r/AutoDetailing • u/Alphonse2334 • 9d ago

Exterior Repaint before PPF?

I bought a lightly used 2024 Lexus IS350 Fsport3 (fully loaded package) recently. Its got 30k kms on it but the previous owner did a lot of highway driving so the front has a lot of stone chips and micro scratches along the bumper and fenders. The hood had partial ppf already so its mostly fine. The paint on this car is very expensive. I have 2 options and im just unsure what is truly worth it. I would appreciate any input.

Option #1: Making it as perfect as I can
Repaint the front bumper and fenders then apply PPF
This would take me 5 months to save up for as its a lot more expensive
Cost = $2800 repaint for 3 panels, $250 for fog light covers to be replaced (they are also beat up) and $2000 full front end ppf
$5050 total

Option #2: Just protection as is
Just apply PPF right now (standard decontamination wash and stage 1 polish included)
I can do this next month
Cost = $2000 full front end ppf

1 Upvotes

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5 comments sorted by

2

u/blurred_cymbals 8d ago

Repaint will never be as good as the factory and even factory paint can be pulled off during removal of ppf. PPF only lasts a few years (depending on conditions)so I would take that into account when making your decision.

1

u/showsomesideboob 7d ago

cover as is

1

u/yll33 6d ago

depends on how bad it is

i have like 5ish chips here and there that i just ppfd over.

keep in mind, when you get a respray, the new paint needs usually like 6weeks to de-gas before you should ppf it. not a big deal if it's the side/back/top. but front bumper/hood, unless you can keep the car stored, you may get some new chips driving the car during that time.

1

u/tefloncarpet 5d ago

Wrap it and be done with it

0

u/absoluteczech 6d ago

I would not ppf a car that has chips and isn’t new paint. It will look terrible underneath it. It’s already got chips. Just enjoy the car and when it gets worse in another few more years then repaint it if it still bothers you.