time and money.

Solarstyle | Paint Protection Film (PPF) (http://www.solarstyle.net.au/exterior/paint-protection-film-ppf/CbNu9)

[veew]

Hi guys, for those who have had their PPF for some time, do you mind posting some pictures of the edges of your film and a general shot of the car?
Also did the technician installing it roll the film underneath certain areas (eg. bonnet, wheel arches, door edges etc).

What did you do in the end Tigger162?

[Tigger162]

Hi guys, for those who have had their PPF for some time, do you mind posting some pictures of the edges of your film and a general shot of the car?
Also did the technician installing it roll the film underneath certain areas (eg. bonnet, wheel arches, door edges etc).

What did you do in the end Tigger162?

I went with premiumshield elite in the end. The guys went above and beyond on the install, I wanted just full bonnet and bumper but they did mirrors and some extra bumper parts as well. Mirrors have edges and the windscreen corners of the bonnet has a small edge and everything else is rolled, you can't notice the edge looking at it.cost me about $1200

[Guest001]

I did my rear bumpers and door sills with 3M fom Ozzieshield in Melbourne Cost me about $70 to do both cars Will still get nicked with sharp stones but mine is still good after 5 years. Motorbike shops sell a polish which keeps it looking good Just give it a rub every couple of months Cant find my tin of it as am in middle of shifting and its packed up Is about $22 a can
As for edges they have stayed ok except in a couple of inside curves on the sills. Was thinking of getting their kit to do bonnet bumper etc Was $700 fitted but bonnet got a chip or two before I got around to doing it so didnt bother

[veew]

For anyone not sure what PPF can do, these are the 3 best videos that sum it all up.

XPEL ULTIMATE Paint Protection Film vs 70mph rocks! - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=My2hWaJlwk4)

X-Pel Clear Bra PPF "paint protection film" test video @YST Auto - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5FH7pJ9JNU)

Why Invest in Clear Bra For Your Car? - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tH-pwdtkxmQ)

I'm still contacting local companies to price up their jobs so will let you know how I go.

[Cobwebs]

Excuse me for being a dubious about PPF, but ... When the PPF is on it certainly protects the paint. But the damage/stains/etc from stones etc show up on PPF. Visually it is no different to having no PPF. So to make your car look good again you have 2 choices 1. remove the PPF which now makes the paintwork the susceptible to damage again 2. replace the PPF which is then an expensive exercise.

Or, can you repair the PPF?

[veew]

Stains should be able to be cleaned with certain products which is PPF brand dependent. Superficial damage can be 'healed' with warmth (parking in sunlight, heat gun, warm/hot water etc). For more significant damage its up to you if you would prefer to pay your insurance excess and have a car resprayed, or potentially just have the affected bodypart re-PPF'd.

For me I would be happy if I avoided a respray: 3M PRO SERIES PAINT PROTECTION FILM: HOW IT WORKS - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=es68uJw4ADI)

[veew]

Just wondering, did you guys include your PPF in your car insurance? If so did it increase the premiums much?