grasmere wrote: Wed Aug 09, 2023 4:47 am
As per the title:
I’m looking at getting a full exterior PPF in satin stealth on my black 2018 CS.
I’m going to visit one of the places to see close up but
just wanted to know what questions to ask of all the guys
I’m getting quotes from please.
My thoughts currently are,
Stickability - how secure is it at the edges - fears of it peeling away.
Ceramic coating - is it necessary on ppf?
Ok, I'll start.
I've had 3 cars done myself and went through several others with friends... I'm no expert, but a nicely seasoned and jaded consumer....
Single most important thing -- and it's a biggie -- is the installer. A great installer will do a better job than an ok installer pretty much regardless of everything else (unless he's using a pre-cut kit -- see below). Check out his work and ask around for who uses who and why. Go for the best and longest-running reputation!
Ask if they use a pre-cut kit of wrap it from scratch. Pre-cut kits will have more edges and cut lines, etc. I've never seen a kit I'd want on my Porsche -- that's not to say they don't exist, but none of the kits I've seen compare to a custom wrap (at all!).
What film will they use? Some have less orange peel than others; some are easier to work around tight corners; some are clearer; some show more/less dirt around cut lines; some are thicker/thinner; warranties differ, etc. The films are constantly evolving, so not fair to compare 2018 3M film to 2022 Suntek, but I'll say the latest Suntek is the clearest, smoothest, best of tight-corners film I've seen. That said, it's quite possible the latest 3M and XPel are now just as good -- Suntek is making the rounds in my area so I have not seen a 3M or XPel car done in the last 12 months. Personally, I'd avoid off brands, unless and until they prove themselves in the market.
What parts will they remove to film the car? Some installers will remove mirrors, headlights, trim, etc. in order to wrap the car with the fewest seams, etc. High-end installers who strive for perfection tend to do that, but it adds times and expense. They can hide edges under parts that way and avoid creating seams. Think of the rear view mirrors for example -- if you take it off and apply a single sheet of film over the area, you can then cut a hole in it to reattach the mirror and end up with no visible edge or lines. Alternatively, they can cut around the mirror and run seam from the mirror to the window line of the door. That can look 'ok' if done well, but not invisible like when you remove parts. On the other hand, some people don't want the installer taking parts off the car (especially if they haven't done the same model a few times already).
How do they manage tight corners? Tight corners are a challenge. If they push it too hard, you get "fingers" or lifting of the film. Once the film starts to lift, it collects dirt and pretty much has to be trimmed off. Sometimes discretion is the better part of valor -- a tiny seam that lasts for years is better than a tightly wrapped corner that lifts and needs to be cut off in a few months... When looking at the installers work, look for something he did last year, not last week, and look for lifting around tight corners vs. seams where prudent.
Warranty. Most have a 10 year warranty, but it's pretty limited to yellowing, etc. What will the installer do if his work lifts, etc. My favorite local installer sees his work as a rolling billboard, so will come back and fix installation issues for free.
If using a ceramic, make sure it does not void the warranty -- some warranties are voided if you use an unapproved ceramic coating.
What is not filmed? Some installers will opt not to film certain parts of the car -- like rear bumpers, mirrors, etc. Worth having that conversation upfront to avoid misunderstandings. Also consider a windshield film. Porsche windshields like to break
Also consider doubling up in high-debris zones.
What to look for? When checking out cars, look for lifting; look for dirt in the seams (partly film, partly installer); look for orange peel (and choose a different film if you see much of it); look for cut lines around edges and trim that could have been avoided by wrapping around edges and/or removing parts/trim; look for stretch marks in the film in high-contour areas; look for air bubbles/pockets; look for haze under the film. When dealing with bubbles, haze, stretch marks and other installer-created issues, beware that installers love to say those problems will fade away and disappear after a few weeks. Also be aware that many to most of them don't.
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