PPF removal-- you've got to be kidding me

Yeah it can be scary. Aside from removing paint with it.

It's more of a problem with older PPF and those that spend a lot of time outside in the sun

 

You know, 5 years ago, my F430 had some original PPF on the flares and fenders. The specialist wanted to detail my car and with removal of the PPF also took quite a lot of paint with it along the rear fenders and front bumper.

I was gutted. All repaired beautifully, and the shop took 50% of the paint costs, but I know what you’re saying. No more PPF.

It’s actually like wrapping your couch, why bother?

 

While I’m sure it will protect from chips, to me it seems to create more problems than what it solves.

Perhaps on the lower front of the car, but other than that I don’t believe in it.

 

To remove old ppf and to avoid ruining paint some detailer uses a rag soaked in really HOT water, keeping it in place for some time and scraping/peeling after. For cleaning the glue residue try isopropilic alcohol.

 

I am fortunate to never have had an issue with PPF removal. However having a good installer is key. No need to replace PPF in my opinion every three years, if done correctly and quality product is used.

 

New PPF product is going to be much better, but yes you need to change it out. I was told 3-4 years for wrap and a little longer for PPF but as I recall prior shop said not more than 6 years for safe removal.

Just asked my wrap guy - he said the new PPF is offering a 16 year warranty. I would never leave it that long but it goes to show the advancements.

 

Simply put, not all PPF is created equal. Variables such as brand, type, and how long it's been on can all play a part in how easily it comes off, as well as how much time it has spent in the sun. So it's not really good advice to replace it every 3 years. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

 

Some sort or cristalization with a faint yellow hue. Poor product, poor UV resistance.

 

I have to do this to my entire car and I mean the entire car. Every bit of exterior paintwork is covered with PPF from the rockers to the roof! I might not live through it.

 

I to do not believe in PPF for the following reasons:

1. It NEVER looks as good as paint. The luster of the best PPF just doesn't match that of paint, and sacrificing that to preserve a car for next owner robs me of most of the enjoyment.
2. It's easier to just put distance between you and the car in front of you than it is to deal with the perils of PPF. You would be surprised to see how much a difference that makes.
3. PPF is made only for NEW, original paint - not repainted panels. Regardless of who did the paintwork, any refinished panels WILL, without exception, be ruined by PPF when it is removed. I see videos of people putting PPF on expensive cars after a repaint is completed and I find it hilarious how ill-informed they are on paint process. You shouldn't even wax, polish or ceramic coat any paint that hasn't had at least 6 months to allow the gasses to escape. Once you PPF a repainted panel, especially that early in its live, you've sealed its fate.

Also, don't get me started on the biggest automotive scam of the century - ceramic coating.

 

.......... which also is the reason I would NEVER purchase a car with a full frontal PPF or wrap.
You have no idea what's hiding below it. My son bought a beautiful to look at BMW 430 that was fully wrapped for a color change
When he removed it to go to the orig color, below the wrap was only a thin layer of aerosol paint just above the primer Image Unavailable, Please Login