UK PPF install - recommendations request

[Gooner]

Hi all

I’ve asked this on the UK Facebook page as well but thought I’d also post it here.

I’m hoping people can help with some suggestion of PPF installers they have used for an Emira who they would recommend. I’m based in Bedfordshire / Cambridgeshire but very happy to travel 2-3 hours for a decent installer.

I’ve already had mine done but I’m really not happy with the quality of install and am currently in discussions about it being removed and a refund issued.

If you are able to attach close up pictures of edges of your install etc in the comments, that would be ace. In particular, I’m intrigued as to how good installers have approached the corners of the tailgate (mine are a hot mess).

My installer is very well regarded, but has really struggled with the Emira so I’m only looking for personal recommendations from an install on the Emira.

The below pictures are from my front end 3 weeks after install, to give an indication of why I’m not happy (some are under the car as I saw these when it was on a ramp having the 3rd cat delete but areas of lifting like this after only a couple of weeks are going to fail quickly! It’s the same story across most panels

 

[SteveB]

I can highly recommend Jules Sturgess Automotive. Based just south of Cambridge off the A10. Jules did my Emira and did a first class job.

Paint Protection | Cambridge | Jules Sturgess Automotive

Jules Sturgess Automotive - Car protection experts offering Paint Protection Installation based in Foxton, just outside Cambridge. Find information about coverage options and see examples of the work we have done. We also apply decals and offer track day instruction.

www.julessturgessautomotive.co.uk

 

[Andy H]

It's a bit more of a trek but I can recommend All that Gleams near Guildlford. They do all the work for Bell and Colvill so they have many Emiras to their name. I went direct as I wanted a custom option of front end package plus both doors. Tom and his team did a first class job and I've had zero issues. You literally can't see the join! Nothing like in your pics .

Premium Car Detailing, PPF & Ceramic Coating Services in Surrey

All That Gleams Car Detailing, Paint Protection Film & Ceramic Coating services in Surrey. Workshop + Mobile. Restoring Shine Since 2009.

allthatgleams.co.uk

 

[PsymonR]

I had mine PPF'd at the Leeds branch of Topaz (there will be other branches closer to you but still a bit of a trek), was happy with the job they did and they gave me the option to take the car back in after a month so they could check for any issues with the install. They also warranty the installation for 10 years, not just the film.



Tailgate corner install:

The most obvious edges on the install are for the (infilled) relief cuts either side of the air intakes which are generally only noticeable if you're specifically looking (I've pointed them out to people before and they've said they hadn't even noticed until I mentioned them). Couple of photos below, apologies for the poor focus (not easy to photograph), and for the (now cleared away) cobweb in the second one

 

[Gooner]

I had mine PPF'd at the Leeds branch of Topaz (there will be other branches closer to you but still a bit of a trek), was happy with the job they did and they gave me the option to take the car back in after a month so they could check for any issues with the install. They also warranty the installation for 10 years, not just the film.



Tailgate corner install:
View attachment 54127
The most obvious edges on the install are for the (infilled) relief cuts either side of the air intakes which are generally only noticeable if you're specifically looking (I've pointed them out to people before and they've said they hadn't even noticed until I mentioned them). Couple of photos below, apologies for the poor focus (not easy to photograph), and for the (now cleared away) cobweb in the second one
View attachment 54128
View attachment 54129

Thanks for the pics and recommendation.

The tailgate looks spot on, mine is an absolute shit show in comparison.

I was worried that the spiders web was scratches until I re-read your message!

Any change of a pic of the front bumper joint you get a minute please? I'm trying to see how yours looks in comparison to the pic below - I think the 2 pieces should butt up to one another, but mine has a massive gap and looks to have been cut by a pissed bloke if you look to the left..........

 

[PsymonR]

Thanks for the pics and recommendation.

The tailgate looks spot on, mine is an absolute shit show in comparison.

I was worried that the spiders web was scratches until I re-read your message!

Any change of a pic of the front bumper joint you get a minute please? I'm trying to see how yours looks in comparison to the pic below - I think the 2 pieces should butt up to one another, but mine has a massive gap and looks to have been cut by a pissed bloke if you look to the left..........

Yes, on my car the sections do butt up to one another, see below.

 

[Gooner]

Yes, on my car the sections do butt up to one another, see below.

View attachment 54136

Thanks.

Jesus Christ, this is making mine look worse and worse!!!

 

[Gooner]

Yes, on my car the sections do butt up to one another, see below.

View attachment 54136

One hopefully final pic request please (sorry!). The top edges of the door, ideally from inside looking out at the edge through the window, and from the outside as well.

Sorry for all the requests!

 

[Nick Sticks]

The Ipswich PPF Centre did a good job on mine. Full PPF.

Paint Protection Film Ipswich – Paint Protection Film Centre

Paint Protection Film Centre Ipswich are approved Llumar film installers. Protect your car from the damages caused by everyday driving

ppfcentre.co.uk

 

[PsymonR]

One hopefully final pic request please (sorry!). The top edges of the door, ideally from inside looking out at the edge through the window, and from the outside as well.

Sorry for all the requests!

Not really much to show, nothing too obvious except at the corner of the door.

 

[Gooner]

Not really much to show, nothing too obvious except at the corner of the door.

View attachment 54147
View attachment 54148
View attachment 54149

Here’s mine

 

[Gooner]

Here’s mine

And also the tailgate just for your amusement…..

 

[ADC]

In case it still matters, I can also totally recommend the gang at Auto Wax Works (Silverstone) who did my satin PPF and gloss-black (colour-change) PPF of the roof.

I can try to snap some pics of the specific edges in the daylight, but I am super happy with the job they did... because you're sure as hell going to notice poor edges and corners on a satin/colour-change job!

Car detailing Oxfordshire & Xpel paint protection film PPF

We offer high end car detailing in Oxford & Oxfordshire for prestige & classic cars, as well as Xpel paint protection film PPF, PPS & Gtechniq ceramic coatings

www.autowaxworks.co.uk

 

[grezex]

yikes, even bad installers wouldn't leave edges lifting like that -- removal and refund for sure but I'd be extremely weary of the same installer removing it as to not damage any of the paint. Wonder if it's out of the question to have original installer pay for removal from new shop...

Seems like most have the relief cut by the air intake. Some of the top installers locally have been able to install without that cut, though can't speak to longevity of lifting. Still waiting on my car in production sadly.

 

[Gooner]

yikes, even bad installers wouldn't leave edges lifting like that -- removal and refund for sure but I'd be extremely weary of the same installer removing it as to not damage any of the paint. Wonder if it's out of the question to have original installer pay for removal from new shop...

Seems like most have the relief cut by the air intake. Some of the top installers locally have been able to install without that cut, though can't speak to longevity of lifting. Still waiting on my car in production sadly.

Yeah, I am somewhat concerned about the chances of paint damage when it’s lifted, but I’m between a rock and a hard place on it. I can’t live with it on so it’ll need to come off and then be reinstalled by someone else (and potentiallget the paint sorted as well ).

I’m relaxed on the cut round the vent as can appreciate why it’s needed. If that was the only thing I had to worry about with the install I’d be over the bloody moon!

 

[4N MISSL]

May I ask how much they charged for such a horrendous job??

 

[Man.v.Cars]

Yeah, I am somewhat concerned about the chances of paint damage when it’s lifted, but I’m between a rock and a hard place on it. I can’t live with it on so it’ll need to come off and then be reinstalled by someone else (and potentiallget the paint sorted as well ).

I’m relaxed on the cut round the vent as can appreciate why it’s needed. If that was the only thing I had to worry about with the install I’d be over the bloody moon!

Jim at @WhiteDetails posted on his Instagram page thus week on an Emira hes just installed PPF. His main business is detailing but started installing ppf last year, he hasn't posted it up on his YouTube channel as ppf video don't get the same views. His attention to detail is only matched by Ammo NYC and he wouldn't let that leave his workshop.

He's in Lincolnshire so might be a bit far but maybe worth a visit to his website/channel/Instagram, gives you another option. https://www.whitedetails.co.uk/

A Porsche getting the full treatment inc PPF.

 

[Man.v.Cars]

 

[Dave H]

Jim at @WhiteDetails posted on his Instagram page thus week on an Emira hes just installed PPF. His main business is detailing but started installing ppf last year, he hasn't posted it up on his YouTube channel as ppf video don't get the same views. His attention to detail is only matched by Ammo NYC and he wouldn't let that leave his workshop.

He's in Lincolnshire so might be a bit far but maybe worth a visit to his website/channel/Instagram, gives you another option. https://www.whitedetails.co.uk/

A Porsche getting the full treatment inc PPF.

It was my car that was done by Jim at White Details. Would highly recommend

 

[gdotp]

Used Topaz in Leeds and was pleased with the end result. The edges are all well done, nothing like your pictures I’m relieved to say! You definitely should get them to remove and refund. The only issue I have is some of the edges do collect dirt. I’ve had mine on 6 months and over yellow it annoys me a bit but not as much as stone chips. In the spring I’ll see if I can find a way to clean these.