Here is the catch----- Pre Cut pieces, especially the bumpers neeeeeeed stretching ALOT. Special mixture gel of solution needs to be applied to work the sections. Then Straight alcohol in certain spots to immediately tie it down. You cannot just do one side and stretch across, its is very very tricky. The pre cuts are harder than cutting yourself, but, there is alot of risk on that too but different. I messed up 2x bumper pieces while training, they did go on, but there were squeegee stretch marks, off kilter strips on a section, (M3 bumper), and a Toyota Celica bumper. Pretty hard bumpers to do.

Anyway, just forwarding you, they are NOT like any other part on the car. They are by far the most difficult. Aston bumper might be pretty simple, just not done one.

 

Yep, Baby soap and water to allow for slippage.

Alcohol water mixture for sticking it immediately and activating the glue and/or neutralizing the baby soap mixture.

Sorry, was half asleep when I wrote it, and haven't done any PPF in 6 weeks. So rusty a bit.

 

SheriffDep,
Thanks for your write-ups! They are very helpful. I am planning on having a PPF (Xpel) applied to my 09 Vantage this summer. The paint is in excellent condition but I will do a paint correction to it before having a local shop apply the Xpel. In doing the paint correction process should I apply any glaze before having the PPF done? It is my understanding that any type of wax or other sealants should not be applied before the PPF is put on. Is that right?

John

 

Pm'd you sir

 

i've used lamin-x on my headlights on 2 diff cars now including the vantage, and both have served their purpose quite well. fitment is spot on as well.

 

I'd like to know also... doing my headlights this weekend. When I do my front, i don't want to final coat what i may have to remove

 

No final sealants, coatings etc... should be used before application of the PPF. The vehicle should be wiped down with the alcohol water solution before the install to make sure the paint is bare so to speak. No oils or residue left over from the polishing phase.

Glazes----- fillers and gloss enhancers to mask swirls and imperfections. Releases over a short time during washes. Used in the old days right before car shows, and parades to mask swirls. Is masking, not fixing. Almost no one makes them anymore. The industry paint correctors dont want to mask anything, we want to perfect them so they are not needed.

It is likely though that a glaze could be used, then after a very light wipedown, the PPF is installed and it will lock the fillers in so to speak. But a test would need to be done. I wouldn't bother. The PPF will mask some light imperfections all on its own.

Hope that helps

 

The Aston dealer just replaced the older 3M (botched) install with Xpel - looks much better

 

Your old 3M most likely was not thier PRO series PPF. PRO has better clarity than Xpel and has only been out a few years. Alot of installers and dealers used the older less expensive types to maximize thier profits due to several types being available and customers not knowing the differences. The older were thinner and not the self healing types out today. Just FYI

 

The old 3M was actually a recent install, but I guess when the price I got the paint protection and the 3M full front clip was considerably lower than they originally wanted (they match others pricing), I got what I paid for. That said I traded the car for another which was to have the same treatment, and they changed their methods of install - mine was the first and they totally botched the install, as well as the paint protection. To make up for the botchery, they went out of their way to do everything perfect, including the upgrade.

 

In the end I am glad things were sorted out for you correctly. Sorry you had to go through a mess to get there though. 3M actually made 3 types, which the first was 10yrs ago or so. Back then yellowing over time was an issue which isn't now. But they discontinued that line and then kept the top 2. (PRO only came out 2 years ago or so). The PRO is self healing and has better clarity than Xpel. Interesting 3M is the only company that ALL parts of the PPF are made and constructed in house. Xpel and Suntek have always contracted out the materials to other manufacturers. Like I have said, the Xpel and 3m Pro are the only two I would use personally, and am partial to the 3M because I have been trained on installation of the product.

 

Hedged, Blue... You guys are 100% correct and others are 100% wrong

I prepped headlights the way Xpel said, used the solution, followed directions... Put on one headlight last night and came back tonight to pull it off... it just wasn't right enough for me... Sure enough, a small amount of a coating came off the headlight.

While it was in a rather inconspicuous spot and my Vantage is a 2009, nonetheless still disappointed... especially in myself. Should have listed to you guys who had the "proof"

Lesson learned for me!

 

Hi MRCW...damn...I have an 09 too and bought xpel and was ready to put on my headlights. I read your post....

Could you post a pic? I am holding off now. I am grateful you posted!

Still sorry to hear...

 

I'll try to see if i can get a pic to come out... first a little curb rash Saturday night, then this...waiting for the third problem... it's just a car. Love driving it!