Keeping Your Car Looking New: A Guide to Paint Protection Film (PPF) Wrap and Ceramic Coating
Paint Protection is a great way to protect your car from the elements and keep it looking new. Paint Protection Film (PPF) is a few mil thick layer of polyurethane that protects the paint from rock/road debris chips, tree sap, bird droppings, UV fading, and other damage. Ceramic coating is a micron-thick layer of silicon dioxide plus additives that protects the clear coat and paint from UV damage as well as dirt/dust, some chemicals, stains, and general wear. It also helps keep the surface “new” looking longer and makes washing easier. Ceramic coating can also be used to protect interior upholstery (including leather), glass, and other surfaces from similar damage.
When washing a car with PPF wrap, you should be careful not to use any brushes or sponges that could cause scratches or swirls in the film. Contactless wash systems are best for this purpose, as they use only spray and no physical contact with the car. If you do choose to use a brushless wash system, make sure to inspect the car afterwards for any damage caused by the wash. Additionally, using a detail spray after washing can help restore the shine of the PPF wrap.
Ceramic coating is a bit more involved than PPF wrap, and requires a few steps to ensure proper application. First, the car must be washed and dried thoroughly. Then, the surface should be clayed to remove any contaminants that may have been missed during the wash. After this, the ceramic coating can be applied using a foam applicator or microfiber towel. Once the coating has been applied, it should be allowed to cure for at least 24 hours before being exposed to water or other elements.
When it comes to maintenance, both PPF wrap and ceramic coating require regular cleaning and waxing to keep them looking their best. For PPF wrap, use a mild soap and water solution with a soft cloth or sponge to clean the film. Avoid using any harsh chemicals or abrasive materials as these could damage the film. For ceramic coating, use a pH-neutral cleaner and a microfiber towel to clean the surface. Waxing is also recommended for both PPF wrap and ceramic coating, as it helps protect the surfaces from UV damage and dirt/dust buildup.
In conclusion, Paint Protection Film (PPF) wrap and Ceramic Coating are both great ways to protect your car’s paint job from damage caused by the elements. Both require regular maintenance in order to keep them looking their best, but they can help keep your car looking new for years to come. If you’re looking for an easy way to protect your car’s paint job, either of these options could be right for you!
Other than Ceramic, has anyone put any protective film on their iX? What kind did you use, cost and any other pertinent info please?
XPEL Ultimate Plus was used on the front for about $1,700, Fusion Plus CC was used for around $3,500, and Nano Ceramic tint was used on the front windows (35%), sunroof (50%) and hatch (35%) for around $600.
They mention they have interior protection as well. Considering something of the sort?
On my previous X5 I had Ceramic Pro, which required an annual refresh. The Fusion Plus is rated for 4 years with one application (and they did the interior as well).
Are you using an automatic wash with big brushes or hand washing?
Contactless wash (spray only) is being used; our dealer has a "light touch" wash which is new and maintained by a pretty dedicated staff. Any physical brushes can potentially cause paint swirls even from dirt off your own car.
I’m getting a full XPEL stealth wrap done next week.
It's a drive-through spray wash (no kids with dirty sponges or towels); also wax-less with soft water, with a detail spray and buff afterwards (by me). Our dealership has the car chipped for their wash (free for ownership of the car), and it's a "pull-through" with soft, slowly rotating cloths - no brushes, so I'll eventually try that.
I’ve never purchased a Paint protection for any of my cars bit I’m just wondering if I should purchase one for my iX. Do any of you think that it’s definitely worthwhile? Are you doing a full car paint protection or just part of the iX… and what part? Would this protect from door dings?Also, I ordered the black leather seats. Does anyone have any comments on whether it would be worthwhile or not too to do something to protect these leather seats?Thanks so much.
PPF (Paint Protection Film) provides protection from normal rock/road debris chips on paint (as well as paint damage from tree sap, bird droppings or UV fading). It will not prevent heavy dings or dents, but can reduce the damage. Ceramic coating is a micron-thick layer of silicon dioxide, plus additives, that protects the clear coat and paint from UV damage as well as normal dirt/dust, some chemicals, stains, and general wear. It will not protect from scratches, chips or dents, but does keep the surface "new" looking longer and makes washing easier. Ceramic coating is also used to protect the interior upholstery (including leather), glass and other surfaces from similar damage.
How careful do you have to be when washing a car that has a PPF wrap?
Care must be taken when washing a car with PPF wrap as fine scratches can occur if contact wash is used. Contactless wash (spray only) is recommended to avoid this issue. Soft water and a wax-less wash is also recommended, with a detail spray and buff afterwards. It is important to avoid using any physical brushes or sponges as these can cause paint swirls even from dirt off your own car.