Hi all,

I searched the forums and found some good info on paint protection film and ceramic coating. The place that's quoting me indicated that the ceramic coating is sold based upon number of years (3, 5, or lifetime) -- not sure if that's number of years of guaranty, or what. But apparently the thickness will increase the longer the duration selected. The price difference is significant depending on the duration. The shop is also recommending that we do both PPF and ceramic if we plan to keep the car.

The car is a 2022 Signature Turbo in black that we bought for my son who is getting his license this week. I would hope that he has this vehicle through his college years.

Any suggestions on PPF and ceramic coating based upon the info presented above? I'm new to all of this and want to educate myself before spending a lot more money on the vehicle.

Thanks in advance.

 

Nothing beats a clear bra or clear 3m protective films.

 

That's quite a leap of faith getting your son who is getting his license a new $40k+ car. Hopefully, he will be a responsible and cautious driver. I've always gotten Xpel done on my cars and have had great luck and protection. Not sure how it compares to 3M, but both are quality products. I've done my own ceramic coatings and there are plenty of high quality ones out there. I have used CarPro's CQuartz UK, Fictech and Kamikaze Miyabi. All are well regarded and fairly easy to apply and have held up for a couple of years and more - with proper maintenance. If you are so inclined, you can save some good money and do it yourself inside of a day. But it's more important to do all the prep work - and there is prep work if you want top results. You can also skip some of the more intense prepping and use one of the spray on coatings also, but protection and rich deep gloss won't be up yo the former, but will be far ahead of how most cars look.

 

Thanks for the input. Very much appreciated. I'm not terribly handy, plus back problems, so probably left to the more capable person/expert.

Any thoughts on the number of years I mentioned (which I admittedly don't fully understand)? Maybe it's just extra coats for the longer duration?

No question I'm anxious about my son driving any car, but I wanted one with as many safety features to help a new driver out. Alas, none of those will help out with other crazy drivers...

 

I'm not sure about the number of years quoted, but all coatings still need to be maintained if they are to be warranteed for that amount of time, but that is dealer specific, so I would discuss that (which coating and number of coats) with the detailer. But much depends on whether of not the car is garaged or kept outside, weather - sun is tough on cars, so is snow and salt. Also, bringing the car into an automatic car wash can take its toll on the coating, or wax and eventually the car's clearcoat.

 

Thank you. I will be sure to discuss with the dealer. Appreciate your input.

 

No problem at all. I've been a hobbyist detailer for about 10 years, so I don't mind doing all the prep work and maintenance including only hand washing my cars, but I do understand that certainly isn't for everyone.

 

Professional ceramic coating is pretty pricy and there are as many cons as pros for it.
Your son is getting an expensive car for free, having him wax 4-5 times a year (depending on where you live) will do nearly the same.
It will cost far less money give some more understanding to son about the upkeep of vehicle, maintenance and ownership.
Plus, the wax on wax off will build up his stamina for those late-night college parties...I mean study sessions
It worked great for my son, unfortunately it didn't stop him from running into the corner of our garage.
He was really excited to tell his mother he got his license and he hit the accelerator instead of the brake.
Wax, clear coat, ceramic or protective films are no match for that.
He lives in Boston now and only uses public transportation or walks, as the cost for parking a car per month is nearly the same cost of his apartment rent.

 

Admittedly, I'm probably overcompensating for the very poor (economically and otherwise) childhood that I had. Maybe I should have bought used and put some money toward therapy. Lol.

 

The ceramic coating will help the finish in between the normal poling but will NOT protect from road impacts.

Clear coating DOES protect form impacts. Both 3m and Xpel are top line products. Neither should be applied by a DIY without at least someone on hand that has experience applying them. They are not user friendly installation . 3m actually has a school to get certified to install their products _ attended the school in San Jose CA) which is recognized in the dealerships across the nation as well many privately own paint protection business. It is very physical and demanding installing them on the front of many vehicles.

IMHO having tried and tested for longevity and durability (measured paint depth and also macro photography after application) many ceramic and other paint sealers they are more or less a HYP. That is from what we found and "IMHO"! lol If you take care of your vehicle with normal hand washing using top quality cleaning solutions and polish it at least once a year there is not to much difference having the paint protect vs just good common since cleaning and hand polishing. IMHO!!!
I wont mention the brands that are supposedly the best to get and there so called lasting for months. NOT true LOL. After the first wash you can see area's already not protected and by 6 mos those area grow and new area's start. Most ads for paint protection products always seem to like to show large flat surfaces....their is the hint that advertising does it job!!!

But it is your money to spend. Frankly if you compare the cost of a vehicle complete detailing at least once a years it is better investment then those paint coating!