PPF question mark

[Jon A]

So I have a small “chip” which has penetrated the PPF on the bonnet but not the paint underneath.
I’m now wondering if the paint would have not chipped if no PPF and so what I’m left with is a small hole in the plastic that won’t repair and would have been better without PPF in the first place??

[Skyway]

Do u have the XPEL plus type PPF or similar self healing? If so then you can warm it up with a hair drier and if you apply some light pressure from the back of your finger nail it pretty much disappears unless you look really hard.

I would expect that the PPF has saved the paint in this scenario. I guess one or two stone chips would look okay in the paint but when that turns into a rash which is eventually likely then all you have to consider is having parts of it replaced

[Neil1911]

Really? Take it off if in doubt! At least you have that option...

[Nuclear Nick]

If the PPF has been penetrated then the paint damage without the film would have been significant and so the PPF has done its job. Speak to the detailer who applied it for suggestions on repair, replace or wait.

[Jon A]

Really? Take it off if in doubt! At least you have that option...

Obviously I could take it off Neil but my point is I’m questioning the validity of nearly £1k of PPF over just the paint as I am seeing the same scar!
It’s either a paint chip or a scar in the PPF, however if what Skyway is saying about hairdryer treatment is true, then maybe all is well - I will report back.

[Jon A]

If the PPF has been penetrated then the paint damage without the film would have been significant and so the PPF has done its job. Speak to the detailer who applied it for suggestions on repair, replace or wait.

Yes you could be right that the damage may have been significant to the paint without the PPF. If the film can be repaired (to some extent) then great…

[Gibberish]

Hi Jon,
After conversations with Andrew at Atom, he did say the film is self-healing, so maybe the heat will work.
I had these issues with the ppf on my 981 Spyder but in 2016 ppf wasn't as good as it is now.
Whatever happens please do keep us informed as I'll be spending £3600 on having the whole 718 Spyder done.

[Jon A]

Hi Jon,
After conversations with Andrew at Atom, he did say the film is self-healing, so maybe the heat will work.
I had these issues with the ppf on my 981 Spyder but in 2016 ppf wasn't as good as it is now.
Whatever happens please do keep us informed as I'll be spending £3600 on having the whole 718 Spyder done.

Will do Gibberish. As you say the question surrounds having chips in the paint and fixing later, or scars in the PPF which can’t be fixed unless removing and thus negating the cash to have it done in the first place.
I have said on here before that PPF is not the complete answer and brings its own issues. I will probably end up keeping it on and just live with a few scars over time safe in the knowledge that the paint is protected…
However the kicker is that it would be cheaper to re spray the bonnet than have PPF…

[Skyway]

Yeah but this way you get to keep the factory finish and guaranteed paint match. I think you just have to accept that the PPF will receive a few scars. I’d have even had my windscreen covered if it were possible.

[Neil1911]

Yeah but this way you get to keep the factory finish and guaranteed paint match. I think you just have to accept that the PPF will receive a few scars. I’d have even had my windscreen covered if it were possible.

It is possible but it doesn't last long enough to be a realistic option.