Paint care options for new car

Paint care options for new car

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Discussion

conkerman

Original Poster:

3,378 posts

142 months

Thursday 16th March 2023
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Hi all.

Looking for some advice.

I picked up a new car a couple of weeks ago and I'm looking for options to keep the paint looking nice. I'm not one for taking a lot of time to wash cars, so am looking for something easy to care for, and resistant to bird poo smile

I was considering either ceramic coating or maybe PPF.

I am a complete newb to this stuff, so want the opinion of wiser folk on what is the best option.

I live near High Wycombe, what would I expect to pay for these?

Anyone have any recommendations for firms in my area?

Thank you.

Techno9000

111 posts

83 months

Friday 17th March 2023
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PPF is my solution, but I keep my cars for quite a few years, 7-10 is usual. In that time stone chips and 'gravel rash' behind the wheels builds up. PPF stops that and self healing types shrug it off, looking good after several years, ceramic coatings just won't.

I've got Xpel Ultimate, a self healing film. You can sometimes see the odd swirl mark in bright Sunlight following washing, however after a couple of days it's healed in the Sunlights heat.
Etching from bird poo can be quite deep on the film, but again it heals completely. It takes longer to heal but it gets there and then is completely invisible. The gloss can be enhanced by waxing if you wish.

The downside is mainly cost but if like me, it's a keeper, it starts to be less of an issue.



Edited by Techno9000 on Friday 17th March 21:43


Edited by Techno9000 on Friday 17th March 21:44


Edited by Techno9000 on Friday 17th March 21:46

somouk

1,425 posts

205 months

Saturday 18th March 2023
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They do different jobs...

PPF will protect the car from mechanical damge issues such as stone chips or scratches. Ceramic makes it easier to clean and keeps it looking cleaner.

Cost wise, full car PPF will be near 2k, some cars have templates to do parts that are specifically bad for road rash, often bumpers and half bonnet. Expect to pay about £600-800 for that.

Ceramic will depend on if the paint is being corrected before application, it should have a full decontamination and then what type of ceramic is applied and how long it will last. Usually 1 year, 2 year or longer. If it's a high end job then could be near £1000, cheaper end of the market is £500.

iwantagta

1,323 posts

152 months

Saturday 18th March 2023
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NB - another thread exists about PPF being notifiable to your insurer so if you do this make sure to tell them.

davek_964

9,293 posts

182 months

Saturday 18th March 2023
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Full car PPF for £2k? Where?

I had mine done about 3 years ago - £2k was the quote for just the front. Full car cost me ~£4.5k, and most places wanted closer to £5k.

somouk

1,425 posts

205 months

Monday 20th March 2023
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davek_964 said:
Full car PPF for £2k? Where?

I had mine done about 3 years ago - £2k was the quote for just the front. Full car cost me ~£4.5k, and most places wanted closer to £5k.
May have been a mates rates quote that for the full car. Never asked anywhere else to gauge it.

conkerman

Original Poster:

3,378 posts

142 months

Monday 20th March 2023
quotequote all
Thanks for the information.

I'll sniff around my local area for someone reputable for Ceramic coating. PPF is Overkill for the value of the car.

Cheers!