Full exterior ppf - what issues to ask about please

[grasmere]

As per the title:

I’m looking at getting a full exterior PPF in satin stealth on my black 2018 CS.

I’m going to visit one of the places to see close up but
just wanted to know what questions to ask of all the guys
I’m getting quotes from please.

My thoughts currently are,
Stickability - how secure is it at the edges - fears of it peeling away.
Ceramic coating - is it necessary on ppf?

[Tom]

As per the title:

I’m looking at getting a full exterior PPF in satin stealth on my black 2018 CS.

I’m going to visit one of the places to see close up but
just wanted to know what questions to ask of all the guys
I’m getting quotes from please.

My thoughts currently are,
Stickability - how secure is it at the edges - fears of it peeling away.
Ceramic coating - is it necessary on ppf?

Ok, I'll start. I've had 3 cars done myself and went through several others with friends... I'm no expert, but a nicely seasoned and jaded consumer....

Single most important thing -- and it's a biggie -- is the installer. A great installer will do a better job than an ok installer pretty much regardless of everything else (unless he's using a pre-cut kit -- see below). Check out his work and ask around for who uses who and why. Go for the best and longest-running reputation!

Ask if they use a pre-cut kit of wrap it from scratch. Pre-cut kits will have more edges and cut lines, etc. I've never seen a kit I'd want on my Porsche -- that's not to say they don't exist, but none of the kits I've seen compare to a custom wrap (at all!).

What film will they use? Some have less orange peel than others; some are easier to work around tight corners; some are clearer; some show more/less dirt around cut lines; some are thicker/thinner; warranties differ, etc. The films are constantly evolving, so not fair to compare 2018 3M film to 2022 Suntek, but I'll say the latest Suntek is the clearest, smoothest, best of tight-corners film I've seen. That said, it's quite possible the latest 3M and XPel are now just as good -- Suntek is making the rounds in my area so I have not seen a 3M or XPel car done in the last 12 months. Personally, I'd avoid off brands, unless and until they prove themselves in the market.

What parts will they remove to film the car? Some installers will remove mirrors, headlights, trim, etc. in order to wrap the car with the fewest seams, etc. High-end installers who strive for perfection tend to do that, but it adds times and expense. They can hide edges under parts that way and avoid creating seams. Think of the rear view mirrors for example -- if you take it off and apply a single sheet of film over the area, you can then cut a hole in it to reattach the mirror and end up with no visible edge or lines. Alternatively, they can cut around the mirror and run seam from the mirror to the window line of the door. That can look 'ok' if done well, but not invisible like when you remove parts. On the other hand, some people don't want the installer taking parts off the car (especially if they haven't done the same model a few times already).

How do they manage tight corners? Tight corners are a challenge. If they push it too hard, you get "fingers" or lifting of the film. Once the film starts to lift, it collects dirt and pretty much has to be trimmed off. Sometimes discretion is the better part of valor -- a tiny seam that lasts for years is better than a tightly wrapped corner that lifts and needs to be cut off in a few months... When looking at the installers work, look for something he did last year, not last week, and look for lifting around tight corners vs. seams where prudent.

Warranty. Most have a 10 year warranty, but it's pretty limited to yellowing, etc. What will the installer do if his work lifts, etc. My favorite local installer sees his work as a rolling billboard, so will come back and fix installation issues for free.

If using a ceramic, make sure it does not void the warranty -- some warranties are voided if you use an unapproved ceramic coating.

What is not filmed? Some installers will opt not to film certain parts of the car -- like rear bumpers, mirrors, etc. Worth having that conversation upfront to avoid misunderstandings. Also consider a windshield film. Porsche windshields like to break Also consider doubling up in high-debris zones.

What to look for? When checking out cars, look for lifting; look for dirt in the seams (partly film, partly installer); look for orange peel (and choose a different film if you see much of it); look for cut lines around edges and trim that could have been avoided by wrapping around edges and/or removing parts/trim; look for stretch marks in the film in high-contour areas; look for air bubbles/pockets; look for haze under the film. When dealing with bubbles, haze, stretch marks and other installer-created issues, beware that installers love to say those problems will fade away and disappear after a few weeks. Also be aware that many to most of them don't.

[blueline]

@grasmere

I don't know if you've seen these, but here are a couple of posts by Growler48 from Oct 2022 showing his black satin-wrapped 718. It looks great! He might have some ideas for you too.

viewtopic.php?t=1388&start=30
viewtopic.php?t=764&start=30

[blueline]

... Also consider a windshield film. Porsche windshields like to break Also consider doubling up in high-debris zones ...

I found out about Porsche OEM windshields last week via the Cayenne. Wow...I had no idea ($$$). I cannot remember the last time we've had a broken windshield in any car but I certainly won't forget this one!

Film on windshields you say? I never even thought about the notion that it might be possible. I need to inquire about that. What are the downsides?

[grasmere]

... Also consider a windshield film.

Film on windshields you say? I never even thought about the notion that it might be possible. I need to inquire about that. What are the downsides?

Not aware of windshield film either, I’ll add it to my queries

[Southbama]

... Also consider a windshield film. Porsche windshields like to break Also consider doubling up in high-debris zones ...

I found out about Porsche OEM windshields last week via the Cayenne. Wow...I had no idea ($$$). I cannot remember the last time we've had a broken windshield in any car but I certainly won't forget this one!

Film on windshields you say? I never even thought about the notion that it might be possible. I need to inquire about that. What are the downsides?

May I ask what the cost was? I was quoted $1550 by my dealer for windshield replacement and calibration that includes a 4 wheel alignment.

[blueline]

I'll just say considerably more than your quote. However, in conjunction with them (the dealer) I decided to turn it in to insurance even though I have very high deductible, so it went in as full retail and I never asked what the exact cost would have been had I paid out of pocket, but it would have been in the $2,000 - $2,300 range.

But wow, $1,550 is one heck of a deal, especially from a dealer - that's fantastic! And it's even more so assuming they were going to use Porsche furnished glass which is ridiculously priced. I could have saved well over a grand had I gone with aftermarket and/or used an outside glass installation company, and that would have been closer to your quote.

And yes, the cost at the dealer included all alignments and calibrations - 4-wheel ACC, LCA, front cameras and whatever else might have been involved. It was my desire to have it done at the dealer simply because of all the calibrations and alignments. I have no idea what the outcome using a third party installer would be. They might or might not be able to do cameras and LCA but certainly not ACC as far as I know.

New cars (Porsche and other high end makes especially, but really all new vehicles) are a lot of high tech (too much) which is both boon and bane!

[Southbama]

I'll just say considerably more than your quote. However, in conjunction with them (the dealer) I decided to turn it in to insurance even though I have very high deductible, so it went in as full retail and I never asked what the exact cost would have been had I paid out of pocket, but it would have been in the $2,000 - $2,300 range.

But wow, $1,550 is one heck of a deal, especially from a dealer - that's fantastic! And it's even more so assuming they were going to use Porsche furnished glass which is ridiculously priced. I could have saved well over a grand had I gone with aftermarket and/or used an outside glass installation company, and that would have been closer to your quote.

And yes, the cost at the dealer included all alignments and calibrations - 4-wheel ACC, LCA, front cameras and whatever else might have been involved. It was my desire to have it done at the dealer simply because of all the calibrations and alignments. I have no idea what the outcome using a third party installer would be. They might or might not be able to do cameras and LCA but certainly not ACC as far as I know.

New cars (Porsche and other high end makes especially, but really all new vehicles) are a lot of high tech (too much) which is both boon and bane!

The quote was for factory glass, but installed by 3rd party. Calibrations and alignment by the dealer. Thinking I will have done at the next tire replacement. I have a vertical crack exactly in the middle that I am tired of looking at.

[blueline]

I'll just say considerably more than your quote. However, in conjunction with them (the dealer) I decided to turn it in to insurance even though I have very high deductible, so it went in as full retail and I never asked what the exact cost would have been had I paid out of pocket, but it would have been in the $2,000 - $2,300 range.

But wow, $1,550 is one heck of a deal, especially from a dealer - that's fantastic! And it's even more so assuming they were going to use Porsche furnished glass which is ridiculously priced. I could have saved well over a grand had I gone with aftermarket and/or used an outside glass installation company, and that would have been closer to your quote.

And yes, the cost at the dealer included all alignments and calibrations - 4-wheel ACC, LCA, front cameras and whatever else might have been involved. It was my desire to have it done at the dealer simply because of all the calibrations and alignments. I have no idea what the outcome using a third party installer would be. They might or might not be able to do cameras and LCA but certainly not ACC as far as I know.

New cars (Porsche and other high end makes especially, but really all new vehicles) are a lot of high tech (too much) which is both boon and bane!

The quote was for factory glass, but installed by 3rd party. Calibrations and alignment by the dealer. Thinking I will have done at the next tire replacement. I have a vertical crack exactly in the middle that I am tired of looking at.

Wife was driving and what must have been a good sized chunk hit the lower part of the w'shield on drivers side, just a few inches above wiper blades. How the rock missed hitting and skipping up the hood is a mystery, but glad for it. Within a few days the crack started spreading across and then into a rectangle. It became quite distracting while driving as the second higher up horizontal crack was in the line of sight.

Your description of what they're doing for your Cayenne is exactly how it was handled at my dealer. I'll be there again soon and will get a more exact figure on what the cost would have been had I paid it all myself. (I know they appreciated being able to make full retail for a change on me. )

But yes, to reiterate, that's an excellent estimate that you were given.

[Southbama]

I'll just say considerably more than your quote. However, in conjunction with them (the dealer) I decided to turn it in to insurance even though I have very high deductible, so it went in as full retail and I never asked what the exact cost would have been had I paid out of pocket, but it would have been in the $2,000 - $2,300 range.

But wow, $1,550 is one heck of a deal, especially from a dealer - that's fantastic! And it's even more so assuming they were going to use Porsche furnished glass which is ridiculously priced. I could have saved well over a grand had I gone with aftermarket and/or used an outside glass installation company, and that would have been closer to your quote.

And yes, the cost at the dealer included all alignments and calibrations - 4-wheel ACC, LCA, front cameras and whatever else might have been involved. It was my desire to have it done at the dealer simply because of all the calibrations and alignments. I have no idea what the outcome using a third party installer would be. They might or might not be able to do cameras and LCA but certainly not ACC as far as I know.

New cars (Porsche and other high end makes especially, but really all new vehicles) are a lot of high tech (too much) which is both boon and bane!

The quote was for factory glass, but installed by 3rd party. Calibrations and alignment by the dealer. Thinking I will have done at the next tire replacement. I have a vertical crack exactly in the middle that I am tired of looking at.

Wife was driving and what must have been a good sized chunk hit the lower part of the w'shield on drivers side, just a few inches above wiper blades. How the rock missed hitting and skipping up the hood is a mystery, but glad for it. Within a few days the crack started spreading across and then into a rectangle. It became quite distracting while driving as the second higher up horizontal crack was in the line of sight.

Your description of what they're doing for your Cayenne is exactly how it was handled at my dealer. I'll be there again soon and will get a more exact figure on what the cost would have been had I paid it all myself. (I know they appreciated being able to make full retail for a change on me. )

But yes, to reiterate, that's an excellent estimate that you were given.

Mine is a Cayman GTS 4.0. Smaller windshield may contribute some to the lower cost.