PPF longevity Question
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 494
Likes: 125
From: Burleson TX
PPF longevity Question
I have only owned my 2011 ZR1 since last July so I have no idea how old the PPF is or what brand. It, however, looks really good with no hazing, yellowing or marks. I assume the PPF has been on the car since new so about 10 years old but I also assume the car has spent much of it's life garaged since it only has 15k miles.
I did some paint correction and coating with everyone's help but I have decided to have the car professionally corrected and ceramic coated. The detailer is well known and respected in Dallas and he said the PPF looks great. He suggested to just coat over it and don't waste the $$ with new film. I have read the older the film gets the harder it is to get off and the more likelihood to damage paint. Is that true on a car that is not daily driven and exposed to the elements?
Again with a car that is not driven often and with a high quality ceramic, the PPF could be on the car another 5+ years. Any concerns?
I did some paint correction and coating with everyone's help but I have decided to have the car professionally corrected and ceramic coated. The detailer is well known and respected in Dallas and he said the PPF looks great. He suggested to just coat over it and don't waste the $$ with new film. I have read the older the film gets the harder it is to get off and the more likelihood to damage paint. Is that true on a car that is not daily driven and exposed to the elements?
Again with a car that is not driven often and with a high quality ceramic, the PPF could be on the car another 5+ years. Any concerns?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 6,723
Likes: 1,089
From: NE OH
St. Jude Donor '09-'10
As mentioned, best to follow the professionals advice if you trust them. We had our C7 done with a complete PPF application in 2019 when new and if i have any film-related materials or installation issues for the 10-year warranty period, ill just send it down and am confident they'll take care of it w no questions.
That said, if PPF does lose some of it's 'pop' it can be refreshed/polished to a certain extent:
I have become so enamored w the benefits of PPF consudering how we use our 'fun' cars, will be sending my toy down to have it PPF'd this Winter. It suits our needs so well its kinda a no-brainer for me.
That said, if PPF does lose some of it's 'pop' it can be refreshed/polished to a certain extent:
I have become so enamored w the benefits of PPF consudering how we use our 'fun' cars, will be sending my toy down to have it PPF'd this Winter. It suits our needs so well its kinda a no-brainer for me.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 1,872
Likes: 333
From: Olmsted Falls Ohio
St. Jude Donor '12 thru '24
I've had Xpel on my 2013 since new, now 7 1/2 years old. Also on my 2015, just over 6 years old. Both look great, no lifted edges or corners, gloss is still great and can be improved with polishing and/or coating. Various detail sprays and sealants including some from Xpel work well. I'm fully expecting both to look good 5 years from now.
Although there may be a chorus of know-it-alls that say differently, I've also used abrasive polishes, up to and including Meguiars Ultimate Compound, with a DA and a soft pad on the film and it cleans it up and improves the appearance and gloss.
I once watched my film installer remove old film from one of his customer's cars - he used heat and some citrus-based solution to peel the film off without issues.
Although there may be a chorus of know-it-alls that say differently, I've also used abrasive polishes, up to and including Meguiars Ultimate Compound, with a DA and a soft pad on the film and it cleans it up and improves the appearance and gloss.
I once watched my film installer remove old film from one of his customer's cars - he used heat and some citrus-based solution to peel the film off without issues.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 494
Likes: 125
From: Burleson TX
Thanks for all the responses. Might redo the rear quarter edges since that is showing signs of the edge coming up, but leave the rest. The detailer is very familiar and has done PPF polishing so this will be done before the CC is applied.
