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Paint Correction > PPF > Ceramic?

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Hey guys

Got my M3 on order and I originally ordered a white car, with the intention of simply getting it wrapped. The more research I did, however, made me realise I would need to get a wrap, then PPF, then ceramic.

So, I thought it would be cheaper just to pay Tesla for the extra for the colour I want.

Now, my question is - is it correct that I need to get the following things done in this order?

1. Paint Correction - this will fix any factory defects on the paint and may not be necessary if there are no said defects
2. Paint Protection Film - Next, I will get the car wrapped in clear Paint Protection Film.
3. Ceramic Coating - Then, I will get the car coated in Ceramic Coating. This will cause water and dirt to just "slide" off easily.

Have I got this right? Can I do all of that in one place? Is there anything else I need to consider?
 
I thought the wrap actually would protect the paint. If there is a paint defect, it would just be well-preserved under the wrap when removed.

I don’t have any experience with the ceramic coatings, when they appeared on the market, I wasn’t sure if it was a scam like so many past paint protection coatings, but it seems to be very tough. I wonder if costing over the wrap makes the wrap harder to remove?

very interesting. I agree though, if I were going to get a wrap for a color change that Tesla offered stock, I would go that way as well. Right now, I’ll be happy with “just white” until I start seeing a hundred of them a day!
 
Yes. A legitimate ppf installer will paint correct and polish everything before laying the ppf over. Make sure they do this. Ceramic is then optional and applied on top of ppf for a slick hydrophobic surface. Most installers should be able to do everything in house.
 
Yes. A legitimate ppf installer will paint correct and polish everything before laying the ppf over. Make sure they do this. Ceramic is then optional and applied on top of ppf for a slick hydrophobic surface. Most installers should be able to do everything in house.
Paint correction is key and knowledgeable installers will do this. I have STEK PPF on my cars and it does have a hydrophobic layer built-in so that will help if you do ceramic coating as well. Even without ceramic coating the STEK is amazing in the water beading it provides. makes washing much easier.
 
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I found a local installer who has great reviews but said this "we will give the paint a single stage machine polish, we do not specalise in paint correction as we are not a detailing service but are able to polish the paint smooth prior to the ppf and coating being applied."
 
I just had my red M3 detailed with PPF on all the front areas then ceramic coating overall the whole car. They did a minor paint correction and 'preparation' (detailed cleaning) first before the other processes. I drove 2 hours to Dedham MA to Craft Detailing to have it done. They did cleaning and prep work first day; ppf on second day and ceramic coating on third day. They do a lot of Teslas. They are about a mile from the Tesla store where I test drove and ordered my car.

I could have had to work done in ME, but places here aren't specialists in those areas--mainly do cleaning and window tinting. I wanted the experts so I took a mini vacay and my car is now perfect.

Craft Detailing offers a free post-application wash and touch up if needed. This is after about 10 days. I'm going back on Nov. 9. They will also tell me how best to care for the car year round, inside and out. They said 'do NOT touch the car before then' -- no rinsing, wiping, etc. So I have been hands-off.

My advice, Dinsdale, is to go to a specialist in detailing and applying those coatings.
 
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Hey guys

Got my M3 on order and I originally ordered a white car, with the intention of simply getting it wrapped. The more research I did, however, made me realise I would need to get a wrap, then PPF, then ceramic.

So, I thought it would be cheaper just to pay Tesla for the extra for the colour I want.

Now, my question is - is it correct that I need to get the following things done in this order?

1. Paint Correction - this will fix any factory defects on the paint and may not be necessary if there are no said defects
2. Paint Protection Film - Next, I will get the car wrapped in clear Paint Protection Film.
3. Ceramic Coating - Then, I will get the car coated in Ceramic Coating. This will cause water and dirt to just "slide" off easily.

Have I got this right? Can I do all of that in one place? Is there anything else I need to consider?

Hi Dinsdale! I put in a separate reply also. I want to say Enjoy your Tesla! I have had mine for a month and it's the best thing I've ever spent money on. I'm not sure what you mean by 'wrapped' then do ppf and ceramic. The latter two things I had done. (see my other reply) I paid the extra for the red color because that's my favorite color and it is beautiful.
The place you go to for this work needs to be very familiar with these processes and do a quality job. Maybe check other businesses in an expanded area from where you are.
 
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