Festyboy, PPF 3M, ExPel... questions?

charley95

Can you tell us a little more on the pros/cons of the films long term durability since your an installer. I had some questions for ya on Noosh's Demon thread that I hijacked. I'm getting Expel Ultimate installed on my car Thursday. My friend has it on his cars and I haven't seen any downside on his. I've heard that keeping it looking its best is to ceramic coat it?

Thanks!

FestYboy

First thing about any film or wrap: they are NOT permanent, meaning that they should be replaced periodically.

Having said that, the amount of time between applications depends very much on the material being used and it's intended use and the environment it's being subjected to. In the case of PPF, a quality film should last 10+ years in a normal environment when it is cared for regularly. If you're in the salt belt, that will lessen it to 6-7 years on a daily driver, and say you're in AZ, it drops a little as well but not as bad.

As far as care: each manufacturer will (should) have care instructions based on the specific product. Any additional treatment or coatings may void any warranty, so be warned.

txcoastal1

Fest--Another question sir
So if you have a new factory car or paint job, and you have a quality wrap done, 5-8 years later, how hard is it to remove?, and Is the factory paint preserved in most cases

FestYboy

Using a quality wrap product (Avery for example) with a laminate layer will remove cleanly and leave the paint in the condition that it was wrapped in. Pay attention to the last part of that statement...

I specialize in wraps and commercial vehicle graphics. I admittedly have little experience with PPF because of that. That being said, the next statement will hold true of both wraps and PPF: a perfect install requires a perfect substrate (paint). You want to have the surface clay barred and then stripped of it's wax layer before install. Once the lammed material is installed, it will self heal with hot water or a heat gun just like the PPF. Removal may require a little heat, but that's it.

charley95

You have quite a talent to be able to install that film with little experience. I know that my installer has many years of experience with film. I'm sure he'll be able to answer my questions. I spent most of last week claying and correcting mine to prep the surface for application. I would assume he'll use something to remove compound residue prior to application?! Mine will spend most of it's lifespan in a well insulated garage and maintained more than the average person cares for their paint surface. Black is the worst color to keep looking good so I'm sure it will help protect the surface areas that get the most abuse from driving.

charley95

Got the ExPel installed yesterday. There's a night and day difference when you look at it next to the 3M. I would've thought the 3M would be of better quality. Asked the installer if I should do away with the 3M and replace with ExPel and he mentioned to wait and see if the sun would cure some of the blemishes in it. He stated the ExPel should last a minimum of 10yrs. with proper care. It really has a nice gloss to it.

FestYboy

All my experience says that if there's any blemish between the adhesive layer and paint, it's locked in and won't disappear. Conversely, if it's on the 3M surface, a hair dryer can help clear them up.