I’m finally picking up my new Mazda CX-70 next week and I’m a bit nervous about keeping that Soul Red Crystal Metallic paint looking pristine! I’ve heard it’s prone to chipping, so I’m definitely looking into getting a paint protection film (PPF) applied to the front end right away. I’m curious which brands you guys think offer the best clarity and self-healing properties—I've seen XPEL and SunTek mentioned a lot, but I’m not sure which one holds up better against yellowing over time. Since this is a big investment, I want to get it right the first time. For those of you with a CX-70 or similar Mazda models, which PPF brand did you go with and are you happy with the finish?
For your situation, I would suggest looking at 3M Scotchgard Paint Protection Film Pro Series as a solid alternative. I've been in the detailing world for a bit, and while everyone talks about XPEL, the 3M Pro Series is actually really impressive because it has a super high-gloss finish that matches the depth of Mazda's Soul Red perfectly.
One thing to be careful about with that specific paint is the "orange peel" texture—some films make it look worse, but SunTek Reaction Paint Protection Film is another great shout because it has a built-in ceramic coating layer. Honestly, it's all about the installer though!! A bad install on a CX-70's curves will look terrible regardless of the brand. Make sure to ask if they do a custom bulk cut or use a pre-cut kit. I'd personally go with the 3M for long-term yellowing resistance, plus their warranty is pretty bulletproof. it might cost around $1,500-$2,000 for a full front clip, but for that paint? totally worth it imo. hope that helps!!
Honestly, I've seen so many people regret skipping out on protection for that Soul Red paint because it's legit like glass—beautiful but SO fragile. For your situation, I would suggest looking at STEK DYNOshield Paint Protection Film as a top-tier alternative to the usual suspects. I've been around the block with a few Mazdas and STEK is honestly a game changer because it has a built-in hydrophobic top coat.
Here is why I'd go this route:
* **Yellowing Safety:** It's got some of the best UV resistance I've seen over a 5+ year span, which is huge if your CX-70 sits outside.
* **The Finish:** It’s super high-gloss, almost like a second clear coat, so it won't dull that metallic flake.
* **Self-Healing:** Light swirls literally disappear in the sun.
Make sure to find a shop that does custom wraps rather than just pre-cut kits... it'll hide the edges better! Good luck with the new ride!! 👍
Bump - same question here
I have been doing my own installs for a while now and I am really satisfied with how these films turn out if you take your time. No complaints on my end. To give you the right advice, I need to clarify a couple of things first:
TIL! Thanks for sharing
Regarding what #7 said about "TIL! Thanks for sharing"
Ok so, for your situation, I would suggest going with XPEL ULTIMATE PLUS Paint Protection Film if you're serious about protecting that Soul Red finish. Seriously, I've used it on my last two Mazdas and it's basically the gold standard for clarity. Soul Red is notoriously thin, so you gotta be cautious. I'm super satisfied with how it hides those tiny swirls and the self-healing actually works well if you leave it in the sun for a bit.
One tip tho: prioritize the installer over the brand name. A pro shop using SunTek Ultra Paint Protection Film will look way better than a hack job with XPEL. Make sure they're authorized installers so the 10-year warranty against yellowing actually holds up. Also, honestly, ask for a custom wrap where they tuck the edges—it costs more but looks so much cleaner. Good luck, you're gonna love the CX-70!
TL;DR: Doing it yourself is way cheaper but honestly such a headache if you’re a beginner like me. Check out some "how-to" videos on YouTube or the 'AutoGeek' forums before you commit! Late to the party but yeah, I totally get the stress about that paint. When I got mine, I really wanted to save some cash so I tried the DIY route for the front bumper. I found some really helpful groups on Facebook dedicated to home detailing and basically spent hours watching tutorials. Well actually, it turned out to be a lot more work than I thought. My current setup has a couple of tiny bubbles near the edges because I didn't have a clean enough garage space, but I still feel good knowing I saved a ton of money. Does anyone know if there's a trick to getting the film to lay flat on those curvy Mazda bumpers? I mean, I'm happy I did it but your definitely gonna need a lot of patience if you go that way. It's a fun project if you like working on your car though!