New Aston, PPF & coating questions
Discussion
Apologies as I know PPF has been covered extensively elsewhere but searching I can't find the answer to my question here.
My new Aston which is probably around around 6 weeks away will be having a full body PPF by Topaz after any paint correction needed. This will be the first time I have gone for PPF, always having gone the ceramic coating route previously.
After much research on here, listening to other PH'ers advice and chatting to mates who know more than I do I have come down for PPF as the best physical protection for the paintwork.
My question is is there any merit in having a coating applied OVER the PPF. Whilst the film is obviously far superior to coatings and waxes for physical protection it isn't (I believe) hydrophobic, so it does not carry the self cleaning characteristics that come with using a coating, whilst it will resist and heal most paint defects it doesn't necessarily make the vehicle as easy to clean,
My current Vantage had IGL Kenzo applied and to this day just needs a pre-wash foam, followed by a power wash & towel dry to leave it absolutely gleaming.
Thoughts?
My new Aston which is probably around around 6 weeks away will be having a full body PPF by Topaz after any paint correction needed. This will be the first time I have gone for PPF, always having gone the ceramic coating route previously.
After much research on here, listening to other PH'ers advice and chatting to mates who know more than I do I have come down for PPF as the best physical protection for the paintwork.
My question is is there any merit in having a coating applied OVER the PPF. Whilst the film is obviously far superior to coatings and waxes for physical protection it isn't (I believe) hydrophobic, so it does not carry the self cleaning characteristics that come with using a coating, whilst it will resist and heal most paint defects it doesn't necessarily make the vehicle as easy to clean,
My current Vantage had IGL Kenzo applied and to this day just needs a pre-wash foam, followed by a power wash & towel dry to leave it absolutely gleaming.
Thoughts?
Edited by PJDV8 on Sunday 10th September 17:41
My experience with the PPF (from Topaz but assume true for other films) is that it makes the cleaning an absolute doddle.
I typically get away with just a bit of instant detailer and a microfibre cloth for minor bits and a rinse and towel if I'm doing the whole car. The dirt just doesn't seem to stick to the car and of course with the benefit of self-healing film you don't need to worry about putting swirls into that soft Aston Martin paint
I typically get away with just a bit of instant detailer and a microfibre cloth for minor bits and a rinse and towel if I'm doing the whole car. The dirt just doesn't seem to stick to the car and of course with the benefit of self-healing film you don't need to worry about putting swirls into that soft Aston Martin paint
I take it that you are having the whole car done?
My car will also be done by Topaz and my understanding is that you do not need a coating put on top but if you do put one on the car will be easier to clean. I am undecided at the moment because, as Rob says, it is not that difficult anyway.
Only 6 weeks!! Can't wait to see the pictures.
My car will also be done by Topaz and my understanding is that you do not need a coating put on top but if you do put one on the car will be easier to clean. I am undecided at the moment because, as Rob says, it is not that difficult anyway.
Only 6 weeks!! Can't wait to see the pictures.
IanV12VR said:
I take it that you are having the whole car done?
My car will also be done by Topaz and my understanding is that you do not need a coating put on top but if you do put one on the car will be easier to clean. I am undecided at the moment because, as Rob says, it is not that difficult anyway.
Only 6 weeks!! Can't wait to see the pictures.
Yes I'm having the whole car done.My car will also be done by Topaz and my understanding is that you do not need a coating put on top but if you do put one on the car will be easier to clean. I am undecided at the moment because, as Rob says, it is not that difficult anyway.
Only 6 weeks!! Can't wait to see the pictures.
Seems we're both undecided then! I might talk to Topaz this week. Another couple of detailers I have used before and whose opinion I respect have both said yes to getting it done, as has Summit Detailing in this thread.
Hopefully the car goes into build a week Monday on the 18th, so 4 or 5 weeks in build and then a week with the dealer and Topaz so I'm hopeful fo around 6 weeks to go.
Vibb said:
Might be even quicker than that - mine flew out of the factory.
What are you getting?
Please update the thread with what you decide to do. Im getting mine Topaz'd next week, so will also ask their opinion and we can compare notes.
Vantage V8 AMR - in Halo spec.What are you getting?
Please update the thread with what you decide to do. Im getting mine Topaz'd next week, so will also ask their opinion and we can compare notes.
I'll keep the thread updated after I've spoken with Topaz - let us know how you get on. What are Topaz doing for you, and what on?
I have no experience of paint film (only paint chips
) but am a big fan of the ceramic top coatings for the shine and ease of cleaning and maintenance (with hours saved due to no rubbing/waxing). I imagine a quote to CQuartz or Crystal Serum a freshly ppf'd car would be fairly low as there is little or no surface prep required?
Mine is going to need a front end blow over next year but then adding ppf and a coating on top of the respray will double the already not insignificant cost so am all ears too!
) but am a big fan of the ceramic top coatings for the shine and ease of cleaning and maintenance (with hours saved due to no rubbing/waxing). I imagine a quote to CQuartz or Crystal Serum a freshly ppf'd car would be fairly low as there is little or no surface prep required? Mine is going to need a front end blow over next year but then adding ppf and a coating on top of the respray will double the already not insignificant cost so am all ears too!
PJDV8 said:
Vantage V8 AMR - in Halo spec.
I'll keep the thread updated after I've spoken with Topaz - let us know how you get on. What are Topaz doing for you, and what on?
Vantage V12 S. Im only getting Topaz to do front and side's rather than the whole car (will probably get it done eventually). I'll keep the thread updated after I've spoken with Topaz - let us know how you get on. What are Topaz doing for you, and what on?
Also interesting to know what Paddy recommends to put on top, can't wait for the updated OCD car wash post.
Ken Figenus said:
Looks good Pete - that is just bare PPF yes? Suntek 2?
It's whatever Paintshield were using 2 years ago which I think was Xpel Ultimate. It's had nothing on it apart from whatever tiny layer Gyeon Q2M Bathe+ shampoo leaves on. Very happy with it (and the lack of stone chips).I've just had my Vantage done with Xpel ultimate and the guys that wrapped it provided me with an Xpel branded sealant to use on the PPF. It's supposed to be added on top of the "fresh" PPF then you can wax or ceramic seal to your hearts content. Maybe it protects the PPF from some of the chemicals in various products?
The detailing guys will advise whether this is actually required but as it was free and Xpel recommend it I used it anyway before a decent wax. I'll report back in a couple of weeks after 2k miles around Europe!
The detailing guys will advise whether this is actually required but as it was free and Xpel recommend it I used it anyway before a decent wax. I'll report back in a couple of weeks after 2k miles around Europe!
Spoke to Topaz, really helpful.
In their view PPF comes close to coating in terms of hydrophobic properties and ease of cleaning but a ceramic coating would add that extra layer which would make maintenance easier going forward.
Cost for ceramic coating on top of PPF for the Vantage would be £200 so at that price I've gone for it, with a further £150 to do the wheels.
Decision made - finally!
In their view PPF comes close to coating in terms of hydrophobic properties and ease of cleaning but a ceramic coating would add that extra layer which would make maintenance easier going forward.
Cost for ceramic coating on top of PPF for the Vantage would be £200 so at that price I've gone for it, with a further £150 to do the wheels.
Decision made - finally!
Pete, paintshield have not used expel for a very long time, so yours would be suntek.
To be honest, coating film will help, but its not essential. Suntek has recently released their ultra film and that has hydrophobic properties in it.
What you have to remember is that the film needs to do its job and self heal (move) so choosing the right sealant is advised. A "glass coat" silica based sealant would not be the best thing to go for, because its not flexible and will hinder the film from doing its job. This is according to SunTek. Something like Gtechniq Exo or crystal serum would be fine. So would a wax or spray sealant, but these won't last as long. If using a wax, just be careful of the edges of the film, because its a pain to get out again.
If it was me, i would put Exo over the film, but if you're someone that likes waxing or giving the car a wipe over once you've washed it, then go down that route.
To be honest, coating film will help, but its not essential. Suntek has recently released their ultra film and that has hydrophobic properties in it.
What you have to remember is that the film needs to do its job and self heal (move) so choosing the right sealant is advised. A "glass coat" silica based sealant would not be the best thing to go for, because its not flexible and will hinder the film from doing its job. This is according to SunTek. Something like Gtechniq Exo or crystal serum would be fine. So would a wax or spray sealant, but these won't last as long. If using a wax, just be careful of the edges of the film, because its a pain to get out again.
If it was me, i would put Exo over the film, but if you're someone that likes waxing or giving the car a wipe over once you've washed it, then go down that route.
PJDV8 said:
Spoke to Topaz, really helpful.
In their view PPF comes close to coating in terms of hydrophobic properties and ease of cleaning but a ceramic coating would add that extra layer which would make maintenance easier going forward.
Cost for ceramic coating on top of PPF for the Vantage would be £200 so at that price I've gone for it, with a further £150 to do the wheels.
Decision made - finally!
As you might be aware, your brake disks will create little to no dust, so coating the wheels isn't strictly needed. Just washing them with soap and water regularly will be more than enough.In their view PPF comes close to coating in terms of hydrophobic properties and ease of cleaning but a ceramic coating would add that extra layer which would make maintenance easier going forward.
Cost for ceramic coating on top of PPF for the Vantage would be £200 so at that price I've gone for it, with a further £150 to do the wheels.
Decision made - finally!
Also, what are they going to coat the film with?
paddy328 said:
As you might be aware, your brake disks will create little to no dust, so coating the wheels isn't strictly needed. Just washing them with soap and water regularly will be more than enough.
Also, what are they going to coat the film with?
Wheels - noted, but I'm a lazy b***er so every little helps,Also, what are they going to coat the film with?
Gtechniq
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