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Took delivery of my CLE AMG 53 in Sun Yellow at the end of April. Drove it to my detail shop of choice and they applied full Paint Protection Film (PPF) that features ceramic infused in the PPF. Looks great but I also wanted to share two custom touches.
I did not like the yellow roof section so I had them apply gloss black PPF instead of clear. This now makes the roof a more consistent black.
I also had them install clear PPF over the piano black center console area. Now I feel safer from what was likely to be easily scratched.
I am now investigating how to augment the audio system with a real 12-inch subwoofer in the trunk. Would like to know if anyone has successfully done this. Note the blacked out roof section.
Took delivery of my CLE AMG 53 in Sun Yellow at the end of April. Drove it to my detail shop of choice and they applied full Paint Protection Film (PPF) that features ceramic infused in the PPF. Looks great but I also wanted to share two custom touches.
I did not like the yellow roof section so I had them apply gloss black PPF instead of clear. This now makes the roof a more consistent black.
I also had them install clear PPF over the piano black center console area. Now I feel safer from what was likely to be easily scratched.
I am now investigating how to augment the audio system with a real 12-inch subwoofer in the trunk. Would like to know if anyone has successfully done this. Note the blacked out roof section.
Took delivery of my CLE AMG 53 in Sun Yellow at the end of April. Drove it to my detail shop of choice and they applied full Paint Protection Film (PPF)... I did not like the yellow roof section so I had them apply gloss black PPF instead of clear. This now makes the roof a more consistent black.
I also had them install clear PPF over the piano black center console area. Now I feel safer from what was likely to be easily scratched.
I am now investigating how to augment the audio system with a real 12-inch subwoofer in the trunk. Would like to know if anyone has successfully done this.
Note the blacked out roof section.
Great job blacking out the roof. (Somewhat similar to the tuxedo scheme that I applied to my white cabriolet.)
Applying ppf to the piano black console is a real good idea.
Took delivery of my CLE AMG 53 in Sun Yellow at the end of April. Drove it to my detail shop of choice and they applied full Paint Protection Film (PPF) that features ceramic infused in the PPF. Looks great but I also wanted to share two custom touches.
I did not like the yellow roof section so I had them apply gloss black PPF instead of clear. This now makes the roof a more consistent black.
I also had them install clear PPF over the piano black center console area. Now I feel safer from what was likely to be easily scratched.
I am now investigating how to augment the audio system with a real 12-inch subwoofer in the trunk. Would like to know if anyone has successfully done this. Note the blacked out roof section.
looks great. Love those rims! I am new to the concept of PPF. How does that film impact the metallic shine of the paint? Is it clear? Does it change the feel of the paint? Can you still wax the car?
I have all my cars covered in PPF and they are very glossy and look great. You can apply waxes or ceramic (which I did on my other cars - but the CLE has ceramic infused in the PPF). The PPF for the whole car was $6,500.
PPF information:
Materials:
Common materials include TPU and PU, which offer flexibility, durability, and resistance to abrasion and chemicals.
Self-Healing:
Many PPF films have self-healing capabilities, where minor scratches or swirl marks can repair themselves with heat from the car's body or sunlight.
Protection:
PPF shields against various types of damage, including scratches, rock chips, bug splatters, bird droppings, tree sap, and UV exposure.
Benefits:
PPF can enhance the gloss and depth of the paint, reduce orange peel, and protect against chemical damage.
Lifespan:
High-quality PPF can last for several years, typically 5-10 years, depending on the film's thickness and quality.
Application:
PPF can be applied to specific areas like the front bumper, hood, and mirrors, or even the entire vehicle.
Types:
Different types of PPF exist, varying in thickness, with thicker films offering greater impact resistance.
Purpose:
PPF acts as a sacrificial layer, absorbing impact from road debris, branches, and other hazards, thus protecting the underlying paint.
I have all my cars covered in PPF and they are very glossy and look great. You can apply waxes or ceramic (which I did on my other cars - but the CLE has ceramic infused in the PPF). The PPF for the whole car was $6,500.
PPF information:
Materials:
Common materials include TPU and PU, which offer flexibility, durability, and resistance to abrasion and chemicals.
Self-Healing:
Many PPF films have self-healing capabilities, where minor scratches or swirl marks can repair themselves with heat from the car's body or sunlight.
Protection:
PPF shields against various types of damage, including scratches, rock chips, bug splatters, bird droppings, tree sap, and UV exposure.
Benefits:
PPF can enhance the gloss and depth of the paint, reduce orange peel, and protect against chemical damage.
Lifespan:
High-quality PPF can last for several years, typically 5-10 years, depending on the film's thickness and quality.
Application:
PPF can be applied to specific areas like the front bumper, hood, and mirrors, or even the entire vehicle.
Types:
Different types of PPF exist, varying in thickness, with thicker films offering greater impact resistance.
Purpose:
PPF acts as a sacrificial layer, absorbing impact from road debris, branches, and other hazards, thus protecting the underlying paint.
thanks man! I am close to getting a CLE 53 in Obsidian Black. Never owned a black car, so I am going to be looking into this for.
$6500 is a lot but sounds like a lot of benefits. Any downsides?
I have all my cars covered in PPF and they are very glossy and look great. You can apply waxes or ceramic (which I did on my other cars - but the CLE has ceramic infused in the PPF). The PPF for the whole car was $6,500.
PPF information:
Materials:
Common materials include TPU and PU, which offer flexibility, durability, and resistance to abrasion and chemicals.
Self-Healing:
Many PPF films have self-healing capabilities, where minor scratches or swirl marks can repair themselves with heat from the car's body or sunlight.
Protection:
PPF shields against various types of damage, including scratches, rock chips, bug splatters, bird droppings, tree sap, and UV exposure.
Benefits:
PPF can enhance the gloss and depth of the paint, reduce orange peel, and protect against chemical damage.
Lifespan:
High-quality PPF can last for several years, typically 5-10 years, depending on the film's thickness and quality.
Application:
PPF can be applied to specific areas like the front bumper, hood, and mirrors, or even the entire vehicle.
Types:
Different types of PPF exist, varying in thickness, with thicker films offering greater impact resistance.
Purpose:
PPF acts as a sacrificial layer, absorbing impact from road debris, branches, and other hazards, thus protecting the underlying paint.
Here in Naples, the price for whole car PPF of a CLE53 is $5795 done by a great company.
If installed properly you won’t know the film is there. And if ceramic coated water will bead up easier and slide right off. Lastly, I use a soap canon to apply the soap/rinse and then a high power air blower to dry. No towels ever touch my cars. No swirl marks which on my black ZX will easy be seen. Black cars are a pain but look awesome when maintained.
Took delivery of my CLE AMG 53 in Sun Yellow at the end of April. Drove it to my detail shop of choice and they applied full Paint Protection Film (PPF) that features ceramic infused in the PPF. Looks great but I also wanted to share two custom touches.
I did not like the yellow roof section so I had them apply gloss black PPF instead of clear. This now makes the roof a more consistent black.
I also had them install clear PPF over the piano black center console area. Now I feel safer from what was likely to be easily scratched.
I am now investigating how to augment the audio system with a real 12-inch subwoofer in the trunk. Would like to know if anyone has successfully done this. Note the blacked out roof section.
If installed properly you won’t know the film is there. And if ceramic coated water will bead up easier and slide right off. Lastly, I use a soap canon to apply the soap/rinse and then a high power air blower to dry. No towels ever touch my cars. No swirl marks which on my black ZX will easy be seen. Black cars are a pain but look awesome when maintained.
Interesting - anything you could recommend specifically?
How do you wax the car without using a towel at all?
I know black is famous for hairline scratches - does the PPF prevent that?
I suggest asking other car enthusiasts for any recommended installation shops in your area. Also look at the reviews if posted on their website or Google search results.
The PPF is very glossy on its own - even without ceramic coating. It can be waxed with usually a high quality spray wax just like any other car. With ceramic coating the finish is even brighter and depending on usage can last for years. My wife’s Audi S7 is still looking awesome going on five years since wrapped/coated. BTW - I schedule my wrapping immediately after taking delivery. I drive from the dealer right home and then home to the installer.
I am retired so our cars are not driven daily especially my nicer cars. I live in an area with very snowy winters and I put all my nice cars to sleep October - April.
The major benefit of the PPF is that light scratches will “self-heal” after exposure to warm sun. So on a black car just park it in the sun and after a few hours they will be gone. I don’t care how clean you think your microfiber towel is it will definitely show swirl marks on a black car.
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