What Is Paint Protection Film?
Paint protection film (PPF) is a durable clear thermoplastic urethane that covers high-impact areas of your car, like the front bumper, windshield, hood, grille, and headlights. It protects from rock chips, door dings, bug splatter and road debris.
While a high-quality installer and proper care minimize issues, yellowing and discoloration are drawbacks to consider when looking at your options for PPF.
1. Protects Your Paint
The main purpose of paint protection film is to protect your car’s paint. It shields the paint from rocks, road debris, dirt, bird droppings, tree
sap, harsh chemicals, and other things that can scratch or scuff up your car’s original paint.
It also protects your car’s finish against rusting caused by salt and de-icing chemicals used on the roads during the winter. It’s a savior for those who live in colder climates, where road salt and other chemicals are common and can eat away at your paint job over time.
Paint protection film is a durable, invisible, and virtually undetectable coating that preserves your vehicle’s finish and increases its resale value. It prevents rock chips, pitting and swirls so your vehicle stays as pristine as possible for years to come. And the best part is, you can wash it just like any other surface on your vehicle, and it won’t damage the film or the adhesive.
2. Keeps Your Paint Shiny
In addition to protecting your paint against chips, pitting, scratches and scrapes, paint protection film also helps keep your car looking shiny. This is because the film helps to block UV rays from your car’s paint, which can cause fading over time.
This means that paint protection film will help to preserve your car’s glossy finish over time, which will increase its resale value when it’s time to sell it. It’s important to note, however, that the protective coating will eventually wear down over time and may need to be repaired or replaced.
Paint protection film can be installed on your car’s body panels, bumper, hood and front splitter to protect against road debris, bugs, bird droppings and even some chemicals. It’s nearly undetectable and carries a 10 year warranty, making it a cost-effective way to keep your car looking new for longer. Some manufacturers even offer matte PPF that provides a more subtle appearance.
3. Keeps Your Car Clean
The paint protection film on your car protects your paint from dirt, road grime, bugs, bird droppings, and other environmental contaminants that are harmful to the integrity of your vehicle’s painted surface. This is a great way to keep your car looking pristine and brand new!
Unlike other protective coatings, a car paint protection film is very easy to clean and maintain. Just wash your car with a gentle, soapy car wash soap or ph-balanced cleaner and a soft cloth or sponge and you’re done!
After the XPEL paint protection film is applied, it takes about a week for the film to settle and cure. During this time, it is best to not wash your car because this can interfere with the curing process and may cause the film to become dull or hazy. Once the film is fully cured, washing your car with regular soap and water will keep it looking like new. Using a dual bucket technique (one with soapy water and one for rinse) can help prevent soap from damaging the paint protection film.
4. Keeps Your Car’s Value High
If you own a new car and are concerned about its value depreciating, or want to keep your vehicle’s look for when it comes time to sell, paint protection film is worth the investment. It prevents rock chips, small scratches, chemical staining and etching, water spots, swirl marks, oxidation and fading. It is also self-healing and long-lasting.
The best part is that unlike a ceramic coating or traditional wax, paint protection film does not yellow from UV exposure. It is completely safe to apply to a new or used car.
It is hard to keep a car looking brand new without regular washing and waxing. However, paint protection film repels dust and grime, and allows you to wipe away stuck-on dirt quickly and easily, reducing your maintenance costs. In addition, it will protect your clear coat from corrosion caused by road salt or harsh chemicals.
