Glasscoat vs PPF

[kattz]

So, new X4M on the way.

Dealer going to apply Glasscoat to it. I looked into it, seems legit.

Was going to PPF the nose of the car, splash areas behind wheels, and mirror caps. PPF guy says so slick he will have to POLISH OFF the Glasscoat with compound before PPF will stick.

Dealer states they can apply Glasscoat after PPF, but there is a risk of discoloration between where PPF stops and Glasscoat starts over time.

Thoughts?

[Burrcold]

Don't bother with any dealer added exterior protection. Decline it and do your PPF and ceramic coating if you want to from a 3rd party.

Are they charging you for this Glasscoat?

[c1pher]

If whatever it is they put on the car discolors the paint, no thank you.

Ceramic is not as strong as PPF. PPF every time. You can apply ceramic to PPF if you want but it’s self healing now and naturally hydrophobic. PPF can still etch and get water spots but I find it a bit more forgiving than just paint.

[kattz]

Originally Posted by Burrcold

Don't bother with any dealer added exterior protection. Decline it and do your PPF and ceramic coating if you want to from a 3rd party.

Are they charging you for this Glasscoat?

Yes, and Simoniz warranties the vehicle free from spotting, sap damage, and quite a lot more for basically "liffetime" - 10 years +. I'm not sold, dealer isn't forcing it on me. $800.

I have XPEL Ceramic on my Legacy GT, and it has PPF on the hood and all nose similar to a bra, and the headlamps have a tinted PPF. Been on for about 5 years, wash with Chemical Bros products.





I want ceramic on the car, but I want PPF as well. PPF guy works with most of the luxury dealerships in the Cincy area, and he states the Glasscoat is "damn good". But can't put PPF over it. Won't stick.

Dealer is warning "Look, we can't do both. The concern that over time, UV will change what's under the PPF that doesn't have the coating over what has the coating on it is both reasonable and valid".

The dealer has been both honest and not pushy about anything. Best dealer experience in my lifetime.

This car is my last one. I can't physically wash and wax it weekly, and don't want the front eaten up with stone bruises etc. It needs to last me until I'm finished.

So, is there a ceramic coating that PPF sticks to?

[Burrcold]

Originally Posted by kattz

Yes, and Simoniz warranties the vehicle free from spotting, sap damage, and quite a lot more for basically "liffetime" - 10 years +. I'm not sold, dealer isn't forcing it on me. $800.

I have XPEL Ceramic on my Legacy GT, and it has PPF on the hood and all nose similar to a bra, and the headlamps have a tinted PPF. Been on for about 5 years, wash with Chemical Bros products.

Attachment 3767809

Attachment 3767810

I want ceramic on the car, but I want PPF as well. PPF guy works with most of the luxury dealerships in the Cincy area, and he states the Glasscoat is "damn good". But can't put PPF over it. Won't stick.

Dealer is warning "Look, we can't do both. The concern that over time, UV will change what's under the PPF that doesn't have the coating over what has the coating on it is both reasonable and valid".

The dealer has been both honest and not pushy about anything. Best dealer experience in my lifetime.

This car is my last one. I can't physically wash and wax it weekly, and don't want the front eaten up with stone bruises etc. It needs to last me until I'm finished.

So, is there a ceramic coating that PPF sticks to?

Don't do any ceramic coating from the dealer...get your PPF done and then have a ceramic coating applied after. Save your $800 and put it towards the cost of ceramic from your PPF guy or another 3rd party.

[kattz]

OK, so a little misunderstanding on my part.

I agree, get it elsewhere. The dealer does not ceramic coat any of the black plastic or garnishes, nor the interior.

The dealer was not going to apply ceramic over PPF.

The quote for the front of the car, mirrors, and splash guard areas is about $900.

Realistically, what should a top tier ceramic product and application cost on average?

[kattz]

OK, vehicle is lined up for detail.

It will go to Julius Poa here (his reputation is very good), and he will buff all black plastic to make it pop and then ceramic coat the entire vehicle.

After that, he will PPF the entire front and the hood back to 50% of the length of the hood, the mirror caps, the fender arches and the "splash areas" behind the wheelwells.

Also looking at wrapping the rear black plastic garnish that to me makes the rear of the car unattractive.

[Altamate]

I don’t like the line in the hood or fenders where the PPF ends, looks bad and I often get rock chips in the un protected sections. Why not get the entire front of the car PPF including the A pillars and leading edge of the roof, mirror caps, door edges, door sills. Then ceramic coat the rest of it.

[RussV]

Glasscoat costs around $32 for a bottle. My dealer wanted to charge me around $1,200 for it. I doubt the dealer preps the car adequately for the coating. Go to a reputable detailer who uses quality coatings.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/12138977912...d48747c6d56d2c

[Burrcold]

Originally Posted by Altamate

I don’t like the line in the hood or fenders where the PPF ends, looks bad and I often get rock chips in the un protected sections. Why not get the entire front of the car PPF including the A pillars and leading edge of the roof, mirror caps, door edges, door sills. Then ceramic coat the rest of it.

Agreed. Not to mention the ugly line of dirt that builds up along the edge of the ppf. Looks terrible.

[John in VA]

Originally Posted by kattz

OK, vehicle is lined up for detail.

It will go to Julius Poa here (his reputation is very good), and he will buff all black plastic to make it pop and then ceramic coat the entire vehicle.

After that, he will PPF the entire front and the hood back to 50% of the length of the hood, the mirror caps, the fender arches and the "splash areas" behind the wheelwells.

Isn't the usual order to perfect the paint, install PPF, then add ceramic coating if desired/necessary? Some PPFs are ceramic-coated. Ceramic coating the car before PPF may cause adhesion issues.

[smrtypants44]

I paid around $3k to get full front PPF (bumper, fenders, hood, mirrors) plus paint correction plus ceramic on my X3M about 6 mo ago

[kattz]

Originally Posted by John in VA

Isn't the usual order to perfect the paint, install PPF, then add ceramic coating if desired/necessary? Some PPFs are ceramic-coated. Ceramic coating the car before PPF may cause adhesion issues.

You are 100% correct and I misspoke. Julius will perfect the paint, buff the black plastic to make it pop, PPF, and then ceramic coat. About $1800.

[kattz]

Originally Posted by Burrcold

Agreed. Not to mention the ugly line of dirt that builds up along the edge of the ppf. Looks terrible.

I haven't had that issue. Look at the LGT. Can you see it?

[P1]

Why apply ceramic coating on top of PPF? What will ceramic coating do that PPF already doesn't? Apply PPF, then wash the thing with a burlap sack for all you care.

[kattz]

Originally Posted by P1

Why apply ceramic coating on top of PPF? What will ceramic coating do that PPF already doesn't? Apply PPF, then wash the thing with a burlap sack for all you care.

Yeeeaaaaaahhhh, no.

[P1]

Originally Posted by kattz

Yeeeaaaaaahhhh, no.

You are already protecting the paint with PPF. Why on earth would you put a ceramic coating on top of that?

[Burrcold]

Originally Posted by P1

You are already protecting the paint with PPF. Why on earth would you put a ceramic coating on top of that?

For similar reason you put it paint (enhances gloss, easier to clean (more hydrophobic), additional UV protection, etc). Many of the newer PPF lines have a ceramic coating infused already, but you can still apply layer(s) of ceramic coating on top.

[dudley@07726]

I use Optimum Spray Wax over my PPF twice per month. Has been working great for 2 1/2 years.

[P1]

Originally Posted by Burrcold

For similar reason you put it paint (enhances gloss, easier to clean (more hydrophobic), additional UV protection, etc). Many of the newer PPF lines have a ceramic coating infused already, but you can still apply layer(s) of ceramic coating on top.

We lived for decades and decades having great looking car paint with just over the counter waxes. Now we have PFF, ceramic coating and people still think their car will melt.

[Heimdall]

I’d recommend doing a one-step paint correction for the entire vehicle, followed by a PPF front clip, including the panel between the front windshield and the sunroof.

After that, ceramic coat the whole car (paint, wheels, glass, and leather) to enhance shine and maintain consistent color depth. Finish it off with a top layer of EXOv5 for strong hydrophobic protection.

The bulk of the cost lies in labor, since the ceramic coating products themselves run about ~$200.

For our X7, I went with XPEL Ultimate Plus PPF and Gtechniq Crystal Serum Ultra, topped with EXOv5. It’s all backed by a 10-year warranty, so you’re set for the long hau

[Burrcold]

Originally Posted by P1

We lived for decades and decades having great looking car paint with just over the counter waxes. Now we have PFF, ceramic coating and people still think their car will melt.

And? Nobody said it's going to "melt". If you want to use wax on your car, go for it. I'm not going to argue with you. But what do you care what other people use on their own car? You may not find it purposeful, but others do.