All models PPF Paint Protection Film

[--Rage--]

So I've picked up my 86, covered in Xpel Fusion. I asked the detailers for advice on car care (re the ceramic/equivalent coating), and they said to use a PH neutral shampoo. I'd like to do touchless washes over winter, and you generally have more success with a foam that has some alkaline (at least on a bare car, as opposed to a ppf'd one). But is your understanding that we don't need to worry about that with the Fusion ppf?

I have of course looked at Xpel's website, but that's a dog's dinner, only less appetising.

Where did you take it in the end mate?

 

[Triggaaar]

Where did you take it in the end mate?

Hi Raj

I chose Vinyl One thanks to yours and JonBon's recommendation, but Jamie is working with Rich from https://www.refineddetail.co.uk/ at the moment, so that's where it actually went. I'm very happy with how it looked when I picked it up. I haven't had much chance to look at it outside, as it was dark when I collected it, and I've barely seen it today.

I'm not yet sure what products to use on it - Rich said to use a PH neutral shampoo, which I presume would apply to foam pre-washes too. With non ppf cars an alkaline foam was can help remove more dirt than a PH neutral wash, which then means you're less likely to introduces minor scratches when you contact wash - but should we ditch that logic with ppf, because presumably foam pre wash followed by contact wash isn't going to scratch ppf anyway (I'd hope any minor marks would self heal)?

I'm currently thinking I'll get a PH neutral foam wash and start with that (and a PH neutral shampoo when needed). I'll be interested to hear from those here with ppf whether contact wash scratches are a bit of a non-issue (obviously using 2 buckets and general precautions) and depending on results I'll consider switching to Bilt Hamber Touchless foam.

 

[Sonic]

... is your understanding that we don't need to worry about that with the Fusion ppf?

I'm a fully fledged PPF'er and have always used 'coating safe' products and a rigorous non-contact routine. There are plenty of PPF safe products out there to choose from (Gyeon 'PPF Maintain' for example). I would always advocate care when washing - you've spent a small fortune on coatings so why risk it? You wouldn't catch me mixing cement wearing a Rolex hence, I wouldn't wash a coated car without the proper stuff either ...

 

[Triggaaar]

You wouldn't catch me mixing cement wearing a Rolex hence, I wouldn't wash a coated car without the proper stuff either ...

1) I'll change my cement mixing routine
2) But what is the proper stuff? Is there anything to say we shouldn't use a good alkaline car cleaning product with Xpel Ultimate Fusion?

 

[Sonic]

It’s just general practice in the industry I guess. I’ve used mildly alkaline snow foams and pre-washes on occasion but, never as a routine. My garage is full of Gtechniq products as I have Gtechniq ceramics and Xpel PPF, so I’m assured that they are coating safe. Just find whatever is good for you and roll with it; you’ll be reet

 

[Triggaaar]

My garage is full of Gtechniq products as I have Gtechniq ceramics and Xpel PPF, so I’m assured that they are coating safe.

Does Xpel Ultimate Fusion have a coating?

Dal says it doesn't (post #125). The Xpel website says "Developed with a hydrophobic top-coat, the film’s naturally slick surface helps repel water, making protected surfaces easier to wash and stay clean."

It depends what they mean by 'top-coat' - whether it's what the surface of the Xpel is made out of, or something they put on top. It would be handy to know exactly what we're washing and trying to protect.

 

[Dal3D]

Dunno why I said this:

Xpel ultimate Fusion doesn't have a hydrophobic ceramic coating on top, it's built into the film so is guaranteed as long as the film is.

ULTIMATE FUSION | Hydrophobic Paint Protection Film

Get the best of both worlds. ULTIMATE FUSION PPF combines the impact resistant protection of ULTIMATE PLUS, with next-level hydrophobic performance from FUSION PLUS Ceramic Coating to deliver a PPF unlike any other.

www.xpel.com

Probably a typo and should have said "does" as that's what I quoted. Either that or I am actually an idiot lol

I find it has good hydrophobic qualities - maybe not as good as a decent sealant or wax, but good nontheless.

 

[RumbleandSway]

Cleaned my GR86 today and concluded protection [Xpel] is a good ‘long term’ investment.

I’ve seen posts criticising GR86 paint but it doesn’t seem any worse than what you’ll find on a Porsche.

250 miles of M23, M25, M4 on Tuesday and I can see at least three impacts which I’m sure would have chipped the paint if it hadn’t been PPF’d.

Also concluded mudflaps [RokBlokz due to be delivered Monday] are a wise investment. Hopefully they’ll afford some side sill and rear bumper protection.

 

[Triggaaar]

Dunno why I said this:


Probably a typo and should have said "does" as that's what I quoted.

Either that or I am actually an idiot lol

I find it has good hydrophobic qualities - maybe not as good as a decent sealant or wax, but good nontheless.

So we do need to be careful of the coating then

 

[Dal3D]

So we do need to be careful of the coating then

Not especially. It'll stay "not quite as good as a wax or sealant" for a very long time. if the quality of the hydrophobic nature does diminish, I guess that's a warranty issue? Guaranteed for 10 years so it's as good as worry free IMO.

 

[--Rage--]

Hi Raj

I chose Vinyl One thanks to yours and JonBon's recommendation, but Jamie is working with Rich from https://www.refineddetail.co.uk/ at the moment, so that's where it actually went. I'm very happy with how it looked when I picked it up. I haven't had much chance to look at it outside, as it was dark when I collected it, and I've barely seen it today.

I'm not yet sure what products to use on it - Rich said to use a PH neutral shampoo, which I presume would apply to foam pre-washes too. With non ppf cars an alkaline foam was can help remove more dirt than a PH neutral wash, which then means you're less likely to introduces minor scratches when you contact wash - but should we ditch that logic with ppf, because presumably foam pre wash followed by contact wash isn't going to scratch ppf anyway (I'd hope any minor marks would self heal)?

I'm currently thinking I'll get a PH neutral foam wash and start with that (and a PH neutral shampoo when needed). I'll be interested to hear from those here with ppf whether contact wash scratches are a bit of a non-issue (obviously using 2 buckets and general precautions) and depending on results I'll consider switching to Bilt Hamber Touchless foam.

Ahhh awesome. I’ve been meaning to go back, I need to get my headlights done as well as swap the decals. Will give him a shout, glad you’re happy with the work.