Paint Protective Film (PPF) - Worth it?

I will never not get PPF done. I got full hood, full fenders, bumper, grille, headlights/fog lights, A pillar, roof line and door cups done. Paint is too expensive to allow it to get chipped up.

 

When removing PPF is there a chance that paint comes off with it?
Or the PPF becomes hard to remove. Ripping off in pieces?

Just curious as I've seen this with vinyl wraps and from my understanding it's similar?

In the past I've just use touch up paint and wet sand when needed. Compound, polish and apply ceramic coating.
But I realize I can only compound paint so many times before I burn through all my clear coat.

I'm curious about PPF but also a little worried that it will be a pain to remove after too much time goes by.

 

The regular kits to each vehicle are pre cut but you can also pay by the foot rather than a kit. Any good installer that knows how to apply PPF correctly will wrap the edges so as to not leave any edges visible.

 

I would highly recommend brining to an experienced shop to have it properly removed as to lessen the chance of anything happening. Depending on how much PPF needs to be removed it is a fairly time consuming project.

 

I PPF'd my hood and roof of my 2014 Tacoma. I think it is worth it, even if it is a little expensive. Everyone knows 2nd gen hood and roofs start to oxidize and look like sh*t after a while. My roof was juuuuuuust starting to oxidize (like some speckles of oxidation in one area). So, PPF not only prevents any further oxidation but protects the remaining paint from getting worse. I even washed/waxed my truck regularly and it was just no match for the San Diego sun.

I didn't do it for rock chips, etc. Purely for UV protection. Plus, now I never have to wax the hood and roof which is a time saver.

 

My dealer was not using pre-cut XPEL, they had a large roll they cut from then put it on the car and used heat guns and squeegees to apply it

this shop had a 2005 GT40, a new GT3, a Cayenne in it...and I watched them doing a Jeep

 

I have had PPF on my 2020 Pro and my current 2023 Pro. I didn't have it on my 2016 Limited.

Now to the question, is it worth it? That will depend on what value the PPF brings to you. If you will obsess over every paint chip or scratch, then cover the high impact areas or the entire 4Runner. If it will only bother you once and then you'll forget about it, then it may not bring you any value. Remember, that PPF is only a protective layer between the paint and item impacting it. That layer will only protect so far. If a large rock hits your car, you may still have a dent and paint damage. Also, when PPF is damaged or has reached its lifespan, it will need to be replaced.

The important thing with PPF is to shop the installer and not the price. Once you find a reputable installer, find out what films they offer and what would look best on your particular car. I personally don't like Xpel because of the high cost and orange peel look of the film. I like the SunTek line and Stek films because of their glossy appearance and hydrophobic properties that are built in. I have SunTek Reaction film on my current 4Runner. Last thing to say and confirm what has already been said, go with a bulk PPF installer that wraps edges and will prep your car properly before installing.

 

Hand cut is available, but not common at many dealers, at least here in Canada. Higher end shops though are another story. Plus it is why they usually charge more.

 

just got this from sky's the limit car care
(I buy CAR PRO car wash and detailing stuff from them)

you can go take a class on PPF installation and DIY...

course is ONLY $1795

https://www.carpro-us.com/more-categories/carpro-immortal-ppf-training-choose-class-date/

 

Bump.
I have an appointment for Xpel PPF next week and unsure if I should go "Partial Front" (18" hood, partial fender, bumper, mirrors) for ~$975 or "Full Front" (Full Hood, Full Fenders, bumper, mirrors) for ~$2000. I have an Ice Cap 2024. Part of me is thinking the partial is a good middle ground on protection without going crazy on spending (also being mindful on future removal). Of course, the Full Front will hide the "line" across the hood/fenders and offer more protection. Not too thrilled about this not being a forever product and having to deal with it in 10+ years. My wife and I plan long roadtrips annually and I want to preserve the front end (Our rentals were always blasted with bugs and rocks!)

I believe the shop uses a plotter to cut the pieces from software and good reviews online.

I've gone down the PPF rabbit hole and want to feel good about my decision. I cringe driving the truck without any protection (my first new vehicle), but also not a fan of the potential negatives of PPF. It also doesn't feel too good spending so much on "plastic". Thanks

 

I just made this decision back in late April when I bought my '24 Limited and went with th full hood application. I knew the paint is both thin and soft on these trucks, and I saw this as something to protect my investment. Also, as long as you go with a top tier product (I went with SunTek 10-year), you won't need to worry about fade lines...but outside of that concern, I'm not aware of any other negatives. And a reputable installer who's willing to stand behind their work is obviously important too.

Hope that helps...
TimG

 

Tha

Thank you. I've been looking at 5th gens lately and have noticed more that have PPF (half-hood / half-fender). It doesn't look terrible and I'm only noticing because I'm looking for it.

 

I had the full front end done. This includes hood, front fenders, tops of mirrors, all painted surfaces of the front bumper and bumperette as well as the head lights. I also added the door cups behind the door handles to prevent finger nail scratches. My only regret is not getting the entire rig done. I've had to drag this thing through a few too many tight trails and have spent many ours buffing out scratches on all of the panels that are not protected. The front end still looks perfect. This is the first car I've had PPF added to and I'm a believer. I'm planning on having this rig for the long haul and wanted to take the extra steps to keep it looking sharp. I'd highly recommend getting the full front done including the head lights.

 

If you are doing ppf, in an attempt to preserve resale value. It’s likely not worth it, just like how paint correction, ceramic coating are also not worth it.

A used 4R in sound mechanical condition, with normal wear n tear will fetch high market value, full stop.

Your slightly better paint won’t command more $$ to make back the $ you put in

 

What world are you living in when it comes to PPF?

 

ROI analysis doesn’t exist in your world?

full frontal ppf costs many thousands.

You factor in ownership plan for the vehicle - a few years, or lifer? If selling/trading in. The addition of ppf will not net more resale value for the vehicle. Especially so for a popular vehicle like the 4R. Normal Wear n tear on the exterior will be expected and easily overlooked by buyer.

why waste your money to keep the vehicle pristine, for its next owner?

 

I had the PPF on my 2019. Didn't opt for it, it was already installed. Any blemishes in it were impossible to keep clean. Dirt got up under the voids and eventually I just pulled the entire thing off and it was a bitch to get off. Unless the aftermarket versions are exceedingly better than what comes on it from Toyota I wouldn't choose to have it added. JMO.

 

Your PPF that was previously installed was probably installed by some teenager at the stealership from the lowest quality material known to man.

Quality PPF like Xpel take great pride in their product. Therefore, the authorized installers have to go through extensive training before they can even touch Xpel products. Any quality installer will wrap all the edges so nothing gets underneath the film.

You may change your mind if you find a detail shop that knows what they are doing. Well worth the money to protect your investment.

 

What “voids” ?

 

The Xpel PPF Plus is self-healing. I can attest to that. When a rock hit my front painted bumper it left a jagged tear in the PPF. There was a little dirt around the edges of the ding. I used a soft toothbrush and some Soft Scrub, then gently, using circular motions to coax the dirt out and away from the ding. Then I got my wife’s hair dryer and slowly heated up the ding, hotter and hotter until the clear PPF flowed back over tear. The installer told me it was self-healing and the procedure to fix it, I thought he was full of BS. Not anymore, he told the truth. Now, I don’t think it could self-heal over a radical tear or crash into another vehicle, but it stopped the rock going through the paint to bare metal or primer. I agree, it’s expensive, so is the 4Runner itself, but this vehicle is the last I’ll ever own, probably earmarked for one of my sons when I’m gone. This is a generational 4Runner, I’m not going to sell it.

 

Well, I canceled my appointment I had next Thursday. I setup a new appointment with another shop (booked out 3 weeks - they do a lot!) that had better reviews and the cost was similar. They are going to do the entire front (full hood, full bumper, full fenders, headlights, foglights, door cups) for $2195. I'm going to do some prep before hand - Remove scoop and remove rear hatch handle so they can PPF that area (since it has had issues). I will reply in that thread to figure out that plan.


For someone who plan to keep this for the long haul and take many highway roadtrips across several states, I feel this a good choice for me.
Thanks!

 

Good call brotha!

 

I appreciate your advice and sharing your experience... This is new territory for me.

 

Smart choice my friend. Make sure that the proper prep work is included because some areas may need a paint correction. Once this is applied you will see all the imperfections and nothing can be done unless the PPF is removed.

Also, I would go visit their shop and see what kind of work they do and the cleanliness. This is very important because you are spending good money on this investment.

 

Anytime a rock hit the film it would create a tear or void in the membrane. That void would collect dirt and would end up looking like dirty spots all over the clean car.