💦 Detailing PPF cost vs DIY?

[WhiteKnuckle]

I just got a quote for 3M PPF. The price seems reasonable but is still expensive. This is from ztech automotive. I’ve done some vinyl wrap projects but the PPF looks a lot more difficult to install.
I’d prefer to DIY when I can but this might be worth paying the pros. Here is the quote.

3M PPF-Bumper ($550), Matte hood ($399), Rocker panels ($240/side), 1/4 panels ($250/panel).

Just under $2k for what I’d want.

Has anyone installed this yourself and how much of a pain in the ass is it?
Buying the product is probably about $500 to do a DIY install.

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[Pro Stock John]

So is that $500 labor?

 

[WhiteKnuckle]

No, $500 would be just if I went and but a 15’ roll online. They are probably charging $1500 in labor.

 

[Pro Stock John]

Oh okay.

What is their labor rate? Are they saying this takes 2 days (8 hours), or more?

 

[Caleb515]

Eh, I wouldn’t recommend it.

Most ppf is between 8-10mil thick compared to vinyl which is 2mil. This (as well as other factors) make the install process much different and more difficult.

If you do decide to go diy I would recommend getting a precut kit for your car and working with that. The issue with this is if you mess up a panel you’re SOL. If you don’t go with a precut kit, you run the risk of cutting on the paint and causing serious damage.

Also with any ppf / vinyl job warranty is a big factor to consider. Most ppf I’ve had done or was quoted is warrantied by the shop so if something starts to yellow or peel in a year you have someone to go back to.

 

[Pro Stock John]

My brother in laws NSX has $5K in PPF, it's impressive it can really take a hit.

 

[Mook]

shockerracing.com, not sure if you have any insight into this.

 

[Mook]

SRT41320 maybe you too? maybe...?

 

[MrMezger996]

I would also take into consideration the type of car you are installing this on. If you are doing a good amount of flat panels vs say very intricate set of panels and ground effects that may be the deciding factor. I have xPel PPF on my cars one being a Ram 2500 and a 911 Turbo and the warranties are good. I have had the front PPF on my Ram replaced twice saving any point work but that truck sees alot of miles and highway driving.

 

[SRT41320]

SRT41320 maybe you too? maybe...?

Lol nope, never had anything worth having it.

 

[MrMezger996]

I just got a quote for 3M PPF. The price seems reasonable but is still expensive. This is from ztech automotive. I’ve done some vinyl wrap projects but the PPF looks a lot more difficult to install.
I’d prefer to DIY when I can but this might be worth paying the pros. Here is the quote.

3M PPF-Bumper ($550), Matte hood ($399), Rocker panels ($240/side), 1/4 panels ($250/panel).

Just under $2k for what I’d want.

Has anyone installed this yourself and how much of a pain in the ass is it?
Buying the product is probably about $500 to do a DIY install.

Other this in I dont know if the 3M products are "self healing". Where suntec or xPel are., if you get a scuff in the PPF if will heal itself either sitting in direct sun for a few hrs or by use of a heat gun. But if you use a heat gun you better know what ur doing or you can melt through it.

 

[Gav'sPurpleZ]

I would not attempt to install PPF on a brand new car.

By the time you find a test panel and film that you know is going to be garbage as it is practice material, you could have had a reputable shop install it for you.

 

[01bluesnake]

I paid to have mine done on the GT350, definitely a pricey upgrade though. I couldn't install vinyl tint on a pretty flat headlight, so no way in hell was I trying to wrap a car, let alone with thicker stuff lol.

 

[shockerracing.com]

shockerracing.com, not sure if you have any insight into this.

I have not attempted PPF... yet! I am planning to do the hood on the Bronco myself. Honestly, it looks easier than vinyl wrap plus I have installed Clearplex(essentially PPF for your windshield) and it was pretty simple. The biggest thing for me is the paint prep prior to installing the PPF, you obviously want to make sure the paint is perfectly corrected.