Paint Protection Film Installation
05-13-13, 09:34 AM
#31
Instructor
Thread Starter
From what I've been told, polishing may really not be necessary (or recommended) because it is plastic after all. Polishing it likely going to damage it. But washing/claying/waxing etc - yes. Do it all over the car (including on the PPF) to make the car's appearance consistent.
05-13-13, 09:37 AM
#32
Instructor
Thread Starter
My car is the same as yours from the color of it to the clear bra, however mind only goes half of the hood,. I live in northern Cali, your installer did a beautiful job, I want to do the whole hood, u got mine installed by the dealer lexus of concord, they did a terrible job, had to have the hood piece redone. Just curious where your installer shop is located.
05-13-13, 09:44 AM
#33
Lexus Fanatic
I called a local installer to inquire as to the price to have Xpel Ultimate installed on my vehicle. I was quoted $860 for the normal "bra" and $1,600 for the entire front end including the hood and fenders. For that price, you're very close to get a full repaint of the affected areas. I didn't feel the price justified the level of protection.
1. I wanted the car to look great all the time. When waiting for a few years to repaint the hood, bumper & fenders I will have to put up with an increasing number of chips until it got to the point where I could justify a repaint. The whole point is that I don't want to deal with chips. Then once its repainted...it will start chipping again.
2. You will have repainted areas instead of factory paint, which means you have to stress through color matching, peel matching, quality, etc.
I'd much rather just spend the money now and get the peace of mind of knowing the factory paint on the front is protected, and that for the most part I won't have to deal with chipping, which I hate.
To me that argument is kind of like not using sunblock because the cost of the aloe vera to sooth the sunburn is the same. The whole point is to avoid the pain of the sunburn in the first place...not to save money.
05-13-13, 09:59 AM
#34
05-13-13, 10:05 AM
#35
Instructor
Thread Starter
05-13-13, 10:56 AM
#36
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Join Date: May 2013
Location: CA
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If you have a black car this is a must since even the smallest blemish will show up. I had a black SC 430 and after two years of driving chips were very noticeable. My dad has a silver SC 430 two years older than mine and the paint actually seems to have held up a lot better. Not sure if it is the quality of the Lexus black paint as it does seem to chip easier or if it is just that it is more noticeable with black paint. Maybe a combination of both? I am debating on whether to do this or not on my new Nebula GS.
05-13-13, 03:07 PM
#37
Lexus Fanatic
Might not see yellowing on a black car, but you would see clouding...
05-13-13, 04:26 PM
#38
Instructor
Thread Starter
I know of a few other black cars that have over 7 years on them with no clouding issues. The only time I saw clouding was right after the install until the trapped water has evaporated out.
Everyone that has seen my car was surprised to know it even had PPF on it. The PPF material I had installed makes the factory one on the rear bumper look like junk.
Everyone that has seen my car was surprised to know it even had PPF on it. The PPF material I had installed makes the factory one on the rear bumper look like junk.
05-13-13, 04:28 PM
#39
Lexus Fanatic
Same way with mine...no clouding and I'm not worried about yellowing or clouding.
05-13-13, 06:51 PM
#40
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I had the same debate with myself, and this is why I went with the PPF vs the "have the front end repainted" option:
1. I wanted the car to look great all the time. When waiting for a few years to repaint the hood, bumper & fenders I will have to put up with an increasing number of chips until it got to the point where I could justify a repaint. The whole point is that I don't want to deal with chips. Then once its repainted...it will start chipping again.
2. You will have repainted areas instead of factory paint, which means you have to stress through color matching, peel matching, quality, etc.
I'd much rather just spend the money now and get the peace of mind of knowing the factory paint on the front is protected, and that for the most part I won't have to deal with chipping, which I hate.
To me that argument is kind of like not using sunblock because the cost of the aloe vera to sooth the sunburn is the same. The whole point is to avoid the pain of the sunburn in the first place...not to save money.
1. I wanted the car to look great all the time. When waiting for a few years to repaint the hood, bumper & fenders I will have to put up with an increasing number of chips until it got to the point where I could justify a repaint. The whole point is that I don't want to deal with chips. Then once its repainted...it will start chipping again.
2. You will have repainted areas instead of factory paint, which means you have to stress through color matching, peel matching, quality, etc.
I'd much rather just spend the money now and get the peace of mind of knowing the factory paint on the front is protected, and that for the most part I won't have to deal with chipping, which I hate.
To me that argument is kind of like not using sunblock because the cost of the aloe vera to sooth the sunburn is the same. The whole point is to avoid the pain of the sunburn in the first place...not to save money.
05-14-13, 11:49 AM
#41
Lexus Fanatic
Well yeah, installing the PPF after chips are already there doesn't make as much sense.
All I know is I hesitated getting it for two other cars, and did it this time and I will get it every time.
All I know is I hesitated getting it for two other cars, and did it this time and I will get it every time.
07-17-13, 09:31 PM
#44
Instructor
Thread Starter
