Folks that did matte/stealth/satin PPF, any regrets, lessons?

[endress14]

2 years with matte. Still loving it.

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[waveroamer]

Gotta say, super encouraging to see people still loving their matte wraps. Glad it’s not just a novelty that fades after living with it.

 

[Angel2DaMax]

Xpel Stealth PPF, Xpel window and panoramic tint, ceramic coating, Abstract Ocean badging.

That is sexy!

 

[OUTAGAS]

Does the film stop short of panel edges, leaving slim glossy edges, or does it wrap around so that all visible paint is covered? Door jambs?

 

[Schroederhc]

Wraps around the edges

 

[waveroamer]

Does the film stop short of panel edges, leaving slim glossy edges, or does it wrap around so that all visible paint is covered? Door jambs?

I think this is one of the primary reason to go with a 3rd party installer vs. factory - the fact that edges are visible and the contrast between matte and gloss is obviously pretty significant.

 

[OUTAGAS]

Thanks. I got clear PPF installed on the front end, A-pillars, windshield header, front bumper, mirrors, rocker panels, door sills, and tailgate top when I got my truck last year. The installer told me he would not wrap the edges, and he didn't. No problems with me, as I noticed Rivian didn't wrap the edges on the gear tunnel doors, either. Since I'm not changing color or gloss, it's not noticeable.

But on stealth and color changes, wrapping would be a must. Is wrapping just being skillful with a heat gun?

 

[waveroamer]

This is super helpful, what’s been your experience in terms of stealth vs gloss as far as maintenance? My suspicion is stealth will hide water spots and fingerprints a bit easier in between washes but not sure if that’s true. I do think stealth looks great on darker color vehicles but unsure about Rivian Blue, I went ahead with it anyway so hopefully it turns out okay!

 

[shrink]

If you do end up doing Stealth, I highly, highly recommend you apply Gyeon Matte Ceramic coating on top of the film. Super easy to apply and wipe off (no prep other than washing prior) and the beading and ease of washing/air drying with a leaf blower, is top notch! 16 months later still going strong. (Pictured here on my Stealth Xpel LA Silver)

Glad you mentioned this. My Red Canyon R1S has a matte wrap and ceramic. I asked my installer about a ceramic coating for matte wraps and he didn't reply. I think what he used made my car look more satin than matte. Still looks good - and turns many, many heads - but if I were to do another matte wrap, I'd research these matte ceramic products in more depth and discuss with my installer. However, sounds like a lot of these products have become DIY now. Not sure I trust myself, but good to know there are options.

 

[eRacer]

I had the XPEL STEALTH Matte PPF added to our R1T and they placed a ceramic coat over the PPF. I apply this XPEL booster product quarterly. Very easy to do.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07QDBHLRZ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Having applied different PPFs on previous vehicles, I would just warn folks that PPF does not last forever. Life expectancy is dependent on the conditions and care your vehicle is receives. Over time the PPFs I've applied have dried out or have become brittle. It's important that you identify it early enough to have it removed and reapplied as it becomes extremely difficult to remove. PPF does require care and maintenance. Applying it just makes it easier to care for the car and adds a level of protection for the paint.

Ohh, the cool thing with the wrap is that your car will actaully look more like the image on your UI screen and app. ?

 

[Morphine]

Hello all,

Taking delivery of an El Cap R1T and considering a full PPF install. What is an expected install price for something like that (in California if that matters)?

The Stealth pictures here of the El Cap look super nice!

Thanks!

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