PPF Cost Compare
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,060
Likes: 85
From: Richmond VA Everyone should have a VetteGuard
PPF Cost Compare
I got a general quote from one applicator in the Richmond VA area, but asking if anyone knows of others that do PPF in the area? I checked the Xpel web site and got just one from the area but would like to get at least another quote to compare. There may be some out of area so if that's the case might just go with local if it becomes too far. Or go with a non-Xpel, which I'd prefer not to but cost is something to consider too. Thank you.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 3,658
Likes: 1,939
Don’t live in the area but PPF is hard to compare. Some shops have no C8 experience, some use shortcuts that will leave your PPF with a lot of exposed seams and edges that trap dirt and wax, some don’t remove emblems and cut around them. Some cut the film on your car leaving score marks in the paint.
It’s kinda like shopping for a cheap plastic surgeon.
It’s kinda like shopping for a cheap plastic surgeon.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 322
Likes: 229
I got 4 quotes for full PPF on an HTC using Xpel ranging from $5700 to $9500. Everybody had done 0 to 1 C8 beforehand. All had PPF experience with much more expensive cars than a C8. I think the quotes varied wildly because they honestly don't know how long a C8 will take. Everyone says it is is a complex job. After 10 business days, they're still working on mine. The things I would look for:
1. Reputable brand of PPF. Some shops recommended brands I had not researched. Get a written warranty with your paperwork.
2. I feel custom cuts are better than pre-cuts because custom cuts will wrap around the edges.
3. Obviously check for bubbling and peeling.
4. Negotiate exactly what will and won't be covered by the PPF. For example, the door sill was not included because it is technically not part of the car exterior, but I had it included. I've had many cars get damaged in that area by sharp heels and seat belts.
5. I am having some black trim pieces (e.g., mirror, side scoops) wrapped in carbon fiber.
5. Everybody sells the ceramic coating add-on. I went with Ceramic Pro with a 2 year warranty for $1200. I once paid a mobile detailer $600 for a ceramic coating, and that was crap.
1. Reputable brand of PPF. Some shops recommended brands I had not researched. Get a written warranty with your paperwork.
2. I feel custom cuts are better than pre-cuts because custom cuts will wrap around the edges.
3. Obviously check for bubbling and peeling.
4. Negotiate exactly what will and won't be covered by the PPF. For example, the door sill was not included because it is technically not part of the car exterior, but I had it included. I've had many cars get damaged in that area by sharp heels and seat belts.
5. I am having some black trim pieces (e.g., mirror, side scoops) wrapped in carbon fiber.
5. Everybody sells the ceramic coating add-on. I went with Ceramic Pro with a 2 year warranty for $1200. I once paid a mobile detailer $600 for a ceramic coating, and that was crap.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 46,295
Likes: 2,596
From: Northern, VA
St. Jude Donor '15
"In honor of jpee"
This may be wrong info, but just about every PPF installer I've talked to, or used has used an Xacto, or equivalent to cut some places, trim, etc. Two different ones local to me said that they all do to some extent (even if you're getting pre-cut for your exact car) and that's part of what you pay for: expertise with the blade.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 2,600
Likes: 2,653
From: Texas
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 3,658
Likes: 1,939
I got 4 quotes for full PPF on an HTC using Xpel ranging from $5700 to $9500. Everybody had done 0 to 1 C8 beforehand. All had PPF experience with much more expensive cars than a C8. I think the quotes varied wildly because they honestly don't know how long a C8 will take. Everyone says it is is a complex job. After 10 business days, they're still working on mine. The things I would look for:
1. Reputable brand of PPF. Some shops recommended brands I had not researched. Get a written warranty with your paperwork.
2. I feel custom cuts are better than pre-cuts because custom cuts will wrap around the edges.
3. Obviously check for bubbling and peeling.
4. Negotiate exactly what will and won't be covered by the PPF. For example, the door sill was not included because it is technically not part of the car exterior, but I had it included. I've had many cars get damaged in that area by sharp heels and seat belts.
5. I am having some black trim pieces (e.g., mirror, side scoops) wrapped in carbon fiber.
5. Everybody sells the ceramic coating add-on. I went with Ceramic Pro with a 2 year warranty for $1200. I once paid a mobile detailer $600 for a ceramic coating, and that was crap.
1. Reputable brand of PPF. Some shops recommended brands I had not researched. Get a written warranty with your paperwork.
2. I feel custom cuts are better than pre-cuts because custom cuts will wrap around the edges.
3. Obviously check for bubbling and peeling.
4. Negotiate exactly what will and won't be covered by the PPF. For example, the door sill was not included because it is technically not part of the car exterior, but I had it included. I've had many cars get damaged in that area by sharp heels and seat belts.
5. I am having some black trim pieces (e.g., mirror, side scoops) wrapped in carbon fiber.
5. Everybody sells the ceramic coating add-on. I went with Ceramic Pro with a 2 year warranty for $1200. I once paid a mobile detailer $600 for a ceramic coating, and that was crap.
Better still is an experienced C8 installer knows where to tweak the plotting maps to delete certain designed in seams or add more material to specific corners and edges to make a better install.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 322
Likes: 229
This may be wrong info, but just about every PPF installer I've talked to, or used has used an Xacto, or equivalent to cut some places, trim, etc. Two different ones local to me said that they all do to some extent (even if you're getting pre-cut for your exact car) and that's part of what you pay for: expertise with the blade.
Supporting Vendor
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 742
Likes: 464
From: New Albany, Ohio
Check prospective installers out in person if possible, take note of overall shop cleanliness, how they carry themselves, body of work and such to get an overall impression and then approach the project in a manner reflecting just what it is, that being a collaborative project as opposed to a 'price-tag' sales transaction.
Some general C8-specific protection information we put together when it was first released: https://www.esotericdetail.com/c8-corvette-detailing/
Select a good installer and the project will be both informative and entertaining in addition to providing some great protection for your car. Enjoy the C8!
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Brett Foote
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 240
Likes: 100
From: Plano TX
I got 4 quotes for full PPF on an HTC using Xpel ranging from $5700 to $9500. Everybody had done 0 to 1 C8 beforehand. All had PPF experience with much more expensive cars than a C8. I think the quotes varied wildly because they honestly don't know how long a C8 will take. Everyone says it is is a complex job. After 10 business days, they're still working on mine. The things I would look for:
1. Reputable brand of PPF. Some shops recommended brands I had not researched. Get a written warranty with your paperwork.
2. I feel custom cuts are better than pre-cuts because custom cuts will wrap around the edges.
3. Obviously check for bubbling and peeling.
4. Negotiate exactly what will and won't be covered by the PPF. For example, the door sill was not included because it is technically not part of the car exterior, but I had it included. I've had many cars get damaged in that area by sharp heels and seat belts.
5. I am having some black trim pieces (e.g., mirror, side scoops) wrapped in carbon fiber.
5. Everybody sells the ceramic coating add-on. I went with Ceramic Pro with a 2 year warranty for $1200. I once paid a mobile detailer $600 for a ceramic coating, and that was crap.
1. Reputable brand of PPF. Some shops recommended brands I had not researched. Get a written warranty with your paperwork.
2. I feel custom cuts are better than pre-cuts because custom cuts will wrap around the edges.
3. Obviously check for bubbling and peeling.
4. Negotiate exactly what will and won't be covered by the PPF. For example, the door sill was not included because it is technically not part of the car exterior, but I had it included. I've had many cars get damaged in that area by sharp heels and seat belts.
5. I am having some black trim pieces (e.g., mirror, side scoops) wrapped in carbon fiber.
5. Everybody sells the ceramic coating add-on. I went with Ceramic Pro with a 2 year warranty for $1200. I once paid a mobile detailer $600 for a ceramic coating, and that was crap.
Ten days way too long for a full wrap. That would make me nervous. Are they redoing panels over and over?
An expert custom installer working alone can do that job in 5 days.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 322
Likes: 229
The shop is within walking distance of my home so I can monitor their progress and quality. The installer said some cars take as quick as 3 days but this one has some tricky angles. I’m also doing a bit of carbon fiber wrap on some trim and the roof. They are definitely learning on the job as this is their second C8 and first HTC but so far I’m happy with the quality.
