Paint Care Protection Thread

[Davethadog]

I find that a perennial layer of dirt offers the best protection on my truck.

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[Gator42]

I had Xpel and ceramic on my Porsche after an amazing paint correction. It was great for keeping it clean (did you know you can drive dust off a Porsche?) but even with the film the front end is still vulnerable and any imperfection seemed magnified on a perfect finish…

My Defender has the LR factory applied wrap and I’m happier with a matte finish than paint perfection. I’m also a lot less fussy about maintenance. It almost always looks fresh…

Now if only I knew what Launch Green in aftermarket matte looked like…

 

[Canthoney]

C+ at best, I hate when I get do something 100% lol. If you have an inspection light you are like OUCH. lol

You did a great job, much better than I would’ve done. That’s why I had it done by a professional lol

 

[SRTConvert]

I have the L.A. Silver R1T on order. My plan is to add full coverage Xpel Stealth (matte finish) and to ceramic coat the PPF.

I have the same treatment on my 2021 Tesla Model S (Solid Black) and it looks great.

It should give the L.A. Silver a different and more complex look.

 

[Lionel_Hutz]

Might bite the bullet and get full-body PPF when (if?) I get my R1S. I used to get heartburn over desert pinstriping my 4Runner and the Rivian is half a foot wider and twice the price...

Also, wanted to put in a shout-out for Adam's Graphene spray coating for hobbyist detailers. Not quite as easy to put on as something like Turtle Wax Hybrid Ceramic, but easier that a full-on DIY coating. I've been hugely impressed by the gloss, beading, and durability so far.

 

[Engi_Nerd]

I wish I'd put hood, bumper, and rocker ppf of my Giulia but overall the paint still looks excellent after 4 harsh winters and no automatic car washes. IMO, full PPF is for 6 figure vehicles likely to gain value and people with more money than sense.

I use the Griots 3 in 1 ceramic spray on product and find it reliably lasts 6 months. Easy to see that it's working because the soap falls off the car as if there was a layer of air between it and the paint.

 

[iansriv]

I wish I'd put hood, bumper, and rocker ppf of my Giulia but overall the paint still looks excellent after 4 harsh winters and no automatic car washes. IMO, full PPF is for 6 figure vehicles likely to gain value and people with more money than sense.

I use the Griots 3 in 1 ceramic spray on product and find it reliably lasts 6 months. Easy to see that it's working because the soap falls off the car as if there was a layer of air between it and the paint.

Great thread! I vacillate between ppl and ceramic. I second the Griots 3. I used it on two of my cars and thought I would redo every six months but it's been a year and it still looks good. Spring is here and I so want to clay the car!

I heard about LR doing a factory PPF on the defender. Makes the car look matt. A rather nice look and it's from the factory. Wish Rivian would consider something similar.

 

[Jobiwan]

Got my call today and am super excited!
I’ve been getting Xpel quotes and was told they can wrap a glass roof since the wrap would crack; is this true?
What’s the best way (ceramic?) to protect the roof?

 

[Jobiwan]

*can’t wrap

 

[NY_Rob]

Anyone ask their PPF shop/guy if they have the patterns for R1T yet? Cutting PPF by hand vs having the computer cut the pieces is way more laborious and time is $$$.

 

[Attesan997]

Got my call today and am super excited!
I’ve been getting Xpel quotes and was told they can wrap a glass roof since the wrap would crack; is this true?
What’s the best way (ceramic?) to protect the roof?

I'm not sure if you mean the film would crack or the roof would crack. When I was researching getting ceramic tint on my MY roof that was some of the feedback, the heat rejection could potentially cause the roof to crack. I've never seen it but it came up enough times that I wasn't motivated to push the issue.

 

[Jobiwan]

Honestly not sure if they meant the film or the glass.
Spoke with an Xpel and suntek dealer and both said they had pre-cut patterns

 

[Attesan997]

Honestly not sure if they meant the film or the glass.
Spoke with an Xpel and suntek dealer and both said they had pre-cut patterns

I'm sure someone will eventually tint it and post pics but in the meantime I'm sure shades will be available soon. I actually ended up installing a sun shade and putting it in my MY. It sounded like the tint was a little more aggressive on the R1T because I don't remember hearing a lot of complaining during the various drive events. I'm just assuming it will be awkwardly warm in the summer so I'm pre-thankful for the ventilated seats.

Good to hear there are already patters ready to go.

 

[godfodder0901]

I didn't realize it, but the truck came with PPF already installed on the Gear Tunnel doors! Did we already know that?

 

[koersontap]

I didn't realize it, but the truck came with PPF already installed on the Gear Tunnel doors! Did we already know that?

Some of us did at least! I thought it was just a tape along the perimeter though?

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