Quote:
Originally Posted by TJZ67201
It all depends on your budget, how long you intend to keep the car, and how much protection you want.
Ceramic / graphene coatings only protect against UV rays, bird bombs, minor swirling.
PPF protects against all of the above PLUS minimizing rock chips, larger deeper scratches, etc.
If you really care for your car, I would recommend at least a full frontal PPF, PLUS ceramic coating on the rest of the painted surfaces. You can expect to pay at least $2k for a full frontal if done right.
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I did full front, mirrors, rockers and full rear bumper on the M240. Then ceramic over the whole car. Looks good. But I'm extra careful on the ceramic only parts when I wash or detail because it doesn't provide much protection against swirls although I do think it helps due to the slickness and ease of contamination removal. The PPF is almost invincible. I do enjoy the rinseless washes from Xpel and Griot's (still use a two bucket method but no need for a hose).
Wifey's new Golf R has the works. Full PPF and ceramic coating on whole car and ceramic coating on the glass, wheels, and calipers. Super easy to clean and paint always looks great. Brake dust just rinses off wheels/caliper with water. Bugs come off the bumper/hood easy. I've gone to town on some bugs on the front bumper that has been a little tougher to remove and even some baked on bird bombs. I introduced some scratches and the bird bomb left what I would call 'etching'. However, this wasn't a regular clear coat I was used to in the past. (Usually I would have to use clay and/or compound/polish with an orbital then reapply wax and sometimes if I got to the bird bomb too late, especially in the heat of summer, I could always see the etching at the right angle/light). The next day the PPF was flawless. I was simply amazed. As if the bird bomb never hit the car. Never really 'baked in'.
The cost of entry is high for these types of products and quality can vary greatly. Usually the quality is related to cost but I've seen lots of different pricing. Pays to shop around. Go visit the detail shop. Look around at their work. Talk the the folks applying the film. If you see something on a car you don't like. Mention it and see how they explain. Perhaps you can pay a little more to have it done without seams/lines.
I still enjoy detailing/correcting/waxing some of my 'naked' cars but for the ultimate protection, especially if the car is exposed to harsh environments on a regular basis/daily driver/highway driving, I think the cost is well worth the peace of mind. That is, if you keep your cars for a while and perfection is your bag.
Sorry for the long post, but I'm pretty passionate about detailing my cars and I am blown away by advances in PPF and Ceramic Coatings for car protection.