Behind the Shine: The Prime Finish Process for Paint Protection Film and Ceramic Coating

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Behind the Shine: The Prime Finish Process for Paint Protection Film and Ceramic Coating

When it comes to protecting your vehicle, the quality of the installation process matters just as much as the products being used. At Prime Finish, we take a meticulous, step-by-step approach to ensure every vehicle receives the highest standard of care and long-lasting protection.

Whether you’re investing in Paint Protection Film (PPF) or Ceramic Coating, our process is designed to deliver exceptional results while preserving your vehicle’s appearance for years to come.

Our Paint Protection Film (PPF) Process

Paint Protection Film is one of the most effective ways to shield your vehicle’s paintwork from stone chips, scratches, road debris, and everyday wear. At Prime Finish, we follow a precise installation process to ensure a flawless finish.

1. Car Inspection and General Assessment

Every vehicle begins with a thorough inspection. We assess the condition of the paintwork, identify any existing imperfections, and discuss your protection goals to determine the best PPF solution for your vehicle.

2. Foam Washing

We perform a comprehensive foam wash to safely remove dirt, dust, and surface contaminants. This initial cleaning stage is essential for preparing the vehicle for the decontamination process.

3. Chemical Decontamination

Using specialised products, we remove embedded contaminants such as iron particles, tar, and road grime that regular washing cannot eliminate.

4. Clay Bar Decontamination

A clay bar treatment is then carried out to remove any remaining contaminants from the paint surface. This creates an ultra-smooth finish, ensuring optimal film adhesion.

5. Preparing the Film with Computer-Cut Patterns

Precision is key. We use advanced computer-cut patterns specifically designed for your vehicle’s make and model. This allows us to achieve accurate coverage while minimising unnecessary cutting on the vehicle itself.

6. Professional PPF Installation

Our experienced installers carefully apply the film to the vehicle, ensuring precise alignment and a seamless appearance. Every panel is installed with attention to detail and craftsmanship.

7. Finishing the Edges and Settling the Film

Once installed, the film’s edges are meticulously finished and secured. A heat gun is used where necessary to settle the film properly and ensure a smooth, long-lasting bond.

8. Final Detailing and Vehicle Delivery

Before delivery, the vehicle undergoes a final detailing process to ensure it looks immaculate. We inspect every panel and ensure the installation meets our exacting standards.

9. Follow-Up Inspection and Final Touch-Up

At Prime Finish, our service doesn’t end at delivery. We invite our customers back approximately 2–3 weeks after installation for a follow-up inspection and any final touch-ups required. This ensures the film has fully settled and continues to perform exactly as intended.

Our Ceramic Coating Process

Ceramic coating provides a durable, hydrophobic layer that enhances gloss, makes maintenance easier, and helps protect your vehicle from environmental contaminants.

At Prime Finish, preparation is everything, and our process is designed to maximise the performance and longevity of the coating.

1. Car Inspection and General Assessment

We begin by carefully inspecting the vehicle’s paint condition and discussing your expectations and desired outcomes.

2. Foam Washing

A safe foam wash removes loose dirt and contaminants while preparing the vehicle for the next stages of decontamination.

3. Chemical Decontamination

We remove iron fallout, tar deposits, and other embedded contaminants that can interfere with the coating’s performance.

4. Clay Bar Decontamination

A clay bar treatment eliminates remaining impurities and leaves the paintwork perfectly smooth and ready for correction and coating.

5. Rinse and Drying

After decontamination, the vehicle is thoroughly rinsed and carefully dried to ensure the surface is completely clean and moisture-free.

6. Paint Machine Polishing

Paint correction is one of the most important stages of ceramic coating preparation. We machine polish the paintwork to remove light imperfections, enhance clarity, and maximise gloss, creating the perfect foundation for the coating application.

7. Ceramic Coating Application

The ceramic coating is applied according to the specific guidelines of the chosen manufacturer. Different coating systems require different application techniques and curing times, and our team follows these procedures meticulously to ensure optimal results.

8. Optional IR Heat Curing

Where required, infrared heat curing is used to accelerate and enhance the curing process, allowing the coating to bond more effectively with the paint surface.

9. Interior Cleaning and Dressing

As part of our finishing process, we provide an interior clean and dressing to ensure your vehicle feels as impressive inside as it looks outside.

10. Final Finishing and Delivery

The final stage involves a comprehensive quality inspection, final detailing, and vehicle handover. We ensure every surface meets our high standards before returning your vehicle to you.

Why the Prime Finish Process Matters

The performance of both Paint Protection Film and Ceramic Coating depends heavily on proper preparation and professional installation. At Prime Finish, we believe that attention to detail at every stage is what delivers exceptional, long-lasting results.

From the initial inspection through to final delivery and follow-up care, our process is designed to provide complete peace of mind and premium protection for your vehicle.

If you’re looking to preserve your vehicle’s appearance, maintain its value, and enjoy a showroom-quality finish for years to come, Prime Finish is committed to delivering protection without compromise.

Why Choose Prime Finish?

  • Premium products from trusted global brands
  • Experienced professionals and meticulous workmanship
  • Custom solutions tailored to your vehicle and budget
  • Long-term protection and showroom-quality results

Book Your Car Detailing or Protection Service Today

Whether you’re protecting a brand-new car or restoring a used one, Prime Finish delivers unmatched quality and attention to detail. Contact us today to discuss the best solution for your vehicle.

New Car & Used Car Detailing Services at Prime Finish

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Our new car detailing service is designed for vehicles that are:

  • Less than two years old, or
  • Have under 2,000 kilometres on the odometer

Even brand-new cars often arrive with light swirls, transport marks, and bonded contaminants. Our process ensures your vehicle starts its life properly protected.

What’s Included:

  • Full exterior decontamination
  • Single-stage paint correction
  • Interior wiped clean and professionally dressed

Ceramic Coating Options

We offer industry-leading ceramic coatings to suit different budgets and performance expectations:

CarPro CQuartz Professional

An affordable and easy-to-maintain ceramic coating offering solid gloss, chemical resistance, and reasonable durability. This is the most cost-effective ceramic coating option.

XPEL Fusion Plus (Most Popular)

Extremely slick with excellent resistance to fading, light scratches, and environmental damage. This is our most recommended and most popular coating due to its balance of performance, durability, and value.

Modesta BC-04 / BC-05

A true nano-grade titanium glass coating, delivering unparalleled depth, durability, and performance. This is the premium choice for clients seeking the very best.

Additional Coating Options

Along with exterior ceramic coatings, we also offer:

  • Wheel coatings
  • Interior leather protection
  • Glass coatings
  • Plastic and trim coatings

Used Car Detailing & Paint Correction

For vehicles that have seen more road use, we offer tailored detailing packages to restore the paintwork and improve overall appearance.

Used Car Detailing Options:

  • Express / Pre-Sale Detail
     Includes a quick paint correction to enhance gloss and presentation.
  • Single-Stage Paint Correction
     Removes light to moderate defects for a noticeable improvement.
  • Multi-Stage Paint Correction (Best Results)
     Our most intensive correction process, designed to remove deeper swirls and imperfections for a near-new finish.

👉 Single-stage and multi-stage corrections can be upgraded with any of our ceramic coatings for long-term protection.

XPEL Paint Protection Film (PPF)

We use XPEL PPF exclusively, ensuring the highest level of clarity, durability, and self-healing performance.

Coverage Options:

  • Full front-end protection
  • Doors and high-impact areas
  • Full vehicle coverage
  • Fully custom PPF solutions based on your needs

XPEL Stealth – Satin / Matte Conversion

For clients wanting a bold transformation, XPEL Stealth offers a satin matte finish while still protecting the original paint. This is our most premium and expensive PPF option.

Vinyl Wrap Services

Vinyl wrapping is a great way to transform your vehicle’s appearance without permanent paint changes. Pricing depends on material choice and design complexity.

Vinyl Wrap Materials (Entry to Premium):

  • Avery Dennison – Entry-level plain colour wraps
  • HEXIS – Enhanced durability and colour depth
  • 3M – Industry-trusted performance and finish
  • PWF (Platinum Wrapping Film – Germany) – The most premium option, offering unique and exclusive colour finishes

Premium Window Tinting Options

We offer high-quality ceramic window tints, ranging from entry-level to top-tier heat and UV rejection.

Window Tint Options (Low to High):

  • Suntek Ceramic Window Tint
  • XPEL Prime XR Black Nano Ceramic Tint
  • XPEL Prime XR Plus Window Tint – Maximum heat rejection and comfort

Why Choose Prime Finish?

  • Premium products from trusted global brands
  • Experienced professionals and meticulous workmanship
  • Custom solutions tailored to your vehicle and budget
  • Long-term protection and showroom-quality results

Book Your Car Detailing or Protection Service Today

Whether you’re protecting a brand-new car or restoring a used one, Prime Finish delivers unmatched quality and attention to detail. Contact us today to discuss the best solution for your vehicle.

What Makes Graphene Coating a Game-Changer for Your Vehicle’s Finish

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What Makes Graphene Coating a Game-Changer for Your Vehicle’s Finish

When you want more than just shine—when you demand protection, durability, and long-term gloss—the Graphene coatings from ArtDeShine deliver. In this post, we break down what Graphene coatings actually do, how they outperform traditional ceramic, and why “Prime Finish” (powered by ArtDeShine) should be your go-to for car protection.

What Is Graphene Coating?

Graphene is a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a two-dimensional honeycomb lattice. What that means for coatings:

  • It’s incredibly strong, lightweight, flexible, and has excellent thermal conductivity.
  • When used in automotive coatings, it can improve hardness, enhance hydrophobic (water-repelling) properties, increase resistance to UV and environmental contaminants, and reduce water spotting.

ArtDeShine has embraced this nanotech, bringing you a Nano-Graphene Coating that leverages all these benefits to protect your car’s paint for years.

Key Benefits You’ll Get with Graphene

Here’s why switching up to a graphene-infused coating is worth it:

  • Superior gloss & depth — It gives a deep, wet-mirror finish that stands out.
  • More durable protection — Graphene adds toughness against minor chips, swirl marks, oxidation, weathering, etc.
  • Hydrophobic & self-cleaning effects — Water beads and rolls off, taking dirt/dust with it. Less frequent washes, easier maintenance.
  • Improved resistance to water spots — One of the flagship updates (like the NGC+ product) is better water-spot reduction.
  • Longer lifespan — When professionally installed, these coatings hold up well over time, far longer than many basic sealants or waxes.

What Makes ArtDeShine’s Graphene Stand Out

Prime Finish / ArtDeShine has invested heavily in research & development to ensure the Graphene coatings they provide aren’t just “more of the same.” Some of the distinguishing features include:

  • Co-development with educational institutions ensures chemistry is refined and backed by science. Artdeshine – Australia
  • Frequent upgrades—such as NGC+, which replaces NGC V3 and incorporates Carbon Nanotubes (CNT) for enhanced performance—especially in water-spot resistance and durability. Artdeshine – Australia
  • A professional installer network and warranty guarantee. When done right, you know you’re getting the full benefit with support. Artdeshine – Australia

How It Compares to Ceramic Coatings

While ceramic coatings already offer excellent protection, graphene coatings typically go a step further in several areas:

FeatureTraditional Ceramic CoatingGraphene Coating (ArtDeShine / Prime Finish)
Gloss & ShineVery goodEven deeper, more “wet” look
Resistance to water spots, etching from mineralsModerateMuch improved
Durability / wear resistanceGood for 1-3 yearsOften longer, depending on usage & maintenance
Hydrophobic qualitiesHighHigher, with better self-cleaning behaviour

Is Graphene Coating Worth It?

In short, yes—if you’re after more than surface beauty. For enthusiasts, luxury vehicles, or those wanting their car to look great year-in, year-out with fewer worries, the additional expense of graphene pays off.

For daily drivers, there’s still benefit, especially if the vehicle spends a lot of time outdoors or isn’t garaged regularly.

How to Get Prime Finish Graphene Coating

If you’re ready to elevate your car’s protection:

  1. Find a Professional Installer
     Use ArtDeShine’s “Find an Installer” tool to locate qualified local detailers. Artdeshine – Australia
  2. Choose the Right Product
     Whether it’s the flagship NGC+ or one of their hybrid graphene lines, talk through the use case (weather exposure, parking, drive habits) with your detailer.
  3. Proper Prep is Critical
     Coating performance depends heavily on paint correction, cleaning, and proper installer techniques.

Maintain It
 Use recommended wash methods, avoid harsh chemicals, do periodic maintenance to keep hydrophobic and gloss performance high.

Deciding Between Coating and PPF: Key Questions to Ask

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When it comes to protecting your car’s exterior, the two most popular options are ceramic coating and paint protection film (PPF). Both offer distinct benefits, but choosing the right one depends on several factors. If you’re unsure which option to go for, consider the following key questions to guide your decision-making process.

1. What Is Your Budget?

The number one deciding factor is often budget. The price difference between ceramic coating and PPF is significant, so this is a crucial consideration:

  • Ceramic Coating: For budgets around $1.5k to $2.5k, ceramic coating is the primary option. It provides excellent protection against UV rays, chemical stains, and makes maintenance easier, but it won’t shield your car from physical damage like stone chips.
  • Full Car PPF: Full car PPF can cost upwards of $6-7k, making it a premium option for those seeking comprehensive protection. If this budget isn’t feasible, PPF might not be viable.
  • Combination Options: For budgets under $5k, a popular choice is full front-end PPF (to protect high-impact areas like the hood and bumper) combined with ceramic coating for the rest of the car. This hybrid approach offers a balance between protection and affordability.

2. How Long Do You Plan to Keep the Car?

The duration of ownership plays a significant role in determining the value of each option:

  • Short-Term Ownership (2-3 Years): If you plan to replace your car in a few years, ceramic coating may suffice. It provides aesthetic appeal and ease of maintenance, which can enhance resale value.
  • Long-Term Ownership (5+ Years): For those intending to keep their car longer, full car PPF becomes a more justifiable investment. Over time, it protects against stone chips, scratches, and environmental wear, preserving the car’s paint and value.

3. Are You Concerned About Stone Chips or Ease of Maintenance?

Your priorities will heavily influence your choice:

  • Protection Against Stone Chips: If your primary concern is shielding your car from stone chips, road debris, and physical damage, PPF is the superior option. Its thick, self-healing properties offer unmatched protection.
  • Ease of Maintenance: For those more focused on reducing cleaning time and enhancing the car’s shine, ceramic coating is ideal. It creates a hydrophobic layer that repels dirt, water, and grime.

4. Considering Both Options: What’s the Best Compromise?

If budget constraints exist but you want the benefits of both PPF and coating, a combined approach is the most popular solution:

  • Full Front-End PPF + Full Car Coating: This setup protects the areas most prone to damage while giving the rest of the car the ease-of-maintenance benefits of a ceramic coating. It’s an excellent middle-ground option for many customers.

Conclusion

Deciding between coating and PPF comes down to understanding your budget, car ownership plans, and specific protection needs. At the end of the day, both options provide significant benefits, and the right choice will depend on what matters most to you. If you’re still unsure, consult with a professional to discuss your goals and find the best solution tailored to your needs.

Choosing Between Ceramic Coating and Paint Protection Film (PPF) for Your Car

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At Prime Finish, we understand that protecting your car’s exterior is a priority for many vehicle owners. Two of the most effective solutions are ceramic coating and paint protection film (PPF). Each offers unique benefits, catering to different needs and preferences. Let’s explore why people choose these options and how they compare.

Why Choose Ceramic Coating?

Ceramic coating is a popular choice for car enthusiasts who value aesthetics and ease of maintenance. Here are some reasons why:

1. Protection from Damage

Ceramic coating shields your car’s paint from:

  • Scratches and minor abrasions
  • Bird droppings, chemical stains, and tree sap
  • Harmful UV rays that can cause fading and oxidation

2. Easier Cleaning

With its hydrophobic properties, ceramic coating repels water and dirt, making your car easier to clean. Say goodbye to stubborn grime and water spots.

3. Longevity

A high-quality ceramic coating can last for years, or even decades with proper maintenance, providing long-term protection and value.

4. Enhanced Appearance

Ceramic coating enhances your car’s paint, giving it a deep, glossy finish. It can restore damage and fading, making your car look showroom-new.

5. Superior Durability

Unlike wax, which sits on top of the paint, ceramic coating chemically bonds with your car’s surface, offering superior durability and protection.

Application Process: Ceramic coating is applied by hand as a chemical polymer solution that bonds with your car’s paint. The process can take several hours, and the cost varies between a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on the car and the coating used.

Why Choose Paint Protection Film (PPF)?

Paint protection film is a versatile and durable polyurethane film that acts as a physical shield for your car’s exterior. Here’s why PPF might be the right choice for you:

1. Superior Protection

PPF protects against:

  • Scratches and stone chips
  • Road debris and minor abrasions
  • Chemical marks from bird droppings, tree sap, and insect remains

2. Maintains Appearance

PPF preserves your car’s glossy finish, ensuring it looks as good as new for years.

3. Cost Savings

By preventing damage, PPF saves you from expensive paint repairs that can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000.

4. Self-Healing Properties

Some PPF options come with a self-healing topcoat that fixes minor scratches and swirl marks when exposed to heat, keeping your car pristine with minimal effort.

5. Low Maintenance

Unlike traditional wax or sealants, PPF doesn’t require constant reapplication or extensive upkeep, giving you peace of mind.

Which Option Is Right for You?

Deciding between ceramic coating and PPF depends on your priorities:

  • Budget: Ceramic coating is more affordable, ranging from $1,500 to $2,500, while full-car PPF can cost $6,000 or more. For a balanced option, consider combining full-front PPF with ceramic coating for the rest of the car.
  • Ownership Duration: If you plan to keep your car for a long time, PPF’s durability and protection may be worth the investment. For shorter ownership periods, ceramic coating offers a cost-effective way to maintain your car’s appearance.
  • Protection Needs: Choose PPF if you’re concerned about stone chips and physical damage. Opt for ceramic coating if you prioritize ease of cleaning and a high-gloss finish.

Conclusion

Both ceramic coating and PPF are excellent options for preserving your car’s appearance and value. At Prime Finish, we specialize in both solutions, helping you make an informed choice based on your needs and budget.

Contact us today to discuss your options and protect your car with the best in automotive care.

Paint Protection Film (PPF) VS Ceramic coating, which one is better? The most commonly asked questions answered

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There is nothing quite like the feeling of purchasing a new car, admiring the fresh paintwork and glossy exterior as it catches the light. Inevitably, cars lose their shine due to natural wear and tear, either bleached by the sun or covered in water marks, after a few years it’s never quite the same. But what if it could be? What if all this could be prevented?

It can! How? Car Paint Protection

There are options for all of you that want to preserve that fresh factory paint and untarnished gleam of your new car. The two we’ll look at today are car Paint Protection Film and ceramic coating.

Paint Protection Film (PPF) and Ceramic Coating has gained popularity over recent years with people just like you, wanting to conserve the brilliance of their shiny new vehicle. But which option is best for you? We know it’s difficult deciding how best to protect your car so Prime Finish Car Care have put together a comprehensive comparison of the two to help you make the best choice.

XPEL Paint Protection Film (PPF)

Paint Protection Film goes by many names, the most common are ppf and ‘clear bra’. This wondrous material is a thermoplastic urethane film which is easily malleable and even self-healing – making it the perfect car paint protection film. When applied, Paint Protection Film in invisible to the naked eye so while protecting your vehicle from unsightly chips and scratches, it won’t take away from your car’s overall aesthetic. Another huge bonus of Paint Protection Film is it protects your car from the sun. Over time the UV rays from the sun can cause the paint on your car to oxidise and fade however, Paint Protection Film works as a protective layer between the sun and the paint to prevent any fade occuring.

It’s Self-Healing!

The urethane film of Paint Protection Film means that it heals itself before the damage can even reach your car! It is resistant to high impact and corrosion making it perfect for protecting your car from acidic contaminants, acid rain, mineral deposits, bug splatter and rock chips. The film’s top layer consists of elastomeric polymers that revert to their natural shape after damage so that it is able to absorb all of these hazards so that your car’s exterior doesn’t have to.

Overall, Paint Protection Film boasts a range of benefits when it comes to protecting the paintwork on your car. Other damages it’s proven to prevent include:

  • Water spots and mineral marks from rain
  • Fading from UV rays
  • Chips and scratches
  • Chemical stains

Ceramic Coating

Now we’ve had a look at Paint Protection Film, let’s consider your second option – Ceramic Coating. A Ceramic Coating is a liquid polymer which, when applied to the exterior of a car, bonds with the factory paint to form a permanent protective layer. A Ceramic Coating is the perfect alternative for a wax, providing enhanced chemical resistance, uv protection, heat tolerance and scratch resistance. It’s permanence means that if it is done properly a pro coating only needs to be done once for you to reap all of these benefits for the entity of your car’s lifetime making it both cost-effective and time-effective. Now, let’s take a closer look at some of the benefits Ceramic Coatings offer.

It’s Hydrophobic

One of the best things about Ceramic Coatings are that they are hydrophobic – they don’t like water! The way the material repels water mirrors the way it repels all liquids including mud. Liquids will have a hard time sticking to your car when it has ceramic coating which means it’ll be all the easier to wash off unwanted marks and smudges.

It’s like sunscreen for your car

You wouldn’t go out in the sun without protection, would you? So neither should your car. Much like we need to protect our skin from the UV rays from the sun, your vehicle’s paint needs protection, too. When a car is often out in the sun, the paintwork and faded as a result of oxidatization. This is why car paint protection is so important – make sure your car is covered with Ceramic Coating and that fresh paintwork will remain undulled and vibrant.

Other tempting benefits include:

  • Enhanced glossiness
  • Enhances chemical resistance
  • Resistance to minor chips and scratches
  • Prevents water spots

So, How Do I Choose?

While both Paint Protection Film and Ceramic Coating share many benefits, there are some differing factors which could influence your decision making. PPFs offer a lot more protection against abrasions from road debri and rock chips than Ceramic Coatings as the urethane film is able to absorb a lot of damage before it penetrates through to your car’s paint.

Both PPFs and Ceramic Coatings offer different protective properties and are able keep your car looking swanky and shiny for longer. It can be difficult to choose the best avenue but they also work very well together and provide peak protection when paired together. The PPF offers optimum protection from rock chip damage and scratches while Ceramic Coating over the top will provide glossiness, hydrophobicity and cleaning ease. And together, this car paint protection duo will make water marks, acid damage and oxidisation will be a thing of the past.

“I found cheaper to do PPF elsewhere”. HOLD ON, check this out first

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We answer many online, phone call and in store inquiries on daily basis. Some customer often doesn’t realize the difference of products and quality they get. Here is what it’s like:

“Hey I want to get a quote of a full frontend PPF on my car”
“Sure. With XPEL Ultimate Plus PPF full frontend protection would cost $2XXX for the size of your car”
“That’s a lot of money. I can get it for $15XX”

We feel sorry for them. It’s their decision to choose which PPF to install however chances are 1. they get unknown brand, or “our own brand” PPF with unknown origin, 2. Film gets yellowing after couple of months, especially when compare side by side with XPEL films, 3. Very poor fitment and finish.

Believe it or not, we have quite some customers come to us to fix or reinstall PPF they had from our competitors. The job is so poor that you almost can’t believe someone would pay for it. The customer end up paying so much more than they should if they come to us in the first place. Below is a BMW M2 wrapped by someone else.

Sloppy hand cut, poor fitment, dirt edge,  you get what you pay for. Below is another example shows why you shouldn’t go for inexperienced hand cut install.

So why choose XPEL? Apart from far superior film clarity and thickness, XPEL DAP pattern software offers the most accurate fitment and capability to customize the design. Below are cars we’ve protected with XPEL PPF, you should be able to notice the difference. Again, you get what you pay for.

What makes a quality job that worth your money? Paint Protection Film

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Let’s face it, our service is not cheap by any means. But on the other hand, you’re not spending that money for nothing. In this series posts, we will address some common questions we often been asked by potential customers: why should I spending more to choose you?

Read more

How To Choose Paint Protection Film – Which One Is The Best?

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WHICH PAINT PROTECTION FILM IS BEST FOR YOU AND YOUR CAR?

We wouldn’t definitively say which Paint Protection Film is “best”. That’s because there isn’t an unequivocally, unilaterally “best” Paint Protection Film. You may choose to go with any of the three major brands, and you would be happy with any of the choices.

So before you make a decision, let me put your mind at ease: You can’t go wrong if you’re deciding between XPEL, SunTek, or 3M. You can go wrong with other films. But you are safe with one of these brands. With any of them you will get stalwart protection you’ll never see for years to come, and that’s what’s important.

Nonetheless, here are a couple questions you can ask yourself to arrive at a decision.

FIRST, WHAT’S IMPORTANT TO YOU IN A MANUFACTURER?

Do you want the biggest company that has been in the industry the longest and has the most resources at their disposal. That would be 3M. Do you want a company that has a more exclusive focus on Paint Protection Film and has gained an impeccable reputation in the industry. That would be XPEL. And then you have LLumar and SunTek that both have solid reputations in the whole automotive films industry and have developed some of the most recent technological advances in terms of their hydrophobic films.

SECOND, ARE HYDROPHOBIC PROPERTIES SIGNIFICANT TO YOU?

Certainly if your car is an everyday driver and you are going to need to wash it every couple of weeks, it will be nice to have hydrophobic properties built into your film. However, as we mentioned earlier, you may be planning to put a Ceramic Coating on top of your Clear Bra, which will then give you the benefits of having a hydrophobic surface. So this question relates both to what plans you have for protection beyond Paint Protection Film, and then how you plan to care for your vehicle in the future.

Now our third and final question (probably the biggest question of all) may surprise you, because it doesn’t actually relate to the specifics of the films.

THIRD, FILM THICKNESS AND CLARITY

Based on manufacturer claims, XPEL Ultimate Plus is 8.5mils thick, Suntek PPF CAP 6mils thick, PPF Ultra 8mils thick,  3M Scotchgard Pro 8mils thick. All measured without liner and with adhesive. Based on the number XPEL obviously has slightly advantage over the others in terms of thickness. The new XPEL Ultimate Plus film also claimed to has no orange peel and superior clarity compared to competitors. Which based on our experience to be true.

 

FOURTH, WHAT DOES YOUR REPUTABLE INSTALLER USE OR RECOMMEND?

A Paint Protection Film is only as good as its installer. Period, end of story. You could have the best film in the world, but if it is installed poorly, such that it blisters, bubbles, and peels prematurely, it won’t do you any good. Now, no install is 100% flawless, but there is a big difference between a professional, quality install and one that’s done quickly and carelessly. So make sure you find a reputable installer, consider how invested they are in the industry, take a look at the work that they’ve done and the reviews they’ve received, and once you’ve found someone you can trust, ask them what film they enjoy installing the most. All of these films act differently during the install process in terms of their flexibility and tack. The important thing is that you get a high quality film (as all of these films are) and that you get the best install possible. If you get those two things, then you will get what we’re really after here, which is the peace of mind that comes from knowing your car has the best protection you’ll never see.

At Prime Finish, by using XPEL DAP software we have access to the world’s most comprehensive vehicle pattern database that has been tested and fine tuned by thousands of installers around the world. Combined with our experience and reputation in the industry, you will get the best installation possible here in Melbourne. Without the need to worry about knife cutting your paint, digital pattern installation with precise fitment and great attention to detail is what you want to look for when it comes to choose the right installer.

How To Choose Paint Protection Film – Features Of Major Brands

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THE BEST PAINT PROTECTION FILM? XPEL, LLUMAR/SUNTEK, 3M REVIEWS

XPEL ULTIMATE, NOW REPLACED WITH ULTIMATE PLUS

It is hard to beat XPEL’s reputation in the Paint Protection Film industry. XPEL is a relatively small company compared to some of these other manufacturers; and, unlike 3M, Paint Protection Film is their main focus as a company. As such, they have been leading the way in a lot of the innovations to Paint Protection Film. The XPEL Ultimate was introduced as “The World’s First Self-Healing Film” because XPEL is the company that first developed and perfected that technology as it relates to automotive protective films. That’s part of why they have such a good reputation in the industry. If you’ve done any reading about Paint Protection Film on car forums, you’ve probably come across a lot of people who are crazy excited about their XPEL wraps, and rightfully so.

LLUMAR PLATINUM / SUNTEK ULTRA

As we’ve already mentioned, the LLumar Platinum Paint Protection Film and SunTek Ultra are actually the same film in composition, just sold under two different brands. Both companies are owned by Eastman Chemicals, and both LLumar and SunTek are big players in the window tint industry in addition to Paint Protection Film.

It’s argued that the LLumar Platinum and SunTek Ultra films have greater clarity and enable a higher-gloss finish than other films on the market. That may be the case, but there is certainly not a dramatic difference in the finish between LLumar / SunTek and XPEL or 3M, so don’t make that the deciding factor in which film you choose.

However, one genuine and significant distinction between this film and both XPEL Ultimate and 3M Scotchgard is that the top clear coat has hydrophobic properties, which means it repels water like a good wax or coating. The benefit of having a hydrophobic film is that it makes the vehicle easier to clean and mud or grime has a more difficult time bonding with the vehicle’s surface. Now with other films you can (and probably should) apply a Ceramic Coating on top of the film, and that will give the surface hydrophobic properties. But with the LLumar and SunTek films you already have that built into the film itself.

3M SCOTCHGARD PRO

3M is really the grandfather company to the entire automotive Paint Protection Film industry. The whole technology for automotive Paint Protection Film was actually developed by 3M in partnership with the US military during the Vietnam War, because the military needed a lightweight way to protect helicopter blades from getting damaged. 3M developed the urethane film technology that evolved to protect NASCAR vehicles on the track and then any consumer automobile on the road. So 3M has been in this game the longest, and they have a good track record of creating a quality film.

Currently they do not offer a film that has hydrophobic properties, like the LLumar and SunTek film, and they don’t quite have the raving fan-base that XPEL has garnered. Moreover, the longest warranty they offer is 7 years as opposed to the 10 year warranty offered by XPEL, LLumar, and SunTek. But you may not plan to keep your vehicle beyond 5 years anyway, in which case the difference between a 7 year and 10 year warranty is irrelevant to you. And as we mentioned earlier, 3M Scotchgard Pro, along with these other films, has what you need in a quality Paint Protection Film: high performance protection, invisible finish, and longevity. So if you go with 3M, you will get a quality film.