Clear full plastic paint protection or Ceramic coating?

[Register1]

Hi all,

My wife is picking up her brand new white Tesla model 3 in a couple of weeks.
Her will keep it for probably 5 - 6 years.

Which do you all think is the best way to to protect the paintwork, in relation to value for money.

I have heard that a clear plastic wrap is about £3000
I have heard that a good ceramic coating is about £1000

Please enlighten me, as we haven't gone this route previously.

Thanks

[CharlieAlphaMike]

Register1 said:

Hi all,

My wife is picking up her brand new white Tesla model 3 in a couple of weeks.
Her will keep it for probably 5 - 6 years.

Which do you all think is the best way to to protect the paintwork, in relation to value for money.

I have heard that a clear plastic wrap is about £3000
I have heard that a good ceramic coating is about £1000

Please enlighten me, as we haven't gone this route previously.

Thanks

Ceramic coating won't protect the paintwork from stone chips, scratches or dents. I see it as a fancy and expensive wax personally. I'm not suggesting you don't go down that route though.

Clear Plastic Wrap(sic) or PPF as it's more commonly known will protect against stone chips and light scratches (to a degree). It's your call but I would advise to PPF the front bumper and the lower sill/rear door thresholds. You might also want to PPF the door mirrors. These are the most vulnerable areas when it comes to stone chips. PPF to these areas will cost £100's rather than £1000's. Once they're done, you could then have a Ceramic Coating applied to the whole car if you want to.

Pre-cut DIY kits are available from Tesla and other suppliers for the lower sill/rear doors and as long as you prep the area carefully, use lot's of 'lube' (baby shampoo/water mix applied with a spray bottle is perfect) and take your time, it's an easy DIY job. PPF soon after you take delivery of the car in order to avoid the first stone chip (it will always be there underneath the PPF). Good luck and enjoy your Model 3

Edited to add: If you PPF, be careful when using a jetwash. The power of the water can lift the PPF at the extreme edges so avoid being too close with the jetwash lance and always aim head-on, not at an angle.

Edited by CharlieAlphaMike on Monday 7th November 12:14

[otolith]

The marketing of so-called "ceramic coatings" is misleading, people think "ceramic" implies hard. It's just a silicone polymer to help stop dirt sticking to the paint.

[somouk]

otolith said:

The marketing of so-called "ceramic coatings" is misleading, people think "ceramic" implies hard. It's just a silicone polymer to help stop dirt sticking to the paint.

This… the ceramic will help you keep it clean. That’s about it.

[Jetblackonetenth]

Speak to Alan at matt pack
Spray on peelable clear coat

https://www.matt-pack.co.uk/

[kyanablackw]

Trying to decide between full paint protection film and ceramic coating before winter hits. I'm in Chicago, park in a home garage but drive year-round through road salt, slush, and all the potholes on the expressways. From what I understand, PPF is more about physical protection (rock chips, scratches from parking lots) while ceramic coating is more about making the paint easier to clean and adding gloss/water resistance, but doesn't really stop chips.
For anyone who's dealt with a Chicago winter - did you go PPF only, ceramic only, or both together? Is doing both overkill for a budget under $2-3k, or is that basically the standard combo people do here given how rough the roads get with salt?

Thanks

[Zcd1]

kyanablackw said:

Trying to decide between full paint protection film and ceramic coating before winter hits. I'm in Chicago, park in a home garage but drive year-round through road salt, slush, and all the potholes on the expressways. From what I understand, PPF is more about physical protection (rock chips, scratches from parking lots) while ceramic coating is more about making the paint easier to clean and adding gloss/water resistance, but doesn't really stop chips.
For anyone who's dealt with a Chicago winter - did you go PPF only, ceramic only, or both together? Is doing both overkill for a budget under $2-3k, or is that basically the standard combo people do here given how rough the roads get with salt?

Thanks

I did neither and never had any problems with Chicago winters…

But I’ve never done either to any car we’ve owned…Tesla is no different IMO.

Edited by Zcd1 on Wednesday 26th August 01:32

[Kernow76]

Check the fine print in her insurance. Some companies, Aviva for example, won't insure cars with PPF.