[Completed] Refinishing all the textured parts, front end for rock chips, then PPF

[ithinkmac]

Wow. As others have said, next time I need paint work. I'm driving Percy to the East Bay.

-ThinkMac-

Parts have been refinished. It's been through two cycles of baking as we're installing PPF, and we gotta make sure all the fumes have dissipated for a proper installation.

Next step, wet sand and polish to make sure no fish eyes, nibs are present. And to make sure texture matches with the existing paint.

Sponsored

 

[jenzfc]

Wet sand and polish in every panel is in course. I did not take more photos, I do not want to invade my colleague's privacy, lol. Especially because in this department, all of them are very shy. So, insted of that. Sharing this pic that I think it's pretty cool.

Next step: reassemble.

 

[jenzfc]

Reassembly is now complete, next step is PPF.
Paint got baked three times in the spray booth, so all the fumes should be gone. So no need to wait 30 days to install PPF.

Car is dusty, so don't think new paint is scratched lol.
I almost did not want to post these photos because the light / black paint / my shitty camera makes it look like they're scratches and looks bad.

Once we're 100% done I will provide good photos.

We check for gaps, compare both sides for a proper fit.

I am so eager to drive my car again...

 

[Mr.Smith]

@jenzfc can you measure the OEM paint thickness and would you say its very soft paint?

P.S. will you marry me?

 

[jenzfc]

@jenzfc can you measure the OEM paint thickness and would you say its very soft paint?

P.S. will you marry me?

yes, I do have the paint thickness gauge, measures in mils. It's not soft, it's within spec of Audi's cars too. Normal stuff.

P.S. HA! I will think about it!

 

[Mr.Smith]

yes, I do have the paint thickness gauge, measures in mils. It's not soft, it's within spec of Audi's cars too. Normal stuff.

P.S. HA! I will think about it!

If you can post how many mils at your convenience. It's for paint correction purposes.

E-Tron GT is having problems with paint on the black rocker panel. Audi says it's in "spec"

Excellent thread

 

[jenzfc]

If you're talking about the rocker panel molding, you cannot measure that. It's plastic. Rocker panel could be measured. 3-5 mills is the typical OEM thickness. Anything lower that that is crap... or clear coat it's been sanded down way too many times.

 

[jenzfc]

PPG Xpel Ultimate Plus, software has legit templates. PPF will be perfect. No Mickey Mouse repairs here. Cutting some extra stuff, like the screen protectors.

 

[jenzfc]

PPF on hood is done.

 

[cb02z0]

PPF on hood is done.

Forgive my ignorance but do you need to go through all of this prep for PPF? I have small chip marks on the front of my Taycan and I am now considering PPF and based on this thread I feel like it’s going to cost me quite a bit more to do then I originally thought.
Your car looks gorgeous BTW.

 

[Mr.Smith]

@jenzfc what are your thoughts on PPF for the entire front & rear doors?
The front doors due to potential rock chips from the side air intake (power charging door excluded), rear due to how it flares out.

From your template it seems you're putting PPF on the rear door flare

 

[VOLT4GE]

Me too. PPF is a must, but then you see most people going with ceramic coating when it's just BS glorified wax. PPF is the way. I was not the original owner, so that's why I had to end up doing this.

As you know, PPF and ceramic coating serve different purposes. That’s why I went with both—ceramic all over and PPF on the front clip.

 

[jenzfc]

Forgive my ignorance but do you need to go through all of this prep for PPF? I have small chip marks on the front of my Taycan and I am now considering PPF and based on this thread I feel like it’s going to cost me quite a bit more to do then I originally thought.
Your car looks gorgeous BTW.

You can apply PPF on existing paint, but if you already have some damage, it totally becomes a moo point. Ideal scenario for PPF is when either a) the car is brand new, or b) you file a rock chip / comprehensive claim and take care of it.

 

[jenzfc]

@jenzfc what are your thoughts on PPF for the entire front & rear doors?
The front doors due to potential rock chips from the side air intake (power charging door excluded), rear due to how it flares out.

From your template it seems you're putting PPF on the rear door flare

I don't think it's needed. Opted for rocker panel moldings, because those ones are magnets for rocks. And the entire front end. But it's very rare when I see a customer with a rock chip on their doors. You see door dings, but no rock chips from driving on highways.

 

[jenzfc]

As you know, PPF and ceramic coating serve different purposes. That’s why I went with both—ceramic all over and PPF on the front clip.

For sure, but my whole point is that ceramic coating is very easy and cost effective to apply, but vendors overcharge almost at the same price that you would get front end PPF, I've seen it. What I'm doing is PPF on front end, ceramic coating (DIY project) on the entire vehicle, that way it protects itself from the elements.

Sponsored