Ford Raptor Paint Protection Film & Ceramic Coating in Allentown, PA

The Immaculate Project File: Protecting a 2024 Ford F-150 Raptor

A Ford F-150 Raptor is a significant investment, built to command attention both on and off the road. The owner of this brand-new 2024 model came to us with a clear objective: to protect that investment with the most robust, long-lasting solution possible, ensuring it could withstand rock chips and trail scratches while being incredibly easy to clean.

This case study outlines our meticulous, engineering-driven process for taking this Raptor from its factory finish to a fully armored and brilliantly shining state. We'll detail our multi-stage decontamination wash, our plotter-first Paint Protection Film (PPF) installation, and our flawless ceramic coating application.

Stage 1: The Foundation - The Immaculate Decontamination Wash

Before any protection can be applied, the vehicle’s surface must be perfectly clean. Any contamination left on the paint can lead to installation failure and can be sealed under the coating or film. This is why we perform a wash process that is far more thorough than a standard detail. It's a systematic method designed to remove all bonded and embedded contaminants without introducing any swirls or scratches to the paint.

This is the very same process we teach our clients to ensure they can safely maintain their vehicle's perfect finish for years to come.

Our wash process for this Raptor included:

• Wheels & Tires First: We began with the dirtiest part of the truck, using dedicated tools and Gyeon Iron Wheel Cleaner to break down heavy brake dust without risk to the expensive rims.

• Multi-Stage Chemical Decontamination: We applied Gyeon Tar and Bug & Grime removers to dissolve road contaminants. This step is critical because attempting to remove these physically can scratch the paint.

• Iron Decontamination: We then applied Gyeon Iron to the paint. This chemical process removes embedded iron particles from the clear coat—something a normal wash or even a clay bar cannot do. This is a crucial step prior to any paint correction or PPF application.

• The Two-Bucket Contact Wash: Using separate buckets for soap and rinse water, along with dedicated grit guards, we ensure our wash mitts remain perfectly clean. We wash in straight-line motions, one panel at a time, to eliminate the risk of creating swirl marks.

Stage 2: The Armor - A "No Disassembly" Precision PPF Installation

With the Raptor perfectly clean, it was time to apply the core of its protection: Paint Protection Film (PPF). For owners wondering about paint protection film cost, it's equally important to understand the cost of an improper installation. Our process is engineered to provide maximum protection with zero risk to your vehicle.

The biggest mistake in the PPF industry is unnecessary vehicle disassembly. Many shops take brand-new trucks apart to install bulk film because they haven't invested in the proper technology. Our "paint-safe" advantage is clear: We use a state-of-the-art plotter and computer-cut patterns, meaning we never have to take a knife to your car's paint or remove a single body panel.

For this Ford Raptor, the owner opted for our most popular package along with key add-ons for comprehensive protection:

• Full Front End PPF: This includes the full hood, fenders, front bumper, and mirrors—the highest impact areas for rock chips.

• Rocker Panel PPF: Essential for a truck like the Raptor, this protects the lower doors and body from being sandblasted by debris kicked up by the tires.

• Targeted Protection: We also added PPF to the headlights to prevent yellowing and sand-pitting, the piano-black B-pillars to stop swirl marks, and the door cups to prevent the inevitable scratches from fingernails and rings.

  
  

Our transparent, "hassle-free, haggle-free" pricing for all our PPF packages is available on our website. We believe an educated customer is the best customer.

Stage 3: The Shine - Flawless Paint Correction & Ceramic Coating

The final step is to lock in the protection and unlock a permanent, mirror-like shine. This is achieved with a professional-grade ceramic coating.

A common industry failure is to use an overly aggressive polish, permanently removing precious layers of clear coat. Our "Craftsman" method is different. We begin every paint correction with a 'test section,' starting with the finest, least abrasive polish to find the perfect combination that removes minor defects without harming the factory paint. On this Raptor, we only performed paint correction on the areas not covered by PPF, such as the doors and bed, as there is no sense in removing paint that will be protected under film.

Our professional coating process involves steps many others skip:

• Meticulous Preparation: We use 6-8 fresh polishing pads for a single paint correction step to ensure spent polish and paint residue are not dragged across the finish. The surrounding trim is taped off to prevent damage.

• Professional-Grade Coating Application: We applied a base coat of Gyeon’s professional-only ceramic coating to the paint, followed by a dedicated top coat for maximum durability and gloss. For the PPF-covered surfaces, we used Gyeon’s specialized PPF-specific coating.

• Guaranteed Flawless Finish: We use brand new, single-use microfiber towels for the final coating wipe-off. This is a critical investment that eliminates the risk of high spots or contaminants, which would require the entire coating to be buffed off and reapplied.

  
  

The Immaculate Result: A Fully Protected Investment

By combining a meticulous decontamination process, a technologically advanced and paint-safe PPF installation, and a flawlessly applied ceramic coating, this Ford F-150 Raptor is now armored against the elements and boasts a shine that is deeper and glossier than the day it left the factory!

Protect Your Vehicle With The Same Meticulous Process

If you are in Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, or the surrounding Lehigh Valley area and believe in a transparent process that delivers guaranteed results, we are the right fit for you. Contact Immaculate Paint Protection today for a complimentary, hassle-free consultation.

Immaculate Paint Protection

1855 Weaversville Rd,

Suite 103,

Allentown, PA 18109

(484) 602-7750

About the author: Bill Fetter’s passion for cars started at an early age, as he loved anything with wheels. Through his childhood, Bill observed his dad’s work as a mechanical engineer turned marketing manager and proud lifelong employee of General Motors. During high school, Bill honed his passion for cars by hand-washing and detailing his neighbors’ vehicles. Knowing he wanted to be in the automotive industry, Bill earned a degree in Industrial Engineering from Kettering University in Flint, Michigan. He’s worked as an engineer in the automotive manufacturing, medical device, steel industry, and pharmaceutical manufacturing fields.