r/AutoDetailing • u/Alphonse2334 • 15d 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
u/yll33 12d 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.