Protection film vs detailing vs repairs
Discussion
Apologies if this has been covered before.
Just looking for some thoughts on the best way to look after a car in terms of repair/correction/prevention.
The way I understand it, we have a number of options below:
- Front stone chip repair at OPC (Read somewhere it was c.£2k)
- Stone chip repair via an indy such as Dents+ or such like (c.£100-200 as and when)
- Full paint correction detail (c.£600)
- Paint shield film (c.£600 for the front of most cars)
Now, I have had a locals 'Chips away' style firm do stuff for me in the past on other cars and they have done an incredible job. However, I get the impression this can be a bit 'hit and miss', so you take your balls in your hand a little.
When it comes to something like protection film, it's recommended you have the full business detail beforehand as well, which pushes cost up.
My numbers head tells me that if I drop >£1k on a detail and film application, that would actually just pay for 5 or so chip repair sessions...so you only 'save' money once you get past a certain amount of protection-vs-correction.
My car has 2 very small stone chips (noticed by my other half but not by me...which tells you how small they are as I didn't have my glasses on!) so that would all need to be dealt with before any film was applied, which alongside the detail and film application, could push the cost right up to the point where I may as well just wait until the front end was like Desperate Dan's chin and then pay for the full OPC refresh.
I know prevention is better than cure, but I have an annoying habit of looking at expenditure against what else I could use it on...so I could find plenty of uses for my £1k outlay instead of a nice clean and some plastic film if that's really all it comes down to.
What do people think on here?
Just looking for some thoughts on the best way to look after a car in terms of repair/correction/prevention.
The way I understand it, we have a number of options below:
- Front stone chip repair at OPC (Read somewhere it was c.£2k)
- Stone chip repair via an indy such as Dents+ or such like (c.£100-200 as and when)
- Full paint correction detail (c.£600)
- Paint shield film (c.£600 for the front of most cars)
Now, I have had a locals 'Chips away' style firm do stuff for me in the past on other cars and they have done an incredible job. However, I get the impression this can be a bit 'hit and miss', so you take your balls in your hand a little.
When it comes to something like protection film, it's recommended you have the full business detail beforehand as well, which pushes cost up.
My numbers head tells me that if I drop >£1k on a detail and film application, that would actually just pay for 5 or so chip repair sessions...so you only 'save' money once you get past a certain amount of protection-vs-correction.
My car has 2 very small stone chips (noticed by my other half but not by me...which tells you how small they are as I didn't have my glasses on!) so that would all need to be dealt with before any film was applied, which alongside the detail and film application, could push the cost right up to the point where I may as well just wait until the front end was like Desperate Dan's chin and then pay for the full OPC refresh.
I know prevention is better than cure, but I have an annoying habit of looking at expenditure against what else I could use it on...so I could find plenty of uses for my £1k outlay instead of a nice clean and some plastic film if that's really all it comes down to.
What do people think on here?
I have been toying with these same numbers for a while now as well, and I have come up with certain conclusions. Yes, on paper, the protection film is not particularly worth it, however, it also protects the paint against general wear and tear, and for me, crucially swirls. I do not have protection film on, and so I am very conscious about who I let wash my car, often times I end up washing it myself, which isn't ideal. With one of these new self healing films, you don't care about that, so you can just leave your car to be washed by almost anyone without fear of any paint damage. Also, the film means your car is always stone chip free. That may not sound like anything special, but I have about 3 stone chips and it bugs no end knowing they are there. It just gives you that piece of mind. I would definitely get a protection film on my next car. It just makes day to day maintenance worry-free, and allows you to keep your car looking like new. Those are my thoughts - but then again, I am the type of person who also gets a new car detailing done, so I always want me car to look new and sparkly.
I think the thing is a full correction detail is going to be one of those things you don't appreciate until you have it done. I've not really seen a 'just done' car in the metal, so not had the chance to think,"Yeah, I see where the money goes - gotta get me some of that"....or not!
I know that a well done valet makes a car look great, so where does the extra time & hundreds of pounds go? I don't mean that in order to devalue the business or service...just trying to illustrate why it's tough to pull the trigger. Kinda like spending money on good insurance - you don't see the benefit until you...well...see it, if that makes sense!
I know that a well done valet makes a car look great, so where does the extra time & hundreds of pounds go? I don't mean that in order to devalue the business or service...just trying to illustrate why it's tough to pull the trigger. Kinda like spending money on good insurance - you don't see the benefit until you...well...see it, if that makes sense!
cypriot said:
I have been toying with these same numbers for a while now as well, and I have come up with certain conclusions. Yes, on paper, the protection film is not particularly worth it, however, it also protects the paint against general wear and tear, and for me, crucially swirls. I do not have protection film on, and so I am very conscious about who I let wash my car, often times I end up washing it myself, which isn't ideal. With one of these new self healing films, you don't care about that, so you can just leave your car to be washed by almost anyone without fear of any paint damage. Also, the film means your car is always stone chip free. That may not sound like anything special, but I have about 3 stone chips and it bugs no end knowing they are there. It just gives you that piece of mind. I would definitely get a protection film on my next car. It just makes day to day maintenance worry-free, and allows you to keep your car looking like new. Those are my thoughts - but then again, I am the type of person who also gets a new car detailing done, so I always want me car to look new and sparkly.
I like the real thing. Never protected a car of mine, in the same way I don't put plastic covers on my furniture. Patina is good. Shrink wrapping isn't IMO.PhantomPH said:
I think the thing is a full correction detail is going to be one of those things you don't appreciate until you have it done. I've not really seen a 'just done' car in the metal, so not had the chance to think,"Yeah, I see where the money goes - gotta get me some of that"....or not!
I'm sure your local detailer would be happy to oblige - let you see a car before and after. If they're anything like worth their salt, the results speak for themselves.Here's mine: https://www.facebook.com/Staffordshirecarcare/vide...
Edited by Digga on Thursday 2nd March 14:13
I have the bonnet, wings and mirrors wrapped with the protection film. I really like it. My 996 turbo is a 2004 and only replaced the film once. Looks good and lasts well. The way I look at it is the car always looks its best all of the time. You don't need to keep touching the paint up or respraying bumpers etc.
Digga said:
I'm sure your local detailer would be happy to oblige - let you see a car before and after. If they're anything like worth their salt, the results speak for themselves.
Here's mine: https://www.facebook.com/Staffordshirecarcare/vide...
Looks really nice. What's the longevity of the finish like?Here's mine: https://www.facebook.com/Staffordshirecarcare/vide...
Edited by Digga on Thursday 2nd March 14:13
PhantomPH said:
Digga said:
I'm sure your local detailer would be happy to oblige - let you see a car before and after. If they're anything like worth their salt, the results speak for themselves.
Here's mine: https://www.facebook.com/Staffordshirecarcare/vide...
Looks really nice. What's the longevity of the finish like?Here's mine: https://www.facebook.com/Staffordshirecarcare/vide...
Edited by Digga on Thursday 2nd March 14:13
PhantomPH, what exactly are you looking to protect against? If it is stone chips, then you only need to weigh up PPF versus just getting touch-ups as and when.
A detailers ceramic covering is certainly the best way of making the car look its best (after initial stages), but it won't do anything to protect against stone chips. There are some detailers that 'claim' you could drive through a hedge and not scratch the car with it applied; they are sh*t bat stupid.
You are misinformed though, a full detail is NOT required prior to PPF, as PPF for the most part hides swirls, imperfections etc; which in itself is a negative, as you do lose some shine/colour regardless of what the 'experts' tell you. They do a basic clean and some detail type processes, but not to the same degree.
My opinion, if you just want it to look its best, and worry less about chips, get a detail; if you want to protect against stone chips and feel you may suffer a few (track action, regular motorway use), get PPF; otherwise, just hope for the best and tackle issues as and when.
A detailers ceramic covering is certainly the best way of making the car look its best (after initial stages), but it won't do anything to protect against stone chips. There are some detailers that 'claim' you could drive through a hedge and not scratch the car with it applied; they are sh*t bat stupid.
You are misinformed though, a full detail is NOT required prior to PPF, as PPF for the most part hides swirls, imperfections etc; which in itself is a negative, as you do lose some shine/colour regardless of what the 'experts' tell you. They do a basic clean and some detail type processes, but not to the same degree.
My opinion, if you just want it to look its best, and worry less about chips, get a detail; if you want to protect against stone chips and feel you may suffer a few (track action, regular motorway use), get PPF; otherwise, just hope for the best and tackle issues as and when.
As I have PPF on my GT4 I thought I would add my 2 pence.
As has been said the film does cover up a lot of the imperfections, however I don't necessarily agree with the comment about not having a full detail first. My installer showed me the difference between a panel that has been prepared and one that had not and there was a noticeable difference in the retained gloss. Dont get me wrong I completely agree a fully detailed car without ppf is by far the best finish and if you have never had it done you really cant compare it to the crap the dealers do.
A full car detail typically will take 2-3 days. If the dealers spend 4 hours on the car you will be lucky, not to mention the potential of ghosting etc where they have rushed the rotary polish process.
For me the key reason why I wanted film was I intend to track the car a couple of times and those are the occasions where certain exposed panels can take a hammering. The ppf will absorb virtually all of this and if its really bad you can just get that piece of ppf replaced at a fraction of the cost.
The other downside of ppf as well as the clarity of the paint finish is the visible edge lines of the film (although there is a new spray method out at the moment that will effectively remove this issue – still early days on this). This is a big point though and its crucially a key thing you should discuss with your fitter. Effectively the more parts they are happy to remove the less lines that will be visible, but of course this adds to the time frame and therefore cost.
Having had the ppf on the car for 9 months now I have to say its held up amazingly well including taking a hit from peddle bike.
The best advice I can give is go and see an installer and look at the difference on panels etc to see if you would be happy.
As has been said the film does cover up a lot of the imperfections, however I don't necessarily agree with the comment about not having a full detail first. My installer showed me the difference between a panel that has been prepared and one that had not and there was a noticeable difference in the retained gloss. Dont get me wrong I completely agree a fully detailed car without ppf is by far the best finish and if you have never had it done you really cant compare it to the crap the dealers do.
A full car detail typically will take 2-3 days. If the dealers spend 4 hours on the car you will be lucky, not to mention the potential of ghosting etc where they have rushed the rotary polish process.
For me the key reason why I wanted film was I intend to track the car a couple of times and those are the occasions where certain exposed panels can take a hammering. The ppf will absorb virtually all of this and if its really bad you can just get that piece of ppf replaced at a fraction of the cost.
The other downside of ppf as well as the clarity of the paint finish is the visible edge lines of the film (although there is a new spray method out at the moment that will effectively remove this issue – still early days on this). This is a big point though and its crucially a key thing you should discuss with your fitter. Effectively the more parts they are happy to remove the less lines that will be visible, but of course this adds to the time frame and therefore cost.
Having had the ppf on the car for 9 months now I have to say its held up amazingly well including taking a hit from peddle bike.
The best advice I can give is go and see an installer and look at the difference on panels etc to see if you would be happy.
langlord said:
As I have PPF on my GT4 I thought I would add my 2 pence.
As has been said the film does cover up a lot of the imperfections, however I don't necessarily agree with the comment about not having a full detail first. My installer showed me the difference between a panel that has been prepared and one that had not and there was a noticeable difference in the retained gloss. Dont get me wrong I completely agree a fully detailed car without ppf is by far the best finish and if you have never had it done you really cant compare it to the crap the dealers do.
Not got PPF, but that was the impression my detailer gave.As has been said the film does cover up a lot of the imperfections, however I don't necessarily agree with the comment about not having a full detail first. My installer showed me the difference between a panel that has been prepared and one that had not and there was a noticeable difference in the retained gloss. Dont get me wrong I completely agree a fully detailed car without ppf is by far the best finish and if you have never had it done you really cant compare it to the crap the dealers do.
langlord said:
Having had the ppf on the car for 9 months now I have to say its held up amazingly well including taking a hit from peddle bike.
Had not heard about it's cyclist repellent properties. How long do these last? 
Some people leave their TV and Sky Remotes in the plastic bag, some plastic wrap the sofas in the caravan, some put plastic on their car?
Me, I clean it,wax it and clay bar and polish it with a DA once a year and the rest of the time just f
king enjoy it.
One day if I still own it (and probably after giving Hartech £10k to rebuild the engine) then i I can just get the whole thing glass out resprayed. Until then it's Just patina as Magnus Walker would say.
Me, I clean it,wax it and clay bar and polish it with a DA once a year and the rest of the time just f
king enjoy it.One day if I still own it (and probably after giving Hartech £10k to rebuild the engine) then i I can just get the whole thing glass out resprayed. Until then it's Just patina as Magnus Walker would say.
I am glad this subject has been brought up.
My 2.4S has had the entire front end filmed. Front wings, bonnet and bumper. Looks very good. The guy I bought it from did not even tell me it had been done.
My basalt black car was detailed prior to me buying it. Paint correction done and coated with Crystal Serum Light. No Exo top coat. So my conundrum is if I get PPF done which my niece tells me I am mad not to. They have to remove the Crystal Serum coating before they can apply the film.
To have the entire car protected and including the removal of the ceramic coating I have been quoted £8K. Front end £3.5K plus another £0.5K for the sills. I am sure that if I took my 3.2 Carrera in for a quote the price would be very different.
Those prices are nuts and I reckon most places of good repute will be similar. Commensurate with the value of the car which is bo**cks.
I'll just have to take my chances and I too am a fan of real paint. But without my glasses on I would not be able to tell the difference anyway
My 2.4S has had the entire front end filmed. Front wings, bonnet and bumper. Looks very good. The guy I bought it from did not even tell me it had been done.
My basalt black car was detailed prior to me buying it. Paint correction done and coated with Crystal Serum Light. No Exo top coat. So my conundrum is if I get PPF done which my niece tells me I am mad not to. They have to remove the Crystal Serum coating before they can apply the film.
To have the entire car protected and including the removal of the ceramic coating I have been quoted £8K. Front end £3.5K plus another £0.5K for the sills. I am sure that if I took my 3.2 Carrera in for a quote the price would be very different.
Those prices are nuts and I reckon most places of good repute will be similar. Commensurate with the value of the car which is bo**cks.
I'll just have to take my chances and I too am a fan of real paint. But without my glasses on I would not be able to tell the difference anyway
SRT Hellcat said:
I am glad this subject has been brought up.
My 2.4S has had the entire front end filmed. Front wings, bonnet and bumper. Looks very good. The guy I bought it from did not even tell me it had been done.
My basalt black car was detailed prior to me buying it. Paint correction done and coated with Crystal Serum Light. No Exo top coat. So my conundrum is if I get PPF done which my niece tells me I am mad not to. They have to remove the Crystal Serum coating before they can apply the film.
To have the entire car protected and including the removal of the ceramic coating I have been quoted £8K. Front end £3.5K plus another £0.5K for the sills. I am sure that if I took my 3.2 Carrera in for a quote the price would be very different.
Those prices are nuts and I reckon most places of good repute will be similar. Commensurate with the value of the car which is bo**cks.
I'll just have to take my chances and I too am a fan of real paint. But without my glasses on I would not be able to tell the difference anyway
My car had a ceramic coating and didn't need all the coating removing. They keyed the surface apparently and the film has held up well. Full PPF for less than half the price you have been quoted. I think someone is trying it on quoting you £8k. My 2.4S has had the entire front end filmed. Front wings, bonnet and bumper. Looks very good. The guy I bought it from did not even tell me it had been done.
My basalt black car was detailed prior to me buying it. Paint correction done and coated with Crystal Serum Light. No Exo top coat. So my conundrum is if I get PPF done which my niece tells me I am mad not to. They have to remove the Crystal Serum coating before they can apply the film.
To have the entire car protected and including the removal of the ceramic coating I have been quoted £8K. Front end £3.5K plus another £0.5K for the sills. I am sure that if I took my 3.2 Carrera in for a quote the price would be very different.
Those prices are nuts and I reckon most places of good repute will be similar. Commensurate with the value of the car which is bo**cks.
I'll just have to take my chances and I too am a fan of real paint. But without my glasses on I would not be able to tell the difference anyway
PhantomPH said:
Apologies if this has been covered before.
Just looking for some thoughts on the best way to look after a car in terms of repair/correction/prevention.
The way I understand it, we have a number of options below:
- Front stone chip repair at OPC (Read somewhere it was c.£2k)
- Stone chip repair via an indy such as Dents+ or such like (c.£100-200 as and when)
- Full paint correction detail (c.£600)
- Paint shield film (c.£600 for the front of most cars)
Now, I have had a locals 'Chips away' style firm do stuff for me in the past on other cars and they have done an incredible job. However, I get the impression this can be a bit 'hit and miss', so you take your balls in your hand a little.
When it comes to something like protection film, it's recommended you have the full business detail beforehand as well, which pushes cost up.
My numbers head tells me that if I drop >£1k on a detail and film application, that would actually just pay for 5 or so chip repair sessions...so you only 'save' money once you get past a certain amount of protection-vs-correction.
My car has 2 very small stone chips (noticed by my other half but not by me...which tells you how small they are as I didn't have my glasses on!) so that would all need to be dealt with before any film was applied, which alongside the detail and film application, could push the cost right up to the point where I may as well just wait until the front end was like Desperate Dan's chin and then pay for the full OPC refresh.
I know prevention is better than cure, but I have an annoying habit of looking at expenditure against what else I could use it on...so I could find plenty of uses for my £1k outlay instead of a nice clean and some plastic film if that's really all it comes down to.
What do people think on here?
Each to their own, but I've never had a single car that I've owned covered in any form of ceramic coating or PP film etc, I just don't get it. I drive and enjoy my cars everywhere and in all weather. I'm sure some of the cars have some stone chips on them, I cant say I look closely enough to care.Just looking for some thoughts on the best way to look after a car in terms of repair/correction/prevention.
The way I understand it, we have a number of options below:
- Front stone chip repair at OPC (Read somewhere it was c.£2k)
- Stone chip repair via an indy such as Dents+ or such like (c.£100-200 as and when)
- Full paint correction detail (c.£600)
- Paint shield film (c.£600 for the front of most cars)
Now, I have had a locals 'Chips away' style firm do stuff for me in the past on other cars and they have done an incredible job. However, I get the impression this can be a bit 'hit and miss', so you take your balls in your hand a little.
When it comes to something like protection film, it's recommended you have the full business detail beforehand as well, which pushes cost up.
My numbers head tells me that if I drop >£1k on a detail and film application, that would actually just pay for 5 or so chip repair sessions...so you only 'save' money once you get past a certain amount of protection-vs-correction.
My car has 2 very small stone chips (noticed by my other half but not by me...which tells you how small they are as I didn't have my glasses on!) so that would all need to be dealt with before any film was applied, which alongside the detail and film application, could push the cost right up to the point where I may as well just wait until the front end was like Desperate Dan's chin and then pay for the full OPC refresh.
I know prevention is better than cure, but I have an annoying habit of looking at expenditure against what else I could use it on...so I could find plenty of uses for my £1k outlay instead of a nice clean and some plastic film if that's really all it comes down to.
What do people think on here?
Full detail including interior plus PPF to bonnet, mirrors, sills and behind rear wheels plus Crystal Serum with EXO = £2350 for my 981 Cayman. PPF protects against the areas most vulnerable to stone chips, ceramic coating protects against swirling etc and the EXO makes cleaning easier (and beads a treat in rain).
Paint and car now look fantastic. Money well spent IMO.
Paint and car now look fantastic. Money well spent IMO.
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