Decision Time: Paint Film Protection AND/OR Ceramic Coating

BuckYeah

Jan 25, 2023

I've got a choice to make, so naturally, I'm creating a poll to see what the hive mind here would choose...

Option #1: Hand wash, clay bar, single-stage machine polish, and apply XPEL Fusion Plus ceramic coating to all painted surfaces including wheel faces. Installation of Exo-Shield film to the windshield. Install FULL coverage XPEL Ultimate Plus clear PPF to both rocker panels, complete fenders, complete hood, lower doors, and the areas before and after the doors.

Option #2: Hand wash, clay bar, single-stage machine polish, and apply Opti-Coat Pro Plus ceramic coating to all painted surfaces including wheel faces. Installation of Exo-Shield film to the windshield. Install FULL coverage XPEL Ultimate Plus clear PPF to both rocker panels, PARTIAL leading impact areas of both fenders and leading impact areas of hood, lower doors, and the areas before and after the doors.

EDIT: (Spoiler alert: I chose Option #3!)

Option#3: Hand wash, clay bar, and single-stage machine polish. Install FULL coverage XPEL Ultimate Plus Clear PPF to the painted surface of the ENTIRE VEHICLE including headlights. Install XPEL Stealth Satin paint protection to the grille. Apply XPEL Fusion Plus ceramic coating to all painted surfaces including wheel faces.

Food for thought: The XPEL Fusion Plus is the lower-grade ceramic coating that comes with a 4-year warranty. The Opti-Coat Pro Plus is the premium ceramic coating that comes with a 7-year warranty.

Option #2 is $282 more than Option #1, but I don't get full PPF on the fenders and hood. With Option #1, I get more PPF film but get inferior ceramic pro coating.

Either way, I'm considering removing the "BADLANDS" decal on the fenders to make room for "Bronco" badges of some kind down the road. I'm leaning towards Archetype Racing's Badlands Sasquatch BRONCO badges in satin finish (to match the bucking bronco emblem on the tailgate).

Below is a photo of what Option #2 would entail, PPF-wise. The yellow line represents where the film would be placed. Option #1 would expand PPF coverage over the entire hood and both fenders, but would involve the lower-grade ceramic coating. I have not received a quote for the full wrap, or partial wrap with premium ceramic coating.

All comments and questions are welcome. If you've read this much, I'm going to buy you a beer and/or a shot. :geek:

Chris here. I drive a 2-door Velocity Blue 2023 Ford Bronco Badlands with Sasquatch, Lux, a 2.7L V6, and an automatic transmission. It’s fun.

"Stupidity is a more dangerous enemy of the good than malice." - Dietrich Bonhoeffer

MobScene13, BroncoFred

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Jan 25, 2023

#20

Bluestreak57
@Jakob1972 , i was thinking perhaps the same thing…. At $6000 for a full body wrap you could almost repaint the vehicle… though I really do like the look of a matte wrap on Area51 (which is my color)…

Yes I love the matte wrap, that is pretty sweet. but in a few years Mine will have a matte finished naturally. LOL
I have a 20 year old F250 that still looks pretty good, I can live with that.

Bronco Nation 1100. Everglades, Desert Sand
Res: 7/30/20 ordered 1/22/21 reorder 10/15/21 changed to Everglades 3/9/22 schedule 8/29/22 bumped to 9/5; 9/7/22 blend, 9/9 Mods, 9/26/22 completed, 10/7 shipped, 11/3/22 delivery

BuckYeah

Jan 25, 2023

#21

BuckYeah
Yeah, a full wrap wasn’t even on the table until this morning. (Thanks, @TK1215!) Still, since I’m the one that’s gotta live with it, I will give it all due consideration. I could also, hear me out on this, adopt the true minimalist approach and just pay for a thorough clay barring and waxing. That is what I’m prepared to do in the very least. My only concern is how much paint correction and repair will have to be performed say a year from now, if I decide to spring for a wrap and/or ceramic coating?

I’m kind of thinking of doing the same, @BuckYeah. Actually kind of thinking claybar treatment and then ceramic coating for now.

Riding OB1, 23 4- door Outer Banks, SAS, MOD, MIC, Lux, Ordered 10/20/22, delivered 1/13/23

BuckYeah

Jan 25, 2023

#22

Another thing to consider...go out to Ebay and search for Bronco fenders from time to time. Thanks to the modularity of the Bronco and people swapping them out for ADV or unfortunately totaling their rig you can find full or partial sets for way less than you'd think. Assuming you don't mind going to get them. Every time I see some I talk myself out of needing a "trail set".

STL, IG: MyDogsBronco
Oxford White Badlands, 2.7, Sasquatch, SoftTop, Tow, Lux
Ordered: April 28, 2021; Vin received: 10/1; Bronco Off Rodeo: New Hampshire 10/6; Production Date: 12/9; Delivered 2/1

Deano Bronc, TK1215

Jan 26, 2023

#23

I did both. XPEL Stealth PPF and then a Ceramic Pro 7 year ceramic on top of the PPF on the entire vehicle. Been off roading quite abit on some narrow trails and got some good branch scratches on the sides. THE PPF is self healing and all the scratches disappeared overtime. Total cost was about $7000. Beware of shops that will do it for much less!

67139665845__D2D406EB-8C8F-4299-81A4-191C9D11F7D9.fullsizerender.jpeg

TK1215, Jakob1972

Jan 26, 2023

#24

I took a package from the dealer when I got the vehicle for paint protection using Xpel film.
Covered were
Complete Hood
Complete Front Fenders
Lower Valence and 1/4 the way up on the doors.
All edges, including around the door edges, the rear door gate, and film under the corner of the hard top where it sits on the paint at the back corners.

2D Base Mansquatch: Ord 11-24-2021; VIN 3-16-2022; Schd 5/9/22; Sticker 5/4/22; Modules 5/10/22;Built 5/11/22;Shipt 5/12/22;Delv 5/24/22

TK1215, BuckYeah

Jan 26, 2023

#25

Chris my recommendation would be first get a good self healing ppf like Expel. That will give your paint the most protection. Then if you can afford it a ceramic coating is a good way to help reple dirt and grime.

Deano Bronc, BuckYeah

Jan 26, 2023

#26

Good Lord, @MGM1 that is one FINE LOOKING Bronco! Good call and sound advice. Thank you for posting. 😎

Jakob1972

Jan 26, 2023

#27

BuckYeah
I appreciate your input, @Tahotrvlr and I get what you're saying about the protective characteristics (or lack thereof) of the ceramic coating in and of itself. I had ceramic coating applied to my 2019 Dodge Challenger and it looked amazing, but I'm sure if you looked closely, you could probably pick out a couple of rock chips on the snout.

I have pesky questions about PPF, some of which I may have to ask the provider. Among them are:

Is ceramic coating even necessary if you are applying a full-body wrap?

Why do they apply ceramic coating over PPF? Aren't you essentially adding a second clear coat to a piece of film and not the finish itself?

If I decide to add a vinyl graphic anywhere the film is applied, do I apply the graphic to the PPF or have them remove the PPF for me to apply the graphic directly to the finish?

The same question applies to adding emblems.

How are nicks and tears in the PPF repaired? How "self-healing" are they really?

Hey Chris I asked my installer and he said it is better to do vinyl on top. full Adhesion of PPF on surface and no issue with vinyl adhesion on top.

Jan 26, 2023

#28

TK1215
Hey Chris I asked my installer and he said it is better to do vinyl on top. full Adhesion of PPF on surface and no issue with vinyl adhesion on top.

That's funny because I was told today that the PPF has trouble bonding to a surface that has been ceramic-coated. The coating is hydrophobic, so the PPF doesn't "sit well" (forgive the pun) on the surface. I guess because the coating makes the finish slippery. They're saying that the PPF bonds better with the finish and that's why the PPF gets coated.

I indicated that I will probably be going with the lower-grade ceramic coating, but with the PPF covering the larger areas (Option #1). I'm still not sure I won't spring for the total vehicle wrap, but I have misgivings about paying for it with plastic.

Jan 26, 2023

#29

After seeing the XPEL stealth matte finish Im REALLY tempted to do the whole enchilada…. 5-6K though….. ouch

Riding OB1, 23 4- door Outer Banks, SAS, MOD, MIC, Lux, Ordered 10/20/22, delivered 1/13/23

Dr Detroit, Deano Bronc

Jan 26, 2023

#30

Bluestreak57
After seeing the XPEL stealth matte finish Im REALLY tempted to do the whole enchilada…. 5-6K though….. ouch

You live once. Just sayin'. It's only money, right? 😉

Jakob1972, Deano Bronc

Jan 26, 2023

#31

BuckYeah
You live once. Just sayin'. It's only money, right? 😉

As I say to my son all the time “it’s only a number”

Riding OB1, 23 4- door Outer Banks, SAS, MOD, MIC, Lux, Ordered 10/20/22, delivered 1/13/23

Jakob1972, BuckYeah

Jan 26, 2023

#32

BuckYeah
That's funny because I was told today that the PPF has trouble bonding to a surface that has been ceramic-coated. The coating is hydrophobic, so the PPF doesn't "sit well" (forgive the pun) on the surface. I guess because the coating makes the finish slippery. They're saying that the PPF bonds better with the finish and that's why the PPF gets coated.

I indicated that I will probably be going with the lower-grade ceramic coating, but with the PPF covering the larger areas (Option #1). I'm still not sure I won't spring for the total vehicle wrap, but I have misgivings about paying for it with plastic.

Chis I did the whole vehicle except the tail gate with Expel gloss ppf I installed it myself having done collision repair and having installed white a bit of vinyl and large decals I felt confident going in it is very different than vinyl and had a pretty big learning curve it's not perfect but it looks good and will protect my paint and cost right around 2500.00 and in 5 or maybe more years I will redo it and I think I can do a better job 😉

ne2000, BuckYeah

Jan 26, 2023

#33

Cornwelltoolman
Chris my recommendation would be first get a good self healing ppf like Expel. That will give your paint the most protection. Then if you can afford it a ceramic coating is a good way to help reple dirt and grime.

I totally agree with this. If you put the Xpel on first, you can always wait for later to put the Ceramic Coating over it. Also, you have a covered parking space and don't drive to work, so it will be protected from the elements a good portion of its life.
I also think you need to be realistic about the thought of your Bronco getting scratches/pinstriping? Are you going to freak out at the first pinstripe and get it fixed right away? Are you OK with pinstriping being on the Bronco? If you aren't going to be OK with constant pinstriping, you may want to go with the full PPF.

My wife and I went on a trail run with a group last fall and the last trail of the day was very narrow and we were constantly scrapping tree and bush branches for a couple hours straight. Turns out the lead vehicle took the wrong path accidently. I was hoping to get the pinstriping off by polishing by hand but it didn't even touch some of the stripes. I haven't decided yet if I'm either going to get it professionally done, buy an orbital buffer and do it myself or just leave it the way it is. I know if I get it fixed, it will happen again at some point.

In reality, partial PPF will help with chips, but it won't help you with pinstriping. I'm not sure what kind of terrain you plan on off-roading on so maybe you don't need to worry about narrow trails. Something to think about.

2022 Bronco Badlands, 4D, Hot Pepper Red, 2.7, Squatch, Lux, and MIC.
7/13/2020 10:04pm reservation. Blend 6/16/2022 Delivered 6/26/2022.
Dealership - Stephen's Auto Center.

Jakob1972, BuckYeah

Jan 26, 2023

#34

Deano Bronc
I totally agree with this. If you put the Xpel on first, you can always wait for later to put the Ceramic Coating over it. Also, you have a covered parking space and don't drive to work, so it will be protected from the elements a good portion of its life.
I also think you need to be realistic about the thought of your Bronco getting scratches/pinstriping? Are you going to freak out at the first pinstripe and get it fixed right away? Are you OK with pinstriping being on the Bronco? If you aren't going to be OK with constant pinstriping, you may want to go with the full PPF.

My wife and I went on a trail run with a group last fall and the last trail of the day was very narrow and we were constantly scrapping tree and bush branches for a couple hours straight. Turns out the lead vehicle took the wrong path accidently. I was hoping to get the pinstriping off by polishing by hand but it didn't even touch some of the stripes. I haven't decided yet if I'm either going to get it professionally done, buy an orbital buffer and do it myself or just leave it the way it is. I know if I get it fixed, it will happen again at some point.

In reality, partial PPF will help with chips, but it won't help you with pinstriping. I'm not sure what kind of terrain you plan on off-roading on so maybe you don't need to worry about narrow trails. Something to think about.

Amen Deano I'm a bit crazy about my paint I think it comes from my years in auto body. I think a orbital might not do the job like a regular polisher that doesn't orbit. However you need to be very careful because you can burn the paint!

Calgecko, Deano Bronc

Jan 26, 2023

#35

Cornwelltoolman
Amen Deano I'm a bit crazy about my paint I think it comes from my years in auto body. I think a orbital might not do the job like a regular polisher that doesn't orbit. However you need to be very careful because you can burn the paint!

Yeah, the thought of burning through the paint is definitely a concern of mine. Also, I know there are better (safer) polishers than orbital but that's what came to mind this morning. 😆
I've looked into them but just haven't pulled the trigger yet.

2022 Bronco Badlands, 4D, Hot Pepper Red, 2.7, Squatch, Lux, and MIC.
7/13/2020 10:04pm reservation. Blend 6/16/2022 Delivered 6/26/2022.
Dealership - Stephen's Auto Center.

BuckYeah

Jan 26, 2023

#36

Egad! I went to bed last night thinking about this. I'm surprised I didn't dream about it. 😜

I want to sincerely THANK everyone who offered their advice and shared their experiences with me. I've read and re-read everyone's posts and absorbed a lot of valuable insights. You guys are the absolute BEST!

I now see three possibilities:

1. Do nothing except occasional washings. (Highly unlikely)
2. Get clay barring and a good waxing. (Probable)
3. Get full PPF coverage and ceramic coating. (The "money is no object" scenario)

I'm kind of an all-or-nothing kinda guy. However, my Buddhist leanings would compel me to "go the middle way" and simply do what I feel is necessary (Item #2 above). A good clay barring would remove dust, dirt, grit, grime, and rail dust from its month-long journey to me from Detroit and a thorough waxing would seal the paint nicely.

To be honest, I feel like I may be over-preparing by going with the full PPF because I don't know exactly what I'll face in the years ahead. It's the fear of having regrets for not having done everything humanly possible to avoid preventable damage that bothers me.

Deano Bronc, Jakob1972

Jan 26, 2023

#37

BuckYeah
Egad! I went to bed last night thinking about this. I'm surprised I didn't dream about it. 😜

I want to sincerely THANK everyone who offered their advice and shared their experiences with me. I've read and re-read everyone's posts and absorbed a lot of valuable insights. You guys are the absolute BEST!

I now see three possibilities:

1. Do nothing except occasional washings. (Highly unlikely)
2. Get clay barring and a good waxing. (Probable)
3. Get full PPF coverage and ceramic coating. (The "money is no object" scenario)

I'm kind of an all-or-nothing kinda guy. However, my Buddhist leanings would compel me to "go the middle way" and simply do what I feel is necessary (Item #2 above). A good clay barring would remove dust, dirt, grit, grime, and rail dust from its month-long journey to me from Detroit and a thorough waxing would seal the paint nicely.

To be honest, I feel like I may be over-preparing by going with the full PPF because I don't know exactly what I'll face in the years ahead. It's the fear of having regrets for not having done everything humanly possible to avoid preventable damage that bothers me.

Well, friend, keep in mind that it you go middle ground, and in a few years you have some chips and swirls you can’t look at any more, you can likely have the bronco re-painted for a little more than the PPF treatment…

I’m actually thinking i may do ceramic on OBIwan, but still considering PPF on the front surfaces…

and then i see pics of the matte finish on area51…. Aaaaaaaaack!

Riding OB1, 23 4- door Outer Banks, SAS, MOD, MIC, Lux, Ordered 10/20/22, delivered 1/13/23

Deano Bronc, BuckYeah

Jan 26, 2023

#38

BuckYeah
Egad! I went to bed last night thinking about this. I'm surprised I didn't dream about it. 😜

I want to sincerely THANK everyone who offered their advice and shared their experiences with me. I've read and re-read everyone's posts and absorbed a lot of valuable insights. You guys are the absolute BEST!

I now see three possibilities:

1. Do nothing except occasional washings. (Highly unlikely)
2. Get clay barring and a good waxing. (Probable)
3. Get full PPF coverage and ceramic coating. (The "money is no object" scenario)

I'm kind of an all-or-nothing kinda guy. However, my Buddhist leanings would compel me to "go the middle way" and simply do what I feel is necessary (Item #2 above). A good clay barring would remove dust, dirt, grit, grime, and rail dust from its month-long journey to me from Detroit and a thorough waxing would seal the paint nicely.

To be honest, I feel like I may be over-preparing by going with the full PPF because I don't know exactly what I'll face in the years ahead. It's the fear of having regrets for not having done everything humanly possible to avoid preventable damage that bothers me.

I know you will come to the right decision for you. But if you go with option 1 or 2 you can save that money and spend it on goodies that can get you out there to get the scratches in the first place. Like winch, lift, tires ….
Good luck.

Deano Bronc, BuckYeah

Jan 26, 2023

#39

Jakob1972
I know you will come to the right decision for you. But if you go with option 1 or 2 you can save that money and spend it on goodies that can get you out there to get the scratches in the first place. Like winch, lift, tires ….
Good luck.

I totally agree, sir!

I've already thought about getting other useful things with the money that I don't spend. Like a complete recovery kit. That's peace of mind you can't (but can) put a price on! 😉

Jakob1972, Deano Bronc

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