Paint protection film

[GrahamClarke]

Hi all,

I recently purchased a ten month old Cayman GT4 and it has a clear paint protection film covering the whole of the car.

I've no previous experience with such, so outside of general washing of the car what is my best approach to looking after it? For instance I assume that I should not polish the car. Are there other things I should be doing?

Thanks.

Graham

[Summit_Detailing]

PPF needs as much if not more care than a standard paint finish.

The usual safe washing techniques apply and it would be worth popping some protection on top, whether that is something like Gtechniq EXOv3 which would typically last 12-18mths or a spray and rinse type of product like Gyeon Wetcoat which you apply after washing, while the car is still wet - this typically offers a few weeks worth of protection.

cheers

Chris

[GrahamClarke]

Thanks Chris.

[Dal3D]

Summit_Detailing said:

PPF needs as much if not more care than a standard paint finish.

The usual safe washing techniques apply and it would be worth popping some protection on top, whether that is something like Gtechniq EXOv3 which would typically last 12-18mths or a spray and rinse type of product like Gyeon Wetcoat which you apply after washing, while the car is still wet - this typically offers a few weeks worth of protection.

cheers

Chris

Disagree.
(But can understand a detailer not liking PPF)

If it's self healing film (Suntek, Xpel etc), then you certainly don't want to be applying Exo over the top as it'll ruin the self heeling properties.

The only products you need to be careful with if your car has any type of film on it is any product containing petroleum distillates. These can affect the glue used to bond the film to the car. You can still use stuff like Tardis (tar and glue remover) for spot removal - just try not to get it on the joins or edges as it may seep under and unglue the film from the car.

I tend to use Auto Finesse products on my Xpel film - all certified safe bar the tar and glue remover as mentioned above and their iron fallout remover.

"Yes our products are all Ok with the film, bar the Tar Remover and Iron Contaminant remover"

Personally I use their Spirit wax - works a treat. You can clay it, wash it normally etc. Just don't get a pressure washer near an edge. I use a vari-lance which is great for protecting my investment.

Might be an idea if you can find out what brand of film it is and ask directly with the installer / manufacturer for advice.

Bottom line is that a PPF will help protect and virtually guarantee no stone chips and no swirls either if it's a self healing type. No semi permanent protection such as Gtechniq EXO can protect against stone chips.

Edited by Dal3D on Sunday 18th June 10:46

[Summit_Detailing]

Dal3D said:

Disagree.
(But can understand a detailer not liking PPF)

If it's self healing film (Suntek, Xpel etc), then you certainly don't want to be applying Exo over the top as it'll ruin the self heeling properties.

The only products you need to be careful with if your car has any type of film on it is any product containing petroleum distillates. These can affect the glue used to bond the film to the car.

Bottom line is that a PPF will help protect and virtually guarantee no stone chips and no swirls either if it's a self healing type. No semi permanent protection such as Gtechniq EXO can protect against stone chips.

Edited by Dal3D on Sunday 18th June 10:46

I certainly don't dislike PPF, far from it, just seen far too many cars with it fitted and people assuming it's a 'fit & forget' product - judging by the state of the film on these cars I'd say it is far from it.

Petroleum distillates can cause a yellowing of the film so products like Zaino and Collinite 476s for example would not be suitable.

cheers

Chris

[Dal3D]

Summit_Detailing said:

I certainly don't dislike PPF, far from it, just seen far too many cars with it fitted and people assuming it's a 'fit & forget' product - judging by the state of the film on these cars I'd say it is far from it.

Petroleum distillates can cause a yellowing of the film so products like Zaino and Collinite 476s for example would not be suitable.

cheers

Chris

Well that is true enough - Even the best PPF fitted by the best in the world doesn't mean it's "fit and forget" But hopefully people with the foresight to fit PPF to protect their pride and joy know how to treat it the same as a car without PPF.

Can't guard against idiots though.

[acr_nick]

only a amateur enthusiast but i have ppt on the front half of my car and i still treat it like paint work, claying helps pull off any contaminents. two bucket wash method or foam lance and rinse, as stated don't use products that can effect the bond with the ppt or it will peel away.

my process:
rinse, foam, rinse,

add on a clay and polish every few months

dry with soft microfibre to avoid scratches.

[GrahamClarke]

Thanks.