A friend and fellow Porschephile suggested I seriously consider some protection for my freshly painted car. I'm not a huge fan of film or wraps, although I understand the appeal. We took a look at a car at Spokane Parade that used the following protection method: ceramicpro.com I have to say I was impressed after talking to the car owner. Pricey, but my friend pointed out that it was cheaper than another quality paint job.
Anyone have experience with this product or similar technologies? Pros, cons, alternate suggestions? TIA
- MR
I've had the 3M paint protection film on the front of several of my cars; it does a great job of protecting against rock chips.
but if you are looking to protect the entire car, then maybe the ceramic coating is the way to go
Coincidentally there is an active thread on Rennlist right now on this topic.
In hindsight after many small nicks/chips on the hoods of both of my current p-cars, I sure wish I (or the PO) had done it! I don't think I would do the entire car, just the leading surfaces, particularly the hood and front fender areas. If/when I get a newer car with pristine paint, I may go this route or at least the ceramic coat. My 911 already had a few nicks when I bought it, so I didn't do that one.
https://rennlist.com/forums/997-turbo-forum/1049853-use-xpell-or-not.html
I have had a clear-bra on my cars since 2005. She have looked better than others. Installer skill is key. I no longer get the 1/2 hood done. Now I have them wrap the entire hood and do the full front fenders, mirror backs, head and fog lights, door edges, door handle cups (women with nails protection), and sometimes a bit more, depending upon the particular car. Yes when you get up close you can tell it is clear-bra'd- but it keeps the car looking terrific all of the time and seriously reduces the chance of paint damage.
On my 914-6, once done, I don't know what we will do. I really don't know anything about a ceramic coating so I need to figure that out. But at the bare minimum the whole hood gets wrapped.
Here's where US and European car owners take their own route. No way that a European Porsche (or every car for that matter) would be covered by something like a clear bra.
Non-visible layers (fluids applied to the paint) are common among people who own an expensive car, but nothing visible like a stick-on coating or worse: an ugly black cover on the front.
M.
Well before you apply anything wait at least 30 days for the pain to be fully cured. I like the clear bra as it can easily be replaced. Think sacrificial coating.
The new XPEL coating is very cool, it's self healing when heat is applied (either parking in sun or heat-gun) to get scratches in the coating.
Be sure to do a paint correction and sealant before putting it on, so it looks tip-top.
I may be in the minority here, but I always think of 'ceramic' coating as a high priced paint sealant.
Thanks for all the constructive feedback, guys. I heard the same thing about letting the paint cure. Paint was done about a year ago, so that's not an issue.
- MR
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