Tell me about PFF

[xyzdx]

Looking into getting a performance soon. One of the first things I want to do is protect it. I've heard here and there that ppf is good, but ive also heard things about ceramic coating.

My questions are,
1: ppf or ceramic?
2: both?
3: how much ppf? (Should I cover the whole car or just important areas? What are the important areas?)
4: dealership or shop? (Not much of a car guy... yet. How do I find a good ppf/ceramic shop? Does what the nissan dealerships offer work fine?)
5: how much should I expect to spend? (Price isn't an issue but I don't want to get ripped off)

Thanks in advance.

 

[Hernandooo]

if you have money, do both

if you have more money, PPF the whole car and cermic coat

do it as soon as you get the car... also have them paint correct and check for dents

 

[hipertec]

The the whole car ppf, if you can. One of the best investment, if you gonna keep your car.
Go with experienced installers not just by shop bragging rights. It's the installer that will be working on the car,not the shop Name.
I have a great shop here in S, Cali (OC /IE). He is the best and you cant see the edges. Hes done a few of my cars and friends.

 

[Zhoop44]

PPF all day and if you go with a quality PPF / install you absolutely DO NOT need to put ceramic over it. I had my entire GR86 PPF’d and it remained perfect and required minimal maintence. No swirl marks and it hides paint imperfections like orange peel. I did not have my paint corrected before I put it on and car looked spectacular after it was applied. I paid $5k for a professional install. 3m Pro… their best. Extremely hydrophobic.

Now, I did not do this to my Z because PPF is 100% a sunk cost. I got zero value for it when I sold it. I planned on keeping it for a long time but car wasn’t for me especially after I test drove the Z. So the new owner loves the value I paid for.

I considered doing the bumper and entire hood on Z but decided against it for same reason as above. I would not do a partial hood because it’s very noticeable once the car gets dirty.

Ceramic is way overpriced for what it is IMO and only gives the car a great shine and helps with washing. No more than an excellent wax other than having to wax more often. It provides ZERO paint protection from chips etc.

Whatever you decide, Avoid dealers at all cost. Go to someone who specializes in it

Good luck.

 

[trackratZ]

PPF at least the entire front end including the black mirrors plus rear quarter kick panels. I paid $1600, reputable installer and PPF that wraps under panel edges, way cleaner install and no film lines. I park mine in the garage so less exposure. But if you’re parking outside and plan to keep the Z for a long time invest in whole car PPF. Don’t waste your $$ on ceramic coating, doesn’t last long enough to justify cost.

 

[AV8OR]

I did full PPF. Also added graphics over PPF. Have a ceramic on the PPF as well. Highly recommend.

 

[Niks_Mowing]

PPF at least the entire front end including the black mirrors plus rear quarter kick panels. I paid $1600, reputable installer and PPF that wraps under panel edges, way cleaner install and no film lines. I park mine in the garage so less exposure. But if you’re parking outside and plan to keep the Z for a long time invest in whole car PPF. Don’t waste your $$ on ceramic coating, doesn’t last long enough to justify cost.

I have 9 year warranty on my ceramic coat.. Came highly recommended from the detailer, and he's done an absurdly good job on my last few cars, so I have every bit of faith in his work, and recommendations.

 

[RadzShadow]

I did complete ceramic (including wheels and calipers) and have lifetime touchups from a Veteran owned business. They have been great and I go in 4x a year for the touchup.
They could see some of the damage from normal wear and tear, washed and retouched in about 90 mins last visit.
Redid all the tint to Xcel with the UV blocking on the windsheild ... total cost was ~$1200 US

 

[Gadgetech]

I did full PPF on the front of the car (bumper, hood, fenders), partial roof and A pillars, mirrors, rockers which included the lower portion of the doors and impact areas around the rear wheels. That plus tinting all the glass was $3,475 ($2,800 for PPF and $675 for tint) using Xpel. .

I like detailing and prefer to do my own but if you aren’t into that, you may want to pay someone to ceramic coat the car. It’ll last a long time and keep it looking good.

PPF will protect your paint from rock chips etc. Ceramic coating is a long lasting protectant that keeps the paint looking clean and water beading. Makes removing things like dead bugs easier.

I would use an independent installer for the paint protection. I think most PPF installers also detail cars and apply coatings. Regardless of which way you go, paint prep is important. My car had quite a bit of overspray that needed to be removed first. I let my installer handle that. There’s always Google reviews but joining a local car group on FB in your area can probably help you find a good shop.

 

[mikecarpage]

@trackratZ do you have a photo of the rear quarter kick panel ppf?

@Gadgetech do you have a photo of the partial roof and a pillar section ppf?

 

[trackratZ]

Pic attached, lower rear qtr panel PPF’d

 

[mikecarpage]

Pic attached, lower rear qtr panel PPF’d

Thanks for the photo. hard for me to notice or see where it is with the lighting/reflection. I hate to ask for another photo, but if you don't mind, it would be helpful. I was given the option to cover the lower quarter panel by my detailer.

 

[wooferocau]

Not a "Z" ... but i had my GR Corolla Fully done in Xpel PPF.
All edges are tucked/folded. It looks stunning
You cannot tell it has PPF installed even up close.
If its within your budget i highly recommend it.
The PPF has already saved my paint from stone strikes on several occasions now.

A full quality PPF install is expensive, but it think its 100% worth the cost on a prized vehicle..

 

[trackratZ]

Thanks for the photo. hard for me to notice or see where it is with the lighting/reflection. I hate to ask for another photo, but if you don't mind, it would be helpful. I was given the option to cover the lower quarter panel by my detailer.

Might still be hard to see, but where the cut line is lower rear quarter, that's where the PPF stops. I imagine you can have them cover more by arching up towards the upper fender wheel opening. So far what I have protected enough from what's kicked up from the front tires, main protection.

 

[Gadgetech]

@trackratZ do you have a photo of the rear quarter kick panel ppf?

@Gadgetech do you have a photo of the partial roof and a pillar section ppf?

I'll update this post with some pics tomorrow. My car is pretty dirty so it'll be easier to see the lines.

Partial roof and A pillar: