New GT owner, need your opinions!

[Obxguy2000]

just took ownership of my first Stinger GT. Actually my 1st Kia and 1st car I have owned since 2005... I have always had customized lifted F150s. So definitely a change for me. The GT is black, which I love. With the lifted trucks, never really had rock chip issues on the front bumper and hood. Was going to schedule an appointment to get car coated with 4 coats of Ceramic Pro, because I can’t stand swirled black paint. Was then going to bet a partial from clear bra for bumper hood and fenders. Then I learned that you can’t apply Xpel film on to panels that have been coated with Ceramic Pro. So what would you guys do? Get the Xpel applied now and then later on get the ceramic applied to the other surfaces or just do the ceramic coating and stay off other’s bumpers hoping to minimize rock chips?

 

[Ruturaj]

If you can then do ppf first then ceramic coating.

 

[CKeeler]

No matter where I drive these days, there’s always rocks flying at my car even if there isn’t a car or truck around for a 1/4 mile!

 

[Billy M]

take it to one stop detailer and PPF shop. they'll wet sand the car, then PPF, then ceramic coat on top of it, looking in the neighborhood of $2-3K

 

[Manaz]

You can have both done.

 

[Obxguy2000]

take it to one stop detailer and PPF shop. they'll wet sand the car, then PPF, then ceramic coat on top of it, looking in the neighborhood of $2-3K

I am having Eclipse here in Cincinnati to do the work. So they can apply ceramic coat on top of the PPF? I was concerned that water would bead differently on the PPF than on the coating. But if they can do this, then there is no more concern. I will definitely ask about that. Thanks!

 

[Kato_the_kia_stinger]

You can still get swirls on ceramic coating. It’s way less common, but it will still swirl

 

[Redvoodoo55]

Suntek PPF is self healing, which I get installed on my cars (Porsche Cayman GTS and BMW X2). I then keep a layer of Sonax Sealant on my Suntek PPF or you can cover the PPF with Ceramic like others have said already.

 

[eflyguy]

You can prevent swirls by changing how you keep the vehicle clean.

A ceramic coating will help in that regard (making it easier to clean as well as providing some amount of protection against them).

Obviously you need PPF first if you live & drive where rock chips are inevitable.

 

[Revvdmedia]

I believe although you can apply Xpel over PPF, it is always advised to install over non coated paint as the adhesion should be better.

As noted, if you live in an area with flying rocks, get PPF. The Stinger's paint isn't the most durable out there.

 

[Obxguy2000]

Just an update, dropped my car off at the shop this past Monday. I decided to go with Xpel front a full front wrap and then 4 layers of Ceramic Pro on the rest of the car and on top of the Xpel. Should be getting it back on Friday.

This is going to cost me an arm and a leg at the knee. The road I drive on for work has a huge landscaping company on one end and a gravel and rock company on the other end. The road always has rocks, dirt and mulch all over it. Didn’t want to chance it.

 

[BlueStingerGT1]

Just an update, dropped my car off at the shop this past Monday. I decided to go with Xpel front a full front wrap and then 4 layers of Ceramic Pro on the rest of the car and on top of the Xpel. Should be getting it back on Friday.

This is going to cost me an arm and a leg at the knee. The road I drive on for work has a huge landscaping company on one end and a gravel and rock company on the other end. The road always has rocks, dirt and mulch all over it. Didn’t want to chance it.

I am also planning on giving Eclipse a visit. How much did they charge you for a full front Clear Bra?

 

[eflyguy]

4 layers of Ceramic Pro on the rest of the car and on top of the Xpel.

Who told you to apply 4 layers? The shop that is selling it, I suspect?

 

[MerlintheMad]

I am also planning on giving Eclipse a visit. How much did they charge you for a full front Clear Bra?

Welcome to the forum.

You will find price for a full frontal PPF install anywhere from under a thousand to c. $1,500. I have 3M back to the windshield and it was almost a thousand. They said their usual price was almost fifteen hundred.

 

[Manaz]

Welcome to the forum.

You will find price for a full frontal PPF install anywhere from under a thousand to c. $1,500. I have 3M back to the windshield and it was almost a thousand. They said their usual price was almost fifteen hundred.

It's interesting how much pricing varies.

A highly regarded place here in Sydney does a full front (bonnet, guards, bumper, mirror caps) for "from $1800" in STEK DYNOshield, or "from $2500" in XPEL ULTIMATE PLUS". They'll do a full car for "from" $5000" and "$6500" respectively. A full closed-door respray by a reputable shop isn't that much!

I am looking at having Pomponazzi installed on my car. Still not sure where to go on PPF (if at all).

 

[Obxguy2000]

Who told you to apply 4 layers? The shop that is selling it, I suspect?

The installer is a Ceramic Pro installer. Ceramic Pro calls it thier Gold Package. 4 coats of 9h and 1 coat of light.

 

[Obxguy2000]

I am also planning on giving Eclipse a visit. How much did they charge you for a full front Clear Bra?

They charged me the price they have on thier website for a full frontal. I did get a discount off my bill since I got the full frontal and the ceramic coating, and a full tint. Figured I would get it all done at same time.

Eclipse is awesome! I definitely recommend them and if you decide to contact them, ask for Tammy.