What Is PPF Film For Cars?
The paint protection film market is saturated with claims and hype. Some of them are overly exaggerated while others are downright misleading.
The quality of a PPF install is very important and will determine the cost. Good quality generally includes straight cuts close to panel edges, wrapped edges where possible and no installation marks left in the film.
What is PPF Film?
PPF is a transparent protective film for your car that essentially protects the paint from swirl marks, bug stains, road debris, environmental hazards, and scratches. Unlike ceramic coating or traditional carnauba wax, PPF is 100% safe to apply to the clear coat of your vehicle.
The film consists of two layers: an acrylic adhesive and the urethane layer. The adhesive helps the film stick to the clear coat and makes it easy to remove without damaging or altering the paint underneath. The urethane layer is the real workhorse, though. It flexes when hit, which spreads out the force of the impact across a much larger area and keeps the underlying paint from being damaged. Modern PPF products also feature a clear top coat layer that seals and protects the urethane from contaminants like UV, oxidation, and airborne chemicals and pollutants.
To install the film, an installer will use a tack solution that can range from water to isopropyl alcohol. Then, the installer will use a blade to trim away any excess and create an even seal around complicated panel edges.
When PPF is applied to a new car, it’s highly recommended that the customer get all necessary paint correction and body work steps knocked out first. This will help the film and coating last longer and look better.
What are the Benefits of PPF Film?
The main advantage of paint protection film is that it helps your car maintain a shiny, new look for a longer period of time. Over time, your vehicle’s paint can lose its luster because of sun rays that oxidise the paint, scratches, and dings. Having PPF installed is the best way to protect your investment and keep your car looking the same as when it rolled off the lot.
Paint protection can be used for any vulnerable areas of your car including the front bumper, hood, windshield, side mirrors, rocker panels, and other areas that are more exposed to road debris or flying objects. It’s a great way to avoid expensive repairs and keep your car’s value high.
Unlike other protective coatings, paint protection dissipates the force that hits your bodywork instead of absorbing it. This means if you get hit by a rock that would normally cause a chip in your paint, it will only leave a small spot of dust and not the bigger ding or crack.
Another benefit of paint protection is that it’s easy to wipe down with a damp cloth which saves you time and money when it comes to cleaning your car. If you do have to use chemicals like tar remover or bug spray on it, it’s important not to touch the PPF or coating with your fingers or hands because this could damage the surface.
What is the Cost of PPF Film?
There are a few factors that affect the cost of PPF. First off, the type of car will have a big impact on the pricing. Some cars have sharp contours that require more film than others with smoother edges. In addition, the size of the car will also have an effect on the price. Larger cars require larger rolls of ppf and will waste more material during installation. This will result in a higher price for the client.
Another factor that can influence the cost of ppf is the brand of ppf being used. Many shops will offer a couple different options for clients to choose from and each will have its pros and cons. It is important to find a shop that uses high-quality, durable ppf for the best results.
Once the ppf is installed it will protect your vehicle from road debris and minor scratches. The film will dissipate the force of the impact to prevent chipping or denting. For example, if you hit your bumper with a rock or something it will likely leave a small chip in the paint, but with PPF the rock will just bounce off without damaging your paint job. This will save you money in the long run because a repaint can be very expensive. In addition, if you want to further protect your car you should consider adding a ceramic coating as well.
Where Can I Get PPF Film Installed?
Alta Mere in Plano, Texas is the premier place you can get your paint protection film installed. Most professional installers specialize in vinyl wraps, window tint, or some other form of custom automotive service. These shops typically forgo the guesswork associated with PPF installation and instead use a plotter machine to cut the PPF into 2D layouts that correspond to each individual body panel. This process is often a more time-consuming and more expensive approach but results in an incredibly high-quality finish.
Prior to the installation of the PPF, the vehicle is thoroughly cleaned. This is because contamination can cause the PPF to fail prematurely. The surface is also sprayed with a mix of soapy water to help position the film on the body panels and inhibit the adhesive during the install.
Once the sprayed surface is ready, the PPF is laid out carefully over the body panel. A squeegee is then used to force the adhesive to adhere to the surface. This is a time-consuming and challenging process as any bubbles that may form must be worked out and trimmed off, leaving the car with a flawlessly smooth finish. The sprayed surface is then wiped down with a clean cloth to ensure it is completely free of any contaminants or residue. Some high-end paint protection films like Kavaca are also hydrophobic, meaning that water and other liquids simply slide off the body panels instead of sticking.
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