PPF decision

[LordExplorer]

I received notice today that my 2 row Earth LX7 will be arriving in the next two weeks so starting to plan out my overland build. First thing I’ll be doing is tint and PPF (full). I’m trying to decide if I should do satin PPF. I saw Dissent’s build at the expo and I was surprised by how much I liked the satin PPF on it. It looks killer. However, I’ve only briefly seen the Earth color in person and it was overcast out.

For those with Earth, what are your thoughts on the metallic flakes in the paint and overall look in various lighting? Do you think it’s a more dynamic color that shouldn’t be covered?

For reference, my rig is going to Dissent in a few months for a build (no portals ), so it will be more rugged vs stock.

 

[snowman69]

I have a 2 row nori coming in nov/dec and I’m trying to understand the idea of PPF on this type of car. I totally get it for a Porsche or even this car if you lived in Miami and this was a bro flex. But i suspect you are the type to actually use this truck as intended. Won’t the PPF just get ripped and trashed off-roading? Will it actually protect anything? Isn’t a huge pain in the ass yo hand wash this forever more vs a car wash?

Honestly I’m super conflicted and feel like I’m missing some secret off-roader knowledge on this one.

 

[LordExplorer]

I have a 2 row nori coming in nov/dec and I’m trying to understand the idea of PPF on this type of car. I totally get it for a Porsche or even this car if you lived in Miami and this was a bro flex. But i suspect you are the type to actually use this truck as intended. Won’t the PPF just get ripped and trashed off-roading? Will it actually protect anything? Isn’t a huge pain in the ass yo hand wash this forever more vs a car wash?

Honestly I’m super conflicted and feel like I’m missing some secret off-roader knowledge on this one.

I live in the CO mtns and will be off-roading it. The PPF is to protect from trail stripes occurring all over. My Raptor looked ridiculous from all the trail striping. I did a full self healing PPF on my TRX and it looks perfect. Spend this type of money on a vehicle the last thing to cheap out on is the item that will protect its paint and future value. If the PPF gets so messed up that it’s “torn” then it gets replaced. Imagine what that would have done to paint without it. In CO, rock chipping destroys most cars front end paint so I’d argue that PPF is far more important here. To each their own.

 

[Joe T]

The thing about the stealth is when you damage it its going to work opposite of the main intent. Constantly getting repaired no thanks.

 

[snowman69]

I live in the CO mtns and will be off-roading it. The PPF is to protect from trail stripes occurring all over. My Raptor looked ridiculous from all the trail striping. I did a full self healing PPF on my TRX and it looks perfect. Spend this type of money on a vehicle the last thing to cheap out on is the item that will protect its paint and future value. If the PPF gets so messed up that it’s “torn” then it gets replaced. Imagine what that would have done to paint without it. In CO, rock chipping destroys most cars front end paint so I’d argue that PPF is far more important here. To each their own.

Thanks for the thoughtful answer and that makes sense. I just didn’t understand how strong the wraps were. I was thinking the stuff that would trail stripe it would end up tearing it.
No car washes huh. That will be annoying.

I’m getting nori so I’m going to investigate the clear pot option.

 

[LordExplorer]

Thanks for the thoughtful answer and that makes sense. I just didn’t understand how strong the wraps were. I was thinking the stuff that would trail stripe it would end up tearing it.
No car washes huh. That will be annoying.

I’m getting nori so I’m going to investigate the clear pot option.

It’s very tough.

I almost went Nori as I think it would look amazing with the satin PPF, but I always get darker color vehicles so thought I’d try something new with Earth.

What part of Seattle are you in? We own a cabin in the San Juan Islands, and my parents used to leave there. We’re out there every summer for a bit. I love WA. The San Juan’s hold a special place in my heart.

 

[Joe T]

No drive through car washes.

Has some self healing properties. Deflects any rock chips INTO THE PAINT. It doesn’t deflect deeper scraps but you definitely can cut through some brush with it without streaking up the PPF.

Side swiping a trash can, sharp large tree limb, or shopping cart may require R&R of the film. If you didn’t have the film you could just buff that which brings me to my next point…

You will probably ceramic coat it. Gives it a little more life and keeps it clean.

So thats kinda how it works, do both and any little hand car wash with dirty rags wont spider web your paint.

I hunt with a couple different outfitters in the Middle East and they do this on their 105s, 200s, and 570s. We go way way remote think of those Russian videos of them crossing flowing rivers etc. Return back to town and wash them and they are all good.

Hope that helps you make your decision. I wouldn’t do the stealth but that is just me…

 

[snowman69]

It’s very tough.

I almost went Nori as I think it would look amazing with the satin PPF, but I always get darker color vehicles so thought I’d try something new with Earth.

What part of Seattle are you in? We own a cabin in the San Juan Islands, and my parents used to leave there. We’re out there every summer for a bit. I love WA. The San Juan’s hold a special place in my heart.

I’m on the Eastside of Seattle. Classic first lx buyer, skiing, some fire roads and camping but nothing crazy. I aspire to be a true off roader but I’m really a dad with two young kids and no time.

 

[henke]

I live in the CO mtns and will be off-roading it. The PPF is to protect from trail stripes occurring all over. My Raptor looked ridiculous from all the trail striping. I did a full self healing PPF on my TRX and it looks perfect. Spend this type of money on a vehicle the last thing to cheap out on is the item that will protect its paint and future value. If the PPF gets so messed up that it’s “torn” then it gets replaced. Imagine what that would have done to paint without it. In CO, rock chipping destroys most cars front end paint so I’d argue that PPF is far more important here. To each their own.

If it was 2-3k then that makes sense... But 5-7k for a full ppf? At this point probably just get it paint corrected or get panels repainted before selling if you want to preserve future value - you'd have to do that anyway if anything happens which ppf can't deal with.

 

[billjamin]

I don’t have Earth but

I received notice today that my 2 row Earth LX7 will be arriving in the next two weeks so starting to plan out my overland build. First thing I’ll be doing is tint and PPF (full). I’m trying to decide if I should do satin PPF. I saw Dissent’s build at the expo and I was surprised by how much I liked the satin PPF on it. It looks killer. However, I’ve only briefly seen the Earth color in person and it was overcast out.

For those with Earth, what are your thoughts on the metallic flakes in the paint and overall look in various lighting? Do you think it’s a more dynamic color that shouldn’t be covered?

For reference, my rig is going to Dissent in a few months for a build (no portals ), so it will be more rugged vs stock.

i have a nori with full PPF. I considered stealth but once I saw the colors IRL I just couldn’t do it and went full gloss. I drive mine at the ranch a lot and my GX had west Texas racing stripes all down the side. I wanted to protect the paint and am fine replacing pieces as needed.

Also, I don’t gaf about machine washing. Can edges lift, sure. It’s really not a big deal though. I was an OG xpel dealer and it just doesn’t worry me that much.

 

[snowman69]

I don’t have Earth but

i have a nori with full PPF. I considered stealth but once I saw the colors IRL I just couldn’t do it and went full gloss. I drive mine at the ranch a lot and my GX had west Texas racing stripes all down the side. I wanted to protect the paint and am fine replacing pieces as needed.

Also, I don’t gaf about machine washing. Can edges lift, sure. It’s really not a big deal though. I was an OG xpel dealer and it just doesn’t worry me that much.

This is so helpful. If edges lift can they be reapplied? Did you ceramic coat the ppf or is that not required?

 

[LordExplorer]

I considered stealth but once I saw the colors IRL I just couldn’t do it and went full gloss.

Thanks. This is feedback I was hoping for. Also, I too machine wash and I’ve never had a single issue in four years.

 

[LordExplorer]

This is so helpful. If edges lift can they be reapplied? Did you ceramic coat the ppf or is that not required?

From my experience I’d definitely ceramic coat

 

[Obi Wong Kenobi]

All my vehicles are now ppf’ed and ceramic coated and it makes life a heck of a lot easier (for me). I never really did drive through car washes anyway as it’s quite easy to take care of something ceramic coated. I’ve also had bad experiences with car washes damaging previous cars too. In the garage, I have a soft water system along with a deionized water setup to make things quick too. I could probably finish the exterior faster, and better, than any of those drive through car washes now.

As for stealth ppf, I have it on my M3 and it really changes the looks, but is more expensive and isn’t as durable. If you’re worried about pinstriping on the trails, I’d go for the regular self healing ones to mitigate some cost and to save some money for when ppf needs to be replaced. That’s what I have on the TRX and Overtrail and have already saved the TRX from pinstriping while hunting. As for those who want to repaint in the future when you sell, that’s up to you but I like the extra protection from ppf and not having to drive a beat up looking rig to and from meetings. Also, repainting a vehicle properly is very expensive these days and 90% of the time, I can tell when a vehicle’s panels have been painted when I buy used. I usually walk away from those when they’re fairly costly rigs like what we own.

 

[billjamin]

This is so helpful. If edges lift can they be reapplied? Did you ceramic coat the ppf or is that not required?

Edge lift if caught quickly can usually be solved with using some diluted alcohol to clean and re-adhere. If it's to dirty or the adhesive is wasted you can just trim it back.

Many of the new PPFs have a ceramic coating preinstalled so you'll be good for the first couple years then need to reapply. If you go with one without it then its really a judgement call. I like the hydrophobic properties of ceramic so i probably will.

Also, I would highly recommend windshield film. I did it for the first time on my LX and it's already saved my ass a couple times. I would almsot certainly be on windshield #2 already without it. And it makes driving in the rain much better.

 

[eNx]

Someone posted, i forgot who, that they had their whole windshield done with Xpel. I should've listened to that because i just got mine LXOT windshield replaced because of rock chipped. My insurance fully covered and OEM replacement but just taking few hours of your time to get it replaced is still a pain. Now I'm looking to get it done.

 

[henke]

Someone posted, i forgot who, that they had their whole windshield done with Xpel. I should've listened to that because i just got mine LXOT windshield replaced because of rock chipped. My insurance fully covered and OEM replacement but just taking few hours of your time to get it replaced is still a pain. Now I'm looking to get it done.

Oh yeah, despite my anti-ppf stance, I got the windscreen film. Unlike with the body panels where they can get dented, gashed, crashed into and whatnot, the type of thing that gets thrown at windshields is precisely the sort of thing ppf is designed to protect from. Also, a cracked windshield is much worse than a rock chip on your hood. It's also much, much cheaper - got mine done for about $500.

 

[Obi Wong Kenobi]

I actually did not get the windshield film done. Which brands are you guys using?

 

[billjamin]

I actually did not get the windshield film done. Which brands are you guys using?

Pretty sure mines SunTek. Been happy with it so far. Saved my windshield and rain driving is far superior.

One thing is plan on changing it every 3 years or so. The wiper blades will create a ghosting effect and it looses its hydrophobic properties. I’ve heard silicone wiper blades help extend life but u I haven’t switched yet.

 

[eNx]

I talked to the guy and he asked if it was a daily driver (it is). He said it doesn't matter what brand it is, the wiper will scratch the ppf. I live in the PNW and fall through spring, it's constantly raining and will be using my wipers all the time, so I'm not sure what i should do. He said he has 5 cars and all of them has it on all of his windshields from diff brands and it doesn't matter which brand, it still gets scratches. He said that on his daily, he started seeing the scratches/ghosting