Is PPF Really Worth it? The Truth About Paint Protection Film. *XPEL*

[@HorsePowerObsessed]

Is your car protected with PPF? Why or why not? 🤔

[@jaditention1713]

Beautiful car. If i wanted a satin black wrap on the c8, would i get the wrap and then put the pff on it ? Or does the pff come in a satin black ? Also how far are you from nyc

[@brandonharding1199]

I found out about Xpel when I got my 2013 ZL1. I scoffed at the idea of putting a “screen protector” over my car. 250 miles into ownership I had a stone chip smack front and center top of the bumper. A week later Xpel’d over half the car and fell in love with the product. Did my 17 ZL1 right away and enjoyed the car way more. It also makes caring for the car drastically easier. Without my Z06 (hopefully) coming soon, I’ve already lined up with my installer to go directly from the dealer to the PPF shop 5 miles away. Can’t wait!! Xpel is the real deal!

[@HorsePowerObsessed]

Very similar to my story! I can’t own a car without it now!

[@brianmcgauley2664]

Getting it to the XPEL shop as soon as possible after delivery is the way to go, but just FYI to those who haven't done it yet, most installers will do the essential paint correction as part of the PPF price within the first year after delivery. After that, they may charge more for that paint correction. One long-term benefit that I get from doing my XPEL PPF at a factory-authorized shop is that I get a complimentary annual wash, dry and Ceramic Boost treatment with the included inspection. They do this in order to maintain your TEN YEAR warranty, and each time she comes out, she looks like a professional detailer just did the magic. I'm not sure some independent XPEL (or other mfgr) installer would provide this annual freebie, so you may get a lower initial charge with an independent, but you might not get an annual detail job. Shop around.

[@brianmcgauley2664]

I got full PPF + Ceramic on my '22 C8 and had an experience that helped justify the expense. I was parked at my members-only health club and some careless clown scraped the driver's side, even though there was a good 3' of clearance between us. It wasn't huge but scraped the tip of the boomerang on the driver's door and the area behind it on the left rear quarter panel. I couldn't tell if it dug into the paint or was just PPF damage. I took it to my factory-authorized XPEL installer and fortunately, it was just PPF that was scraped. Cost was less than $300 for full repair as-new. If I had just gotten a front-end PPF, I'd be buying a new boomerang and paint/clearcoat repair.

[@HorsePowerObsessed]

Glad to hear it saved you. Now imagine the cost of getting it all repainted/blended, etc if you hadn't gotten XPEL. I don't even like to think about how that experience goes...

[@brianmcgauley2664]

@@HorsePowerObsessed Actually, that's one reason I chose black rather than some tintcoat or metallic. Anyone can paint black.

[@donshaw7805]

Thank you for your experience and advice. Yours is the most informative I have heard

[@HorsePowerObsessed]

Glad it was helpful! Let me know if you need anything else answered.

[@robertjakicic5878]

I can confirm that the XR Plus Tint that BlackOut Tinting recently installed on my camaro does as advertised on blocking out the heat.

[@HorsePowerObsessed]

💯👍👍 we appreciate it!!

[@brian189d1]

Your car looks amazing man, definitely considering xpel and some window tints. If you don't mind me asking, what % tint is your front windshield, front windows, sunroof, and back window. I love the way your car looks and want to use a similar percentage as you. Much love and thank you for all the in depth videos.

[@HorsePowerObsessed]

I appreciate that, man!! I have 5% on the side and back windows and 55% on the front windshield. I used Xpel XR plus window tint.

[@stephencruz885]

@@HorsePowerObsessed Is there a law in PA that regulates how much tint you can have in your car?

[@salvicari4433]

100% believe in PPF. I have a 2019 Corvette GS. Black. I went the first 20K miles without PPF. What a mistake. The scoops for the rear brakes and the lower quarter panels got severely pitted. Had to have them repainted. Once the paint fully cured into the shop it went for FULL PPF and ceramic coat. I live in CT and total cost with tip (guys did a great job) was just over $8K. Car now has an incredible deep black glossy shine and is fully protected from rocks etc.

[@Glasscitycarnerd]

Not just awesome for my Stingray, but so great on my new TRD Pro 4Runner. Both cars are keepers and I love having my paint look perfect. So worth it!

[@HorsePowerObsessed]

Couldn't agree more!

[@amber_lynn08]

Definitely need PPF. Still looks brand new!!

[@HorsePowerObsessed]

100%! PPF is definitely the way to go!

[@abhtv1297]

Just watched your ram truck. I see why your a corvette fan. But im like you. I chose the trx. Its beautiful. The whole trx package with the exspel and the ceramic treatment on the outside and inside. Ill keep dreaming. Love your vids

[@HorsePowerObsessed]

Thanks, man!

[@stephenr115]

PPF=Worth It. On all types of vehicles. Excellent summary. Need it on 6.2 new truck!

[@HorsePowerObsessed]

💯

[@stephenr115]

@@HorsePowerObsessedoutstanding summary.

[@24c8z06]

I can say without question, yes ppf is necessary. I was backed into, and my front right fender was scrapped, and the ppf saved me from having to either replacing the entire fender or repainting. The only thing I would say is Stek ppf is clearer, infused with ceramic coating, and seems to have a better visual quality than my xpel'd car

[@HorsePowerObsessed]

That's interesting. My experience has been the opposite with those 2. Also, XPEL seems to wrap edges easier than other films. Either way, getting a car protected is a MUST in my opinion!

[@Super8creations]

Good upload Justin just what we needed. Thanks for the information! Super 8

[@HorsePowerObsessed]

Thanks, man!! I appreciate that!

[@johnnyrock852]

How does it hold up with the acidic nature of bugs?

[@HorsePowerObsessed]

I haven't had any issues here in PA with bugs on the PPF.

[@uhsoka5129]

Very informative video. I've made my decision to XPEL wrap and ceramic coat my car. However, I had a question as I'm torn between getting a Front PPF vs a Full Car PPF. My goal is to make my C8 as "shiny" and "glossy" as possible. I understand PPF protects your car from scratches, chips, etc.. but does PPF make your car look more "shiny" in any way? Or is that purely the ceramic coating thats gives it that shine/super glossy look? Aside from damages like scratches/chips, would a "stock car" look indistinguishable from a PPF wrapped but non-ceramic coated car in terms of shine and glossiness? I did alot of research online and got mixed answers, some saying PPF does nothing for the shine, only Ceramic Coating. Others say PPF in combination with Ceramic Coating makes it even shinier. I was hoping you could clarify this for me. Thankyou for these videos Justin, your black Z06 build has given me inspiration to mod my car.

[@HorsePowerObsessed]

Ppf technically doesn’t do anything for shine but overtime ppf will keep the scratches away which will in turn make it look shinier. I always recommend a full ppf install ceramic on top of it for the shiniest possible.

[@Hanover_Fist]

Thanks HPO, What is the turn around time for the #10 w/ ceramic on a C8 Z06? Is there paint correction before the #10 is installed?

[@HorsePowerObsessed]

Usually a week. No paint correction before hand needed.

[@thiosemicarbizidebenzoylal2921]

Yes it works magic, but 12k for somebody to wrap your car is a little steep. I recommend HIGHLY of getting your new car wrapped immediately upon purchase if you care about keeping it looking new.

[@HorsePowerObsessed]

Our prices are nowhere near 12K but I’ve seen a couple shops in California charging that or more.

[@hardhitter5099]

Yeah fr. I got mine done for 2900 😅 I was like DANG. but I live in ohio😅

[@ryanyoshimura]

I’m in socal and from what I’ve found, $6-8k is about the market for a full wrap

[@HorsePowerObsessed]

A full wrap for 2900? That’s insanely cheap. Either bad quality or B grade film.

[@hardhitter5099]

@@HorsePowerObsessed yeah full wrap for 2900 and it’s pretty good quality. To be honest the guy gave me a hell of a deal. He did it where if I did both my cars he would do them for 2900 each

[@seanvangster]

It is possible to do xpell on top of the windshield.. my windshield got a lot of mini rock chips..

[@HorsePowerObsessed]

XPEL is coming out with windshield protection very soon!

[@barrymccaulkiner7092]

The scratch self healing is the best part.

[@HorsePowerObsessed]

💯

[@neil12011]

A word of caution on PPF. I had Xpel removed from my Audi RS5 and it pulled some of the clear coat off. Professional shop removal, used steam, went VERY slow and it still pulled some clear off. The film was about 3 years old and car is always garaged. Sometimes the cure is worse than the disease.

[@HorsePowerObsessed]

That’s always a possibility but the only time I’ve really ever seen that is if the car has been repainted. Unfortunately dealerships aren’t always truthful as to repairs done even on brand new cars…

[@neil12011]

@ What sucks is that the paint is basically immaculate. The only reason I had the PPF removed was so I could see the actual condition of the paint, and the PPF looked a little janky. It was already starting to yellow after less than 5 years on an otherwise pristine car. I think it’s a gamble with many factors: OEM paint/clear quality, installer, care, removal technician. It just sucks to see something that was supposed to protect your vehicle actually harm it.

[@HorsePowerObsessed]

If it was yellowing that's also a warranty claim. I think your situation is such a one off that making a decision based on this is a bad idea. I've had film installed and removed 3 times (on a fender) on my ZR1 due to rock damage without any damage to the paint or clear so it's definitely not something you'll see often. My shop has NEVER pulled paint from removing any film regardless of the brand so it is NOT something that happens often. It sucks that it happened to you but like I said, it isn't something that happens often.

[@ralphcruz8484]

How about protection of the front windshield

[@supergliderjohn]

Great! But how much to replace the damaged pieces, particularly the hood?

[@HorsePowerObsessed]

The frunk hood is roughly $300.

[@supergliderjohn]

@@HorsePowerObsessed I paid $200 for the replacement PPF hood piece on Ebay but can't find anyone near northern Virginia that will install for less than $700. Was planning on doing it myself but people are warning me that I could pull the paint off.

[@HorsePowerObsessed]

@supergliderjohn very true. This is one of those situations where the installer matters way more than the product. If you don’t have years of training on the issue I wouldn’t do it.

[@KSaw777]

That's what they recommended to me was the 10mm. I knew that's what you had so I told them that sounds good to me.

[@HorsePowerObsessed]

100%. 10mil is the way to go if you want top notch protection!

[@bluehornet]

I had xpel plus put on my wifes 2023 Caddy, along with a ceramic coat just so i dont have 2 cars to baby. My 2011 Camaro paint is just too rough at this point to justify it.

[@bobdegrasse152]

Love your videos! I am torn between red and black now that the hypersonic Grey was discontinued for 2025. Is the black really difficult to keep looking great? Your car always looks so Clean. I live 1 block from the beach and there is always a mist in the air. Because black I such a pain to keep looking perfect I think I have decided in torch red. Just curious what your thoughts were?

[@trablock46]

Great information, thanks. Getting my car protected by auto armor in BG, but they are down a window tint person. So, you know of a reputable place in Dallas area for window tinting?

[@HorsePowerObsessed]

Auto armor is great but pricey! XPEL Dallas would be your best bet for tint in that area. Let them know HorsePower Obsessed sent you.

[@trablock46]

@@HorsePowerObsessed awesome, thanks man, sure appreciate your videos and quick responses!

[@HorsePowerObsessed]

@trablock46 no problem! Thank you for the support!

[@PRmercado]

Should you expel vehicle first and then ceramic coat it or the other way around.

[@HorsePowerObsessed]

PPF first and then ceramic coating.

[@gageinslee4551]

How long is the process to install PPF and ceramic coating?

[@HorsePowerObsessed]

If you do the full car it takes about a week.

[@Stay_True_-]

Hello! Great content I’ve been searching for someone who has a black car wrapped in XPEL ppf and I finally found someone here on KZbin. Your car looks amazing I plan to get XPEL on my soon to own black 2024 Honda civic. I wanted to ask, do you get swirl marks on xpel ppf? Being that’s a black colored car , are the swirl marks noticeable? And do you recommend touch less car wash with using blower to dry car? does it go away on its own since Xpel is self healing with only sun light and no heat gun as you mentioned? I live in Southern Cali so sunlight is never an issue. I’m dead set on getting black car but I worry so much about swirls and unfortunately I live in apartment complex so I’ll have to exclusively do touch less car wash and dry off with using air blower. Please let me know what your thoughts and tips are on My concerns and worries. I figured you’re the best person to ask because not only do know so much about Xpel but you also own black cars. Thank you! Also I’ve subscribed to your channel keep up the good content!!

[@HorsePowerObsessed]

Hey there! I appreciate the support. I personally would NEVER own a black car without XPEL ppf and ceramic coating. They are very hard to maintain without those 2 things. With that said, yes, the XPEL film will self heal any kind of surface scratches such as swirl marks while in the sun or with hot water. The less you touch the surface the better so pressure washing with air drying is the best way to maintain a perfect surface. I've had my film now for over a year as the video shows and it still looks brand new minus 2 rock chips.

[@Stay_True_-]

@@HorsePowerObsessed hi! Man this is so good to know! Thank you so much. I now know who to come to if i have any questions about this topic. I’m getting my 2024 black Honda civic sport this month and taking straight to a installer who’s been doing this for 20 plus years and has an outstanding reputation for his work. He’s also certified through XPEL as one of their dealers. I’m going for full ppf with ceramic coating I’m not taking any chances especially with a black car. I’d rather spend a pretty penny and protect it rather than stress over it not having protection or staying clean.

[@Stay_True_-]

@@HorsePowerObsessed also he’s giving me a hell of a deal! And he’s going to tint my windows

[@HorsePowerObsessed]

@Stay_True_- 100%! Any questions just let me know! [e-mail]

[@Stay_True_-]

@@HorsePowerObsessed one more thing. Sorry. If my car ever gets so dirty where it requires to be a deep wash/clean to remove dirt grime or grease from let’s say traveling, what’s the safest way to clean it without scratching or causing swirls? Would pressure washing alone do the job being that the vehicle would have a xpel wrap and ceramic coat Would high pressure wash do the job or would it need to be deeply washed? I’m talking dirty and bugs dust from traveling

[@8tidegaming845]

Dose it protect against uv rays in planing on putting this on my carbon fiber hood

[@HorsePowerObsessed]

Not directly no, but the ceramic coating does!

[@les1544]

Is the 6500 full wrap the same for a C8 and C7?….Thanks

[@HorsePowerObsessed]

Yep! That’s what we’d charge at any of our locations.

[@Tmrolln]

Thanks

[@gtrzero2157]

I'm currently driving from LA to oregon and my z06 took some nasty rocks to the front, hopefully the ppf saved it, but I always ppf a sports car, especially if it's 6 figures. Cheers

[@saran2436]

Does the ppf change the matte look of the decals on the TRX if you put it over top of them? Wondering if I should get the decals first or put them on after the ppf if it changes the matte appearance

[@HorsePowerObsessed]

Yes, the clear XPEL will turn matte decals gloss so you'd want them installed over top of it if you do it that way. I'd always install decals on top of ppf.

[@bolivar4537]

It's insane how so many corvette owners don't have ppf

[@comaradelee]

wow, in the philippines, a wrap for a suburban xpel would cost $3500 and its the top end.

[@HorsePowerObsessed]

I'd have to see that "top end" quality for that price. XPEL actually sets the prices for a reason so if it is that low, that sounds like a market issue.

[@comaradelee]

@@HorsePowerObsessed could also be labor is cheap here. but definitely xpel wont be lowering there price even in a 3rd world country.

[@gilbertferguson1685]

If you have a car that sits low to the ground like my sports car then it is worth it unless you want to be doing touch up all the time. It does protect against small stone chips but larger rocks will cut into it.

[@HorsePowerObsessed]

Yup. It is a MUST have. At the end of the day the film is a sacrificial layer so those larger rocks you're talking about cutting into the film. That's saving your paint at the expense of the film instead. We've done some research on it and found it is significantly cheaper to replace a piece of XPEL than it is to paint the car part.

[@ZOOTV-1976]

When you say 10mm do you mean the thickness of the film? As in 1 centimetre ? That’s massively thick if that’s the case.

[@HorsePowerObsessed]

Not 10mm, 10 mils.

[@johnnyrock852]

How long does the PPF last?

[@HorsePowerObsessed]

Its warranty is 10 years.

[@MDK_9950]

Fellow Pittsburger here. I need to stop watching your videos. Every time it cost me more money! Have a Z06 on the way with TPW of next week. Overspent, has more expensive options like carbon brakes & loaded up 3LT, comp seats, etc based on your recommendations over time. Never spent more than $100k on a car and this Z06 HTC nearly $157k. Yes, considering PPF at least front bumper, rockers, etc., probably going to have to expand scope for PPF. Yes, ASC Rock Guards I will have to take a big gulp, close my eyes and just order too. What do you think PPF adds if any at trade-in time?

[@HorsePowerObsessed]

Ceramic coatings actually go on the Carfax, ppf adds value just because it keeps the paint looking brand new. If you sell out Wright you’re going to have the most additional resale value from these products

[@sp1pilot]

$3700usd ($5k cad) is the market rate after foreign exchange in Canada. This will get you Xpel ultimate plus and a 10 year warranty.

[@HorsePowerObsessed]

Install prices vary based on location.

[@gageinslee4551]

Justin can you use PPF and ceramic coating together or is it one or the other?

[@HorsePowerObsessed]

Yes you can do both. If you want PPF and ceramic you'd do PPF first and then ceramic on top of it.

[@ryanhicks5063]

Xpel is definitely the way to go but almost $7,000 is alittle high priced

[@ge90]

I want to know your margin on the 6500 average ppf price for a corvette.. obviously there are add ons like the ceramic but 6500 ppf corvette 6500 what's the profit margin on that

[@HorsePowerObsessed]

The film cost by itself is roughly $3000. it takes a technician about a week to install it so after they’re paid and the film is purchased there isn’t much…

[@neil12011]

Kind of a dickishly phrased question.

[@4stringfighter]

Pennsylvania doesn't get super hot? Where have you been all summer?? XD

[@HorsePowerObsessed]

*usually* 😂😂😂

[@ManfredEWhite]

Nice video.

[@HorsePowerObsessed]

Thank you.

[@abhtv1297]

Wow the more and more I watch your videos. The more I drool. I live in Florida as well. Need to drop a letter to Mr. Beast or Elon Musk to hook me up with a trx with the xspel film and ceramic coating with the best tint. Ill even advertise for then on the truck. Lll

[@HorsePowerObsessed]

I like the way you think!

[@Brandonsgarages]

The rear hatch was all me :( sorry bro. Glad u had expel tho w the 10 mil.

[@HorsePowerObsessed]

lol no worries, man. It was one of those situations...

[@dannylockett9445]

Jeez, how much to just repaint a car? I can see protection for a collectable vehicle but dang!

[@HorsePowerObsessed]

Actually, we made a video talking about the difference between repainting versus XPEL and it's cheaper to replace XPEL every time. Check it out here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mGKuiXV4nbKErpo

[@readyon3506]

Are you going to trade the Z06 for ZR1 ?

[@HorsePowerObsessed]

If the ZR1 checks the boxes for me, yes but if it ISN'T a flat plane crank then no. I love the setup of this car and don't really want to lose it.

[@rickwhite2567]

I have experience with PPF on my car's front end. I have owned my cars for many years. As with all plastic, it breaks down and turns yellow over time. At that point removing it is very difficult. I will not get PPF in the future. The cost seems overpriced for future issues which seem inevitable.

[@HorsePowerObsessed]

You must be talking 10+ years. The film is warranted for 10 years against any kind of fading, cracking, peeling, or turning yellow so if that happens within the 10 years, it's up to XPEL to fix it for you and I've seen them do so. If you push it past 10 years, then yeah.. It's on you.

[@rickwhite2567]

@@HorsePowerObsessed Actually failure starts within just a few years. In my case less than 3 years with the vehicle stored indoors. I would rather deal with the paint than plastic. I don't rely on a warranty to satisfy my satisfaction. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gYCbhGWlhKmGn5I Nothing is on me. It's just my experience.

[@HorsePowerObsessed]

Definitely not my experience. I've dealt a lot with XPEL warranty and they are BULLETPROOF. They will warranty anything that fails prematurely so I have no worries about getting things taken care of. I'm sorry you had a bad experience but it's definitely a one off.

[@chickenandrice5101]

Hopefully better then the Lasfit C6 LED recommendation, since my driver side factory housing started to melt with the “recommended” turn signal/daytime running light “upgrade”. Funny how the Lasfit rep told me to not run that “recommended “ LED bulb, due to risk of headlight housing fire. You might want to get your facts right before spreading such misinformation on a huge media platform, recommending products that are not compatible with the platform you are pushing.

[@HorsePowerObsessed]

I had mine in there for years. No issues. Sounds like you may have had a faulty bulb. I only recommend products here that I’ve personally tested and those are to this day still in that C6 without issue. Sorry you had a problem but it isn’t because of my recommendation

[@chickenandrice5101]

So I magically received two faulty bulbs in the same package? The rep himself told me to stop using those switchback bulbs immediately due to potential fire. Know your products, stop looking for the quick buck to make on faulty products. And this comment has nothing to due with the PPF video. It’s just one C6Z calling out a prior owner of one.

[@nabatron21]

I’d say it’s worth it.

[@HorsePowerObsessed]

💯

[@duanemcdonald3895]

I am very interested in your life and your family is very nice 👌 👍 😊 I your miss is so beautiful and beautiful and I love you very deeply thank God's. 😊 I love you. ❤️ ❤😂🎉😢😮😅😊

[@annenominous7220]

PPF on non exotics is not advisable. If you can paint your bumper and hood for under 2K... do not get PPF. Say you have a 1967 VW bug in cherry condition. Should you get PPF. NO! it is only 600 bucks to have a hi end professional repaint of the VW hood. Or, you can spend under a hundred to fix a few rock chips. The PPF will take the damage instead of your paint for most small chips... but your PPF will look bad in about a year, or two... same as your unprotected car would... the difference is, using my VW as an example, I can paint it every single year (not necessary) for four years for the cost of one PPF... and you must remove it at 5 years, because it WILL damage the paint if left on longer than that... plus it will look terrible. The other downside, aside from cost, is that it makes your paint look bad. It decreases gloss at least 10% from an untreated car. Worse if you add ceramic before or after the film. The car will never by glossier than an unprotected finish.... however, good old fashioned wax will not increase the gloss, but it will make the car look WET... so if you care about your cars looks, coat it in hi end swiss or japanese wax, once every 2 months is what i do. I have a 2021 Roma with PPF because new Paint from the Ferrari dealer is mega expensive. But I hate the look, my Bug looks better!! Your mileage may vary.

[@annenominous7220]

I should have noted that in this youtube video his C8 looks bad to the bone.

[@ryanyoshimura]

It’s worth it if you’re keeping the car for a long time

[@HorsePowerObsessed]

even if you’re not, resale value is going to be a lot higher with no rock chips.

[@mikenimmick3920]

Awesome car and great video. But, these prices are fkng stupid. $6,500 for the film and another $800 for ceramic coating? People have lost their frigging minds. I get it that it is an expensive car and needs to be protected due to modern paint being so soft. Xpel is definitely a great product and it does work great. But, these prices are flat out screwing people.

[@HorsePowerObsessed]

Not really. If you saw the backend you'd realize this isn't a money making scheme. The material cost by itself is $3,000 dollars, plus the time the employee has in putting it on/training for said employee, rent, lights, tools, etc. There isn't a huge profit margin on this stuff. Not at $6,500 at least.

[@uncommonsense5876]

Thats cheap insurance. It's alot of work doing a good install on a good wrap

[@tweekFPV]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@HorsePowerObsessed]

🤘

[@mcf3778]

i think they added an extra 0...... $650 would be ok $6500 no chance

[@HorsePowerObsessed]

For a full ppf wrap, the material is almost $3000 before install, so there’s definitely not an extra zero there.

[@FastEddies]

It's not lifetime tho just get to know a good body and paint guy

[@HorsePowerObsessed]

There’s pretty much never a good enough bodyshop and even if there was the cost of repainting and blending panels is far more expensive than replacing a piece of Xpel.

[@HorsePowerObsessed]

Paint isn’t lifetime either…

[@johnperkins6432]

Big believer in PPF. It works. And just 1 chip will pay for the film as opposed to having to repaint!

[@HorsePowerObsessed]

100% agree!