Another PPF Thread
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2023
Posts: 336
Likes: 187
Another PPF Thread
Got some quotes today for PPF Options, need some feedback from those who've done this. Both quotes for "track pack" type coverage (Front bumper, fenders, full hood, headlights, side mirrors, full rockers, door handle pockets, door edge guards, A-Pillars and leading edge of roof.) in 10 mil thickness.
One is quote is 2,800. The other is 3,700 (or 3,200 for 8 mil) but comes with xpel prime xr window film, and also sounds like they provide a paint correction process prior to applying. Is the tint worth an extra $900? The more expensive option also quoted me $1k for full fusion plus perm. ceramic coat over everything. That seems a little steep for ceramic coat, but it's been a few years since I've done one to my Raptor.
One is quote is 2,800. The other is 3,700 (or 3,200 for 8 mil) but comes with xpel prime xr window film, and also sounds like they provide a paint correction process prior to applying. Is the tint worth an extra $900? The more expensive option also quoted me $1k for full fusion plus perm. ceramic coat over everything. That seems a little steep for ceramic coat, but it's been a few years since I've done one to my Raptor.
Popular Reply
May 22, 2024, 06:09 PM
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 14,093
Likes: 1,599
From: Edmond Oklahoma
Always buy the installer first and foremost. Even the best PPF product on the planet can look bad if not installed correctly.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 5,503
Likes: 1,818
From: Arkansas
St. Jude Donor '09 thru '17,'22 thru '26
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 5,767
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From: Rural NW Georgia. GO DAWGS!
2024 C8 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
....and that quote for that PPF package and ceramic coating is very low. The paint prep is the most time consuming and runs up the cost with labor. If they don't do the prep correctly they will seal in all of the imperfections. I've had seven vehicles ceramic coated and $2,800 would be my discounted rate from my shop just for ceramic because I use them so much and send them so many referrals.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 1,284
Likes: 778
So if you take your car to a PPF installer who does not estimate paint correction or have the proper equipment, the install can cost significantly less and in some cases adequate.
Last edited by gdb069; May 23, 2024 at 12:03 PM.
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2023
Posts: 336
Likes: 187
As pointed out a few hundred times: PPF install is not difficult, the product is not expensive and can even be DIY. The variable cost is in how much paint correction needs to be done. Here, the top PPF installer has been in business for 20 years. What they do is carefully examine the paint using 5000K White LED lights, identifying any defects and I was surprised at how many there were on my 5 miles new car (They also had two Porsches at the same time with several defects). They have built their reputation on quality work so if you don't want to have the paint corrected they will recommend a less expensive installer. In my case paint correction was about half the price of the PPF install.
So if you take your car to a PPF installer who does not estimate paint correction or have the proper equipment, the install can cost significantly less and in some cases adequate.
So if you take your car to a PPF installer who does not estimate paint correction or have the proper equipment, the install can cost significantly less and in some cases adequate.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 597
Likes: 257
From: Michigan
Tint is a couple hundred, so you're really looking at ~$3,500 for paint correction and ppf. If that's a wrapped edges custom install price I think it's in the ballpark for a reputable shop, could be more or less depending on where you are in the US. Paying for paint correction can also make any conflicts about the install easier to deal with, because it puts that ownership on the installer.
If they are doing the rockers, ask about if that includes the door sill area because it'll save you another wear area to worry about. Actually on our cars I think it's best to have a clear markup or review of what all is covered, wrapped vs. edge, where any trim edges will be. There are a lot of complex surfaces, especially on the front bumper, and it's best to know what you are paying for up front vs. arguing after. There's a lot of room for interpretation with all the front end surfaces, trim parts, etc.
I get the sentiment from other posters that PPF is arguably inexpensive and DIY. I've done a few cars and trucks in the past. Our front bumper is a nightmare and as a pro I'd be quoting high just because of it.
If they are doing the rockers, ask about if that includes the door sill area because it'll save you another wear area to worry about. Actually on our cars I think it's best to have a clear markup or review of what all is covered, wrapped vs. edge, where any trim edges will be. There are a lot of complex surfaces, especially on the front bumper, and it's best to know what you are paying for up front vs. arguing after. There's a lot of room for interpretation with all the front end surfaces, trim parts, etc.
I get the sentiment from other posters that PPF is arguably inexpensive and DIY. I've done a few cars and trucks in the past. Our front bumper is a nightmare and as a pro I'd be quoting high just because of it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 5,503
Likes: 1,818
From: Arkansas
St. Jude Donor '09 thru '17,'22 thru '26
As pointed out a few hundred times: PPF install is not difficult, the product is not expensive and can even be DIY. The variable cost is in how much paint correction needs to be done. Here, the top PPF installer has been in business for 20 years. What they do is carefully examine the paint using 5000K White LED lights, identifying any defects and I was surprised at how many there were on my 5 miles new car (They also had two Porsches at the same time with several defects). They have built their reputation on quality work so if you don't want to have the paint corrected they will recommend a less expensive installer. In my case paint correction was about half the price of the PPF install.
So if you take your car to a PPF installer who does not estimate paint correction or have the proper equipment, the install can cost significantly less and in some cases adequate.
So if you take your car to a PPF installer who does not estimate paint correction or have the proper equipment, the install can cost significantly less and in some cases adequate.
It may not be difficult for some but IMO it definitely is not a DIY project.