PPF or not PPF?
- Thread starter zangezur
- Start date
Motorhead said:
You're quite right. I've given it a go myself and it's a surprisingly tricky task.
Most top studios dismantle all exposed sections of the vehicle and wrap components individually. Others simply cut around the shapes. Either way, with panel vibration and the variable weather conditions in the UK, the wrap becomes stressed and often shows premature signs of wear and tear.
Regards,
Clive
Clive,
I reckon it's a brave person who tries to do it themselves - best left to the professionals for a proper job. Cleanliness is a big issue - the tech chucked us out for a while at a critcal stage to minimise contamination.!
As you say, long term wear and tear could be an issue despite advertising claims of durability.
Apparently the film was developed originally as a means of protection for helicopter rotor blades during the Vietnam War.
Jeff
I reckon it's a brave person who tries to do it themselves - best left to the professionals for a proper job. Cleanliness is a big issue - the tech chucked us out for a while at a critcal stage to minimise contamination.!
As you say, long term wear and tear could be an issue despite advertising claims of durability.
Apparently the film was developed originally as a means of protection for helicopter rotor blades during the Vietnam War.
Jeff
Motorhead said:
It's certainly challenging. I had 2 goes and finally managed to obtain some reasonable results.
Film technology is moving on apace and should improve even more in the future. I used a film called Oraguard, which I believe was developed in USA. It's pricey and difficult to apply, but really does the trick when fitted properly.
The one thing I did learn was using a cheap film product would definitely be a mistake.
Regards,
Clive
fwiw, I tried film protection already cut to shape on my headlights, it's not an easy task, and certainly something I wouldn't attempt on a new car myself. As has been stated already, look at who offers what services and costs and it would be my guess that, like with any companies out there, some do far better jobs than others.
Things to consider: is your use (daily, track, miles pa), your preference (shine and appearance over protection) and likelihood of damage:
If you are 70mph (the speed limit of course! [
] ) daily on motorways or a regular basis, I think film on your main areas (bumper, wings, sills, bonnet, rear arches) are the way forward. Whole car would not be needed IMO. If you are planning to track it, the protection will also help. If not, and you're a few K PA, dont think the film is as warranted myself.
If you enjoy cleaning, valeting and the appearance of your vehicle, then ceramic or glass coating is the way forward as it will make it easier to clean, keep it cleaner for longer and look amazing. IMO the finish will always look streets ahead
In the event of any possible damage to the vehicle (removing and dropping bike on it etc) then marks in the film can be difficult to repair, without a whole panel being replaced at a time. As has been said, double the cost in some instances for paint and film repair.
If you go ceramic or glass coating, again, look at what is on offer. They vary widely. Some even offer 'self healing' properties, like Fenylab self heal - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lIYnO-PzzLc
Finishes, durability, care and cost of application vary widely, so shop around. If you do go for a coating get it done ASAP, maybe even before pick up, as there should be little to no paint correction needed for a detailer to do. The more you use it before a coating, the more chance of contamination and marks and correction to be done before application
Mark
Things to consider: is your use (daily, track, miles pa), your preference (shine and appearance over protection) and likelihood of damage:
If you are 70mph (the speed limit of course! [
] ) daily on motorways or a regular basis, I think film on your main areas (bumper, wings, sills, bonnet, rear arches) are the way forward. Whole car would not be needed IMO. If you are planning to track it, the protection will also help. If not, and you're a few K PA, dont think the film is as warranted myself.If you enjoy cleaning, valeting and the appearance of your vehicle, then ceramic or glass coating is the way forward as it will make it easier to clean, keep it cleaner for longer and look amazing. IMO the finish will always look streets ahead
In the event of any possible damage to the vehicle (removing and dropping bike on it etc) then marks in the film can be difficult to repair, without a whole panel being replaced at a time. As has been said, double the cost in some instances for paint and film repair.
If you go ceramic or glass coating, again, look at what is on offer. They vary widely. Some even offer 'self healing' properties, like Fenylab self heal - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lIYnO-PzzLc
Finishes, durability, care and cost of application vary widely, so shop around. If you do go for a coating get it done ASAP, maybe even before pick up, as there should be little to no paint correction needed for a detailer to do. The more you use it before a coating, the more chance of contamination and marks and correction to be done before application
Mark
You might want to have a look at Xpel film - I had my black 997 GTS that had road rash resprayed after 50k miles and then Xpel PPF applied - looked fantastic and stopped the annoying visible chips and blemishes so evident on dark colours . - look at video on you tube of film scrubbed with wire brush and self healing with hot water or hair dryer for info - I had this demonstrated to me by installer on his own car !
As noted before cleanliness and installation is all , so the company I used disassemble the panels and wrap over edges with film cut to correct size on laser printer : if any installer tried to cut sheets near/on the car I’d run a mile !
My GT3 was 3/4 wrapped and again very pleased but with a white car you do get some black debris on any exposed film junctions that you won’t notice on a dark car - food for thought
interestingly my installer won’t film the headlights as he is aware of rare delamination of the headlights over time , however for track days he applied film for me on headlights ( which can be removed ) and doubles up with extra strips you can apply yourself in vulnerable areas that can simply be removed after if wanted
tony
As noted before cleanliness and installation is all , so the company I used disassemble the panels and wrap over edges with film cut to correct size on laser printer : if any installer tried to cut sheets near/on the car I’d run a mile !
My GT3 was 3/4 wrapped and again very pleased but with a white car you do get some black debris on any exposed film junctions that you won’t notice on a dark car - food for thought
interestingly my installer won’t film the headlights as he is aware of rare delamination of the headlights over time , however for track days he applied film for me on headlights ( which can be removed ) and doubles up with extra strips you can apply yourself in vulnerable areas that can simply be removed after if wanted
tony
waxman said:
That is quite correct. There is an invisible coating on headlights nowadays that presumably is there preventing UV discoloration or something, anyway it will become damaged when removing PPF with an aggressive adhesive. Best to remove it as soon as possible after use and very carefully by warming it up in the process.
Regards,
Clive
mphillips
PCGB Member
I had Topaz PPF my 991.2 the day I picked it up from the dealers – filthy, straight off the transporter. In other words, nobody has washed the car except Topaz and me I decided to get all clued up on 'detailing', and have the PPF applied before anyone had a chance to mess up the paint with a poor wash. Two years and 21k miles later, through all weathers and trackdays, and it's still looking pretty good IMHO…
Yes, there is the odd chip and the flanks in front of the rear wheels is a bit pitted. But, seeing cars without PPF it compares very well, and I still consider it [a lot of] money well spent. After the first year I took it back to Topaz and had a detail with the ceramic coating. I must admit, that coating does seem to help with cleaning – a bit of a snow foaming and muck comes off pretty easily.
Transport system, incidentally, works a treat…
I decided to get all clued up on 'detailing', and have the PPF applied before anyone had a chance to mess up the paint with a poor wash. Two years and 21k miles later, through all weathers and trackdays, and it's still looking pretty good IMHO…Yes, there is the odd chip and the flanks in front of the rear wheels is a bit pitted. But, seeing cars without PPF it compares very well, and I still consider it [a lot of] money well spent. After the first year I took it back to Topaz and had a detail with the ceramic coating. I must admit, that coating does seem to help with cleaning – a bit of a snow foaming and muck comes off pretty easily.
Transport system, incidentally, works a treat…
Tony992
New member
Hi
Have you picked up your 992 yet and are you pleased with it ? I picked up my 992 4SCab on June 15th and am very pleases with it but haven’t fully explored it yet especially the PCM and IOS App. Just on the PPF I looked into it and had ONYX in West Bromwich do it, front,sills and rear arches £1800 - check out their instagram feed, they do some top end cars. I think the PPF is money well spent as it does provide some peace of mind. Incidentally, have you managed to get apple car play working in the car ? I can’t see it anywhere or how to access it, only an app for google music.
Have you picked up your 992 yet and are you pleased with it ? I picked up my 992 4SCab on June 15th and am very pleases with it but haven’t fully explored it yet especially the PCM and IOS App. Just on the PPF I looked into it and had ONYX in West Bromwich do it, front,sills and rear arches £1800 - check out their instagram feed, they do some top end cars. I think the PPF is money well spent as it does provide some peace of mind. Incidentally, have you managed to get apple car play working in the car ? I can’t see it anywhere or how to access it, only an app for google music.
zangezur
New member
yes I picked it up last month. Very pleased but I think my next one will be a cab. I had the PPF done at APM Customs near Chester. Had the front extended option including doors. Also had ceramic coating. Very good job.
Apple CarPlay works fine, just plugged in my iPhone and it works. You should either see it on screen or if you select media it should appear. I have had issues with the map update (it asks to update map but then gives an error), but that seems to be a known issue and is effecting everyone. Can’t get the apps to work but not a big deal.
Otherwise the PCM is fantastic. I also have a 2015 Cayenne S and the PCM in that seems so antiquated in comparison.
Apple CarPlay works fine, just plugged in my iPhone and it works. You should either see it on screen or if you select media it should appear. I have had issues with the map update (it asks to update map but then gives an error), but that seems to be a known issue and is effecting everyone. Can’t get the apps to work but not a big deal.
Otherwise the PCM is fantastic. I also have a 2015 Cayenne S and the PCM in that seems so antiquated in comparison.
May be changing my opinion on PPF, based on my previous comments
Was recently sent these by friend of a friend. 10 years he's had Armourfend PPF on his 430, that has taken a hammering over the years and two Mille Miglia tribute races. He's stunned at how red the paint still is underneath. Removal saw some lacquer removal, but was no biggie for him.
Was recently sent these by friend of a friend. 10 years he's had Armourfend PPF on his 430, that has taken a hammering over the years and two Mille Miglia tribute races. He's stunned at how red the paint still is underneath. Removal saw some lacquer removal, but was no biggie for him.
Tony992
New member
I've got appleplay working now but have have been told it often conflicts with the sat nav nav so I think I'll stick to streaming spotify as it negates this issue and saves the hassle of plugging the lead in and out of the phone.
How are you getting on with the door handles ? They seem to be a bit hit and miss - I must read the manual but I assumed the would pop open when you approach the car with key less entry but I still seem to need to tough the handle and almost coax the handle to pop up.
Also, Im trying to find a plastic seat cover (useful for getting in the car after the gym if no shower taken etc) - let me know if you come across one that will fit anywhere !
I popped along to my local area PCGB monthly meet last night which was interesting and will try and get to some events.
How are you getting on with the door handles ? They seem to be a bit hit and miss - I must read the manual but I assumed the would pop open when you approach the car with key less entry but I still seem to need to tough the handle and almost coax the handle to pop up.
Also, Im trying to find a plastic seat cover (useful for getting in the car after the gym if no shower taken etc) - let me know if you come across one that will fit anywhere !
I popped along to my local area PCGB monthly meet last night which was interesting and will try and get to some events.
zangezur
New member
I don’t use CarPlay that much because I prefer the Porsche navigation which I think is excellent. So I tend to plug the phone in but not use CarPlay, although you can switch between both systems if you prefer.
I didn’t go for the keyless entry, so I can‘t help on that one. No problems for me with the door handles which I actually really like.
For seat covers I know this company:
https://rhinoukbootlinersltd.co.uk/porsche-370-c.asp
I had them make a boot liner for my Cayenne which is very good and keeps it clean (I tend to carry around mountain bikes and muddy boots). They also make custom fit seat covers. They are made to order and will last a long time.
I haven‘t been to any of the meets your due to other commitments but will try...
Matt
I didn’t go for the keyless entry, so I can‘t help on that one. No problems for me with the door handles which I actually really like.
For seat covers I know this company:
https://rhinoukbootlinersltd.co.uk/porsche-370-c.asp
I had them make a boot liner for my Cayenne which is very good and keeps it clean (I tend to carry around mountain bikes and muddy boots). They also make custom fit seat covers. They are made to order and will last a long time.
I haven‘t been to any of the meets your due to other commitments but will try...
Matt
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