longevity of paint protection film?
#1
Audiworld Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
longevity of paint protection film?
I am getting a new S6 (Aug delivery) and am contemplating paint protection film for a least the areas likely to get rock chips. I see some have gotten the entire car done. I have a few questions, since I have never used this type of product before.
Is there a problem with the areas covered vs uncovered with film fading differently over time from the sun?
Any special instructions for washing your car?
Any opinions on the best brand/type of film?
Is there a problem with the areas covered vs uncovered with film fading differently over time from the sun?
Any special instructions for washing your car?
Any opinions on the best brand/type of film?
#3
AudiWorld Member
More recent films don't show much of a difference between covered and uncovered. that said if you don't cover a full panel you will notice a line where the film ends. Honestly I don't know about fading issues, however the film could yellow and if it does within warranty period you can get it replaced.
No special instructions for washing your car. Actually it's easier washing the covered areas as there is less concern about scratching the paint.
Best films are probably those that have self healing properties when it comes to scratches. All films will get "chipped" and scratched by road debris. But It is doing it to the film and not to your paint. IMO it's worth it. My paint has been saved and if I keep the car long enough I will most likely get the major pieces of film replaced and any others that may have been damaged. Cheaper than repainting the front of the car.
No special instructions for washing your car. Actually it's easier washing the covered areas as there is less concern about scratching the paint.
Best films are probably those that have self healing properties when it comes to scratches. All films will get "chipped" and scratched by road debris. But It is doing it to the film and not to your paint. IMO it's worth it. My paint has been saved and if I keep the car long enough I will most likely get the major pieces of film replaced and any others that may have been damaged. Cheaper than repainting the front of the car.
#6
Audiworld Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks.
I guess the question I am trying to answer at this point is not IF I am going to do a protective film, but how extensive (as in, certain areas or the whole car, etc).
From multiple discussions online I think I am going with the XPEL brand. I am a little confused however about it vs OptiCoat Pro. I know that one is a actualy film and the other is a, for lack of a better word, lacquer/clearcoat that bonds to the paint. However, I have seen people talk about getting both the film AND the Opticoat. Can anyone comment on that?
I guess the question I am trying to answer at this point is not IF I am going to do a protective film, but how extensive (as in, certain areas or the whole car, etc).
From multiple discussions online I think I am going with the XPEL brand. I am a little confused however about it vs OptiCoat Pro. I know that one is a actualy film and the other is a, for lack of a better word, lacquer/clearcoat that bonds to the paint. However, I have seen people talk about getting both the film AND the Opticoat. Can anyone comment on that?
#7
AudiWorld Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: PA
Posts: 608
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks.
I guess the question I am trying to answer at this point is not IF I am going to do a protective film, but how extensive (as in, certain areas or the whole car, etc).
From multiple discussions online I think I am going with the XPEL brand. I am a little confused however about it vs OptiCoat Pro. I know that one is a actualy film and the other is a, for lack of a better word, lacquer/clearcoat that bonds to the paint. However, I have seen people talk about getting both the film AND the Opticoat. Can anyone comment on that?
I guess the question I am trying to answer at this point is not IF I am going to do a protective film, but how extensive (as in, certain areas or the whole car, etc).
From multiple discussions online I think I am going with the XPEL brand. I am a little confused however about it vs OptiCoat Pro. I know that one is a actualy film and the other is a, for lack of a better word, lacquer/clearcoat that bonds to the paint. However, I have seen people talk about getting both the film AND the Opticoat. Can anyone comment on that?
2. film protects paint against chips from flying road debris
3. Opticoat (or the other coatings like it - I prefer CQuartz or gtechniq) do not protect against paint chips. they best way to describe them is a wax on steroids. They add a longer lasting hydrophobic shield on your paint, which keeps it looking nicer and IMO easier to maintain. Some say opticoat lasts forever. I am skeptical but if it does, IMO after a few years you are going to want to buff it off and redo it since the opticoat layer will degrade from normal wear and tear / scratches / bird droppings / etc. hence I like using the products like CQuartz, GTechniq, PPLE that last for 2 years and you can apply yourself for about $60
4. If you do any coating, do the xpel first - then the coating as you need the bare paint for the xpel to best adhere to - plus you can put the coating over the xpel
Trending Topics
#8
AudiWorld Member
And as it relates to what to cover it is subjective, but here would be my suggestions:
Full hood
Full front
Headlights
Front Quarter panels (your call on full vs. about 1/4 of them, I did partial)
Side mirrors
A pillars (I didn't do these and wish I had)
Behind wheel wells (front and back)
Door cups (avoids scratches from rings and finger nails)
Top of rear bumper underneath the trunk lid (avoids scratches on paint from things going in and out of the trunk)
I paid about $1,250 and was well spent in my opinion. Price may vary depending on installer.
Full hood
Full front
Headlights
Front Quarter panels (your call on full vs. about 1/4 of them, I did partial)
Side mirrors
A pillars (I didn't do these and wish I had)
Behind wheel wells (front and back)
Door cups (avoids scratches from rings and finger nails)
Top of rear bumper underneath the trunk lid (avoids scratches on paint from things going in and out of the trunk)
I paid about $1,250 and was well spent in my opinion. Price may vary depending on installer.
#9
AudiWorld Super User
I am getting a new S6 (Aug delivery) and am contemplating paint protection film for a least the areas likely to get rock chips. I see some have gotten the entire car done. I have a few questions, since I have never used this type of product before.
Is there a problem with the areas covered vs uncovered with film fading differently over time from the sun?
Any special instructions for washing your car?
Any opinions on the best brand/type of film?
Is there a problem with the areas covered vs uncovered with film fading differently over time from the sun?
Any special instructions for washing your car?
Any opinions on the best brand/type of film?
Wash as normal and if you must use a car wash, always use a touchless and try to avoid high pressure versions (a corner of the film could start to peel of the pressure is too high and used too often).
Xpel Ultimate, hands down. It's thicker than others and the only one to have a clear coat and most important, the only one to have self healing properties. Google for demo videos.
See my sig for my coverage areas.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
huwla
S4 / RS4 (B5 Platform) Discussion
12
08-11-2008 08:01 AM
zardozrdr
S4 / RS4 (B5 Platform) Discussion
9
03-01-2005 04:23 PM
Richard in SoCal
Audi allroad
13
06-06-2003 07:55 PM