Paint Protection Film
Targeted film protection for high-contact areas, fitted with pre-cut patterns.
Paint Protection Film
Project • Ashford, Kent
McLaren 720S — PPF, Paint Correction & Ceramic Coating
Paint protection film replacement, full machine correction and a Gtechniq ceramic coating system, carried out at our studio in Ashford.
- Paint Protection Film
- Machine Correction
- Ceramic Coating
The Vehicle
A 720S, Arranged Through the Dealership
This McLaren 720S ceramic coating project began when the car was brought to us directly by arrangement with the owner's McLaren dealership, who handled delivery to our studio in Ashford on the owner's behalf.
The car arrived in fairly dirty condition, with light swirl marks and scratching visible across the paintwork under proper light. It was also carrying an older section of paint protection film across the lower doors — the area that takes the most contact from getting in and out of the car — which had reached the point where it needed replacing rather than repairing.
What we found
- General surface dirt and contamination
- Light swirl marks across the paintwork
- Scattered fine scratching
- Ageing PPF on the lower doors, due for replacement
The Work
What We Did
Three stages: decontamination and film replacement, full machine correction, then ceramic protection.
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Wash & decontamination
A full exterior wash followed by chemical decontamination and a clay bar treatment, to lift embedded contamination out of the paint before any assessment or correction began.
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PPF replacement
The ageing film on the lower doors was removed and replaced using Profilm's pre-cut pattern software for an accurate fit, fitted with their self-healing film — well suited to an area that takes constant light contact.
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Machine correction
The full vehicle was machine polished using Menzerna 2500 and 3800 compounds to remove the swirl marks and scratching and bring the paint back to a clean, even finish.
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Ceramic coating
Once the correction was complete, a Gtechniq Crystal Serum & Exo ceramic coating system was applied across the vehicle.
Supercar bodywork adds time to every one of these stages. A flat panel on a saloon or hatchback can be corrected with a large polisher and a wide pad in long, efficient passes. A 720S has very little flat surface to work with — the bodywork is almost entirely curves, creases and intakes, so much of the correction had to be carried out with smaller pads, down to as little as one inch, to get into the tighter areas without missing anything or risking the surrounding trim. Between that and the PPF replacement, the car was with us for around four days in total.
The Result
Finished
A dedicated photoshoot was arranged for this car once the work was complete.
Once polished and coated, the paintwork had noticeably more depth than when the car arrived — most of that improvement comes from the machine polishing itself, with the ceramic coating adding a further layer of gloss and clarity on top rather than creating the effect on its own. The new PPF on the lower doors sits invisibly against the black paintwork, protecting the area from road rash without being visible unless you are looking for it.
Questions
PPF, Correction & Coating Questions
Why replace PPF rather than repair it?
Once film has aged to the point of lifting, yellowing or losing its self-healing properties, patching it rarely gives a result worth having. Removing and replacing the affected panels with fresh film gives a clean, consistent finish rather than a visible repair.
Does a supercar need paint correction if it's looked after well?
Usually, yes. Even careful ownership picks up light swirl marks and scratching over time from washing, driving and general use. Correction is about removing what has already happened, regardless of how well the car has otherwise been cared for.
What is self-healing PPF?
A film with a topcoat that allows light surface marks to close up with heat, useful on areas that take repeated light contact — door edges being a common example.
Should PPF go on before or after ceramic coating?
Film first, then coating over the top where suitable. That way the whole car — painted panels and filmed areas alike — behaves the same way when it is washed.
How long does a job like this take?
A combination of film replacement, full correction and ceramic coating is a multi-day project rather than a single visit — correction alone takes considerable time on a full vehicle, and coatings need proper curing time afterwards.
Interested in Similar Work?
Services Used on This Project
Paint Correction
Machine polishing to remove swirl marks, scratches and paint defects.
Paint Correction in KentCeramic Coating
Long-term paint protection after proper preparation.
Ceramic Coating in KentGet in Touch
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