Paint Protection

[Mwalderjr]

What is the best way to protect the paint? I have been told to ceramic coat it ive been told to wrap it (Very Expensive), ive been told to just wax it... What in your opinions is the best way to protect the paint for the long haul... I wash my car a lot and protecting the paint is important to me.

[CamaroDreams76]

If you want the best, it would be a wrap such as Xpel. That would protect from rock chips and road debris where as wax and sealants wont. Coatings are good but that doesn't really prevent rock chips.

[Can'tHave2MuchHP]

Best way? That's easy, paint protective films such as Xpel or Suntek. Second best, Ceramic. Third, Sealant. Fourth, Wax. The last 2 really do nothing other than pose as a sacrificial layer against bug guts, brake dust, etc. and make it easier to clean and give the paint more shine. Nothing is going to stop a rock chip except for Xpel and even then a hard one can blast through PPF.

Perhaps think about having the front clip wrapped with PPF and then just Ceramic coat OR Seal/Wax the rest to keep it shiny and easier to clean. Or just use Ceramic/Wax/Sealant without any PPF but a rock chip will happen. Personally, I just Seal/Wax my cars. Haven't done any of the Xpel yet and I don't have any rock chips but I BARELY my cars compared to most people. (Less than 1500 a year).

[OVERPAR73]

Highly recommend installing ExPel on all the danger areas (complete front bumper, lower valance, a-pillars, gill area and rear lower valance) and then Ceramic coating (9H) on the whole car to include the wheels! ExPel has a ten year warranty and the ceramic coating should last a few years depending on your environment. You'll be very happy with the results!

[flatrockguy]

I would go with Xpel wrap like others said.

[2015Black1SS]

Short from wrapping the entire car , GM’s soft paint seems to give way to everything . Every wash I find chips, scuffs, scrapes, and scratches . I do not park anywhere near a population of people and literally walk half mile from the furthest spot in parking lot to avoid clowns who do not respect other people’s property .. I use precautions with all of my double soft rags and wash mitt and clean water .. Black car is waxed after every wash .. I just assume that I will get a matte grey wrap on the entire car when the chips and Scratches drive me mad .. I truly need a daily beater ...

[Hellfighter]

damn Xpel is around 9000$ for entire car, that is not including labor cost... Yikes

[Zillion]

I got Xpel for the entire front bumper and about a third of the way up the hood for $1100. Lifetime warranty if that helps.

[Can'tHave2MuchHP]

Originally Posted by Hellfighter

damn Xpel is around 9000$ for entire car, that is not including labor cost... Yikes

What? That is madness. I'd expect an entire wrap to be $4000 at most, more than likely half of that if you don't go crazy. Wrapping every inch is over kill anyways. Put it on front facing danger areas (Front end, splitter, rockers/front of rear fenders) and then Ceramic Coat or Seal/Wax the rest.

[2013ZL1FUN]

You could get a repaint for 9K, right?

[Hellfighter]

a 10k$ paint job is like a brand new paint job thats triple clear coated lol.

[Can'tHave2MuchHP]

Originally Posted by 2013ZL1FUN

You could get a repaint for 9K, right?

Lol depending on the bodyshop and level of the job, you could probably get 2 repaints for $9k. Now if you're getting a really show quality job with a bunch of clear then yeah, $10k or more.

[2013ZL1FUN]

Then why f*@k with Expel?

[Hellfighter]

Cause why not if you're a big shot lawyer, 10k is chump change for you, cause your other car is a Porsche 911, and cause you own a bad ass condo at the top floor of the down town tower.