Is Paint Protection Film Worth the Money?

Will you be going the extra mile to protect the brand new paint on your C8? Let’s see what our forum members have to say.

As more and more people take delivery of their C8 Corvettes, many are wondering about the best way to keep their paint looking like it just rolled off the production line. For many, this means polishing and waxing or ceramic coating. For others, the ultimate way to keep a car’s factory paint job in like-new condition is to apply a clear paint protection film. The best ones last up to a decade, if maintained. Most should protect your paint from small rock chips. And some even claim to be self-healing.

But paint protection film is expensive, costing around two to five thousand dollars depending on how much you wrap.

We found a thread here on Corvette Forum where our members debate the value of paint protection film. Is it effective? Does it do the job advertised? Is it worth the expense? Let’s see our members have to say.

Thread starter ben1272 brought up this initial question when thinking about protecting the paint on his new C8.

This seems like something I should have applied before the car is driven at all. Is this true? Should I have it taken from dealer to someone via flatbed for it to be applied? Serious question.

Also, does anyone know of a good resource/vendor in the Northeast for this sort of treatment? I really want this done by someone who knows what the heck they are doing. And I dont want it to look crappy.

What do you all suggest?

We understand his initial worry concerning the film application. While we really don’t think it’s necessary that the car goes straight from the dealership via tow to get paint protection applied. However, it is something you’ll want to take care of sooner than later. The more exposure the paint has, the more potential there is for imperfections and damage.

User Maxie2U would later chime in on this subject.

I would not have it flatbed.

When my C7 was delivered I drove it home which was 50 miles from the dealer. I brought it home so I could give it a complete wash after which I clay barred the entire car then drove it to the clear bra shop. They washed it again before applying it.

i got the entire front end done and the rockers. I have 24,000 miles on it 99% is from highway driving. Every mile was from long roadtrip and about every highway in the Country seems to be under construction. I kid you not, I’ve heard hundreds of rocks and gravel hit my car. The clear bra completely protected my paint. I have only one micro tear in the clear bra as a result of a very large rock bounding off the hood at a velocity of 65 mph. So yes, getting paint protect is worth every penny.

As mention in other posts the most important thing is to find a competent installer. Both Xpel and 3M certify installers they have a list of shops with certified installers on their respective websites.

Corvette Forum Supporting Vendor, XPEL, also commented.

We’re starting to see C8’s all across the country line up for XPEL Paint Protection Film. Check out this gorgeous Sebring Orange getting a full hood with our new ULTIMATE PLUS 10 Mil film. The XUP10 is 2mils thicker than standard ULTIMATE PLUS so it will provide extra protection in any areas you want it applied. Contact your local XPEL Certified Installer today to schedule an appointment to have ULTIMATE PLUS 10 Mil PPF Installed.

So for those concerned about finding a good installer or reliable shop to get your protection film installed, most reputable film brands provide a certified installer on their respective websites. Make sure to look out for those in your local area. If you want to ensure your car is protected while driving to an installer, XPEL also sells a DIY/temporary solution known as TRACWRAP. This product can also be used on the race track for more front end protection at speed from rocks and rubber. They discuss it more here.

Here is a picture of Jeremy’s car covered with TRACWRAP for his drive home from KY to OK. You can slap it on, drive, rally, race, or cruise home and then peel off when you’re done. **XPEL TRACWRAP (pictured above) is a temporary Do It Yourself version of our standard PPF (paint protection film) you know and love. Think of it as a replacement for blue painters tape. It’s 8mil thick and is your ideal solution when you take delivery of your C8 so you can protect it before your appointment for the more permanent professionally installed XPEL PPF**

Despite the mostly positive reaction from those who use paint protection film, a few users aren’t fans. Here’s robertbruce:

I don’t do paint protection. Did it once had bubbles and over time you will be able to see the edges. To me it was a waste of money and I will never do it again. I will live with the dings.

So what do you think? Will this convince you to get your C8 paint protected? If I had a Sebring Orange example, it would be a terrible sight if I ever started to see the front end chipped or damaged from rocks and debris. Head over to THIS THREAD to share your opinion and experiences with paint protection film.

Photos: XPEL / Corvette Forum

.