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PPT, Ceramic, tints oh my.

Daveveal

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Hi, everyone.

I am probably sure that this is a noob question or request for information but I am hoping somebody is feeling generous and doesn't mind filling me in briefly.

I just purchased a 24SX Dash PX Dash line in jungle green with sage interior and cannot be more excited.

I'm wondering what the consensus is on PPF versus ceramic coatings? I see some people are saying they only had certain parts done and although the reason his obvious does it cause a difference in luxe? I'm just curious which is the recommended way to go. I have read the pros and cons on other forums.

Interested also in tinting the side windows darker and curious what people have found for that and the front window.

Finally! What is everyone talking about with some sort of grill protection? Seems like some are inside, some are outside. Can't really figure out what that's all about.

Thank you for any and all tips and I'm so happy to finally have joined the club.
 
Finally! What is everyone talking about with some sort of grill protection? Seems like some are inside, some are outside. Can't really figure out what that's all about.
They are talking screens mounted either in front of the grill or behind the grill. Voltshop screens are designed to easily go behind the grill for a totally clean look.
 
It's important to understand that the purposes of PPF and Ceramic are different. They are NOT alternatives to one another. PPF is intended to protect against damage (like nicks and chips) from rocks and other debris that might hit your car as you drive. You can reasonably put it just on the parts of the car that are most likely to be hit (like the front end). It works great, if you buy a good product and it's properly applied. Ceramic coating creates a hydrophobic layer to help keep your car clean for a longer period of time. Don't think of it as an alternative to PPF; think of it as an alternative to waxing. Again, a quality product is important, and it works great. Note: If you get ceramic coating, you should never take your car through a car wash - except a completely touchless one. Handwashing is best. A normal car wash will degrade the ceramic, and it will just be a waste of money. There is a TON of info on this forum about each. Use the search function and read all the threads for all the details and opinions.
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I don't know if there is a consensus about PPF vs ceramic coating. They are different and serve different purposes.

Learn about each. Then start talking to professionals in your area and ask questions. Between your own research and talking to shops, you will begin to understand what you want and why. You will figure out who is good at what they do and who is not worth listening to.

I decided on PPF on the full front. I wanted to protect the paint.

I wanted ceramic tint on the front windows to cut heat and to match the darkness of the privacy glass in back.

I wanted clear ceramic film on the windshield to cut glare and heat. Best thing I spent money on.

Ceramic coatings are nice, but not what I was most concerned about.

And I wanted to protect my radiator and AC compressor so I got screens from Voltshop. They go inside on MY23 and 24. Most people will never know that they are there.

I had to balance cost with expectations and what I was trying to accomplish. There are plenty of opinions. But there is lots of info to learn about PPF and tint and ceramic coatings. I read and researched for weeks before talking to shops.
 
I don't know if there is a consensus about PPF vs ceramic coating. They are different and serve different purposes.

Learn about each. Then start talking to professionals in your area and ask questions. Between your own research and talking to shops, you will begin to understand what you want and why. You will figure out who is good at what they do and who is not worth listening to.

I decided on PPF on the full front. I wanted to protect the paint.

I wanted ceramic tint on the front windows to cut heat and to match the darkness of the privacy glass in back.

I wanted clear ceramic film on the windshield to cut glare and heat. Best thing I spent money on.

Ceramic coatings are nice, but not what I was most concerned about.

And I wanted to protect my radiator and AC compressor so I got screens from Voltshop. They go inside on MY23 and 24. Most people will never know that they are there.

I had to balance cost with expectations and what I was trying to accomplish. There are plenty of opinions. But there is lots of info to learn about PPF and tint and ceramic coatings. I read and researched for weeks before talking to shops.
Thank you so much for the detailed and thourough reply. Yeah, I'll do the research. I didn't know if it's something that is imperative to get done in the first few weeks. Want a cargo mat too, what's this canadian kia mat in your bio? Just an OEM mat but from... errr... a
Canadian dealer? 😁
 
Thank you so much for the detailed and thourough reply. Yeah, I'll do the research. I didn't know if it's something that is imperative to get done in the first few weeks. Want a cargo mat too, what's this canadian kia mat in your bio? Just an OEM mat but from... errr... a
Canadian dealer? 😁
The Cargo Mat I have is only available from Canadian dealers. It's not sold in the US. But it's what I was looking for. You can find conversations about it on this forum.


Not sure why it's now listed as 2021. But that's the part number I ordered. Note it doesn't have the cut outs for the child seat tethers (probably why it can't be sold in the US). But they can be cut out if you want them.

I wanted to get the PPF done as soon as possible after I picked up my car because I didn't want to have to pay for a bunch of paint correction/repair before it could be done.

Tinting could be done any time.
 
I've always PPFd the front end of my cars up to the windshield if they were white because the rock chips are insanely visible. On our Dark Moss I chose to just Ceramic Coat. The biggest difference I've noticed thus far is how crazy clean the car stays even after rain. We haven't even washed our car in the past 2 weeks waiting for the coat to fully cure and it still looks very very good.
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Thx for info!!! Yeah this is all very fascinating to me because I can't garage it and I am so sick of getting tree stains and such on the paint. I know this will help somewhat. I feel like I spend half my life trying to scrub little red sap stains off the hood of my cars...
 




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