I just bought a 2023 110 Carpathian V8.

I am moving out of a 200 series Land Cruiser.

Quick question:

How do you care for the Satin Wrap that is on the car and how durable is it?

Do you wash it as you would normal paint? Spray detailer?

I live in the northeast and travel some dirt and woods roads. My LC had a a little "mountain pinstriping" on it - not scratches - but branch marks into the clear coat.. Is this a problem with the wrap? Do I have to worry about it?

I know most people buying this truck don't take it off pavement - but I do.

I appreciate your help.

Thanks.

Jackson
NEW 2023 Defender 110 Carpathian V8
85 Defender RHD, 3 Door, Marine Blue, 300 TDI
04 Disco II, Lifted, etc., etc.

 

If it is the same as XPEL Stealth PPF than just typical normal washes, ceramic coat it every so often, and no pressure washers. I know the XPEL version will "self-heal" minor scratches in the sun/heat.

 

Ceramic coat it first. When it gets dirty, hand wash it. Do not run it thru touchless car washes. Congrats on your purchase. I have the 2022 V8 Carpathian Edition.

 

Why not run it thru touchless car washes, is it chemicals, pressure, or both? I would think I'd say no to touch-ing car washes, but I run my 110 w/ full PPF thru a -- what I'd say is a very good high end place -- touchless car wash in the winter here weekly, and it's fine. I think the cheap touchless gas station places may be different. This one has robot arms / seems very high tech. I've checked edge condition frequently on ppl, all perfect, as new. In fact the PPF installer (very expensive guy and also a detailer) said I could use a touchless wash like this one for winter maintenance washes once the PPF had cured, and this would be better for the PPF than letting stuff sit on it, causing stains after awhile.

 

I've had Xpel PPF (and ceramic) on another car of mine for 4 years and use touchless when I need a quick rinse and it looks fine. Pressure washers can also be used to clean a car with PPF, professional detailers do, you just can't use the "clean the sidewalk" nozzle. Youtube has videos on the subject.

 

I had my car wrapped in Xpel Stealth (satin). It's also Carpathian Grey.

-I routinely run it through touchless automatic car washes, and only touchless. They do a shockingly decent job around here. They're really only as good as the dryers at the end, in my opinion.
-I also fairly routinely pressure wash it at the self serve car washes. I do this if it's extra dirty with mud, bugs, etc. Obviously I don't get too close to the surface with the wand tip and I don't focus on the edges of the wrap.
-I do hand wash it more than anything.
-The company that applied the wrap ceramic coated it afterwards.
-I also use Adam's Graphene detail spray after hand washing, and that stuff is incredible.

 

I have run mine thru touchless car washes before, and they were high end ones (Laser Pro Wash). The end result was just ok with some visible marks on the ppf. May be something was off with the chemicals in that particular car wash location? I just don't know. The mix of wax additives that they use plus the rainX did not do a good job on the ppf, which is the reason why I prefer to hand wash it. Definitely inconvenient but I rather be safe than sorry.

 

Dealer says you can run through touchless car wash - just not one with the brushes. But, I almost always hand wash anyway.

Can someone confirm for me that the wrap is PPF from the factory?

If it is PPF - do I have to do anything to it before I use Ceramic on it? Is it like a regular car that you need to strip wax first?

I have just not been able to find out much about this. And, while I have owned tons of cars - I have zero experience with the wraps.

Info seems very limited.

Thanks,

Jackson

 

I use “Chemical Guys Meticulous Matte” after washing. It’s a detailer and sealer and will keep the matte look.