On today’s roads, the average driver can run into hazardous road conditions that would destroy a car’s paint within seconds. A paint protection film (PPF) or also known as clear-bra, is an invisible-like skin for your vehicle, giving it the defence shield it needs to guard and preserve its overall look and value.
But this film goes beyond just general protection against scratches or other unexpected debris you find during your everyday commute. Its multi-layer technology creates a hydrophobic barrier that defends against sand, gravel, minor door dings, and harmful UV rays. Leaving your vehicle fully protected from daily driving.
A PPF is an Investment for Your Car
We have all heard the saying that the second you drive your car off the dealership lot, you have already lost 15% of its value. Utilizing a paint protection film on your vehicle can leave its paint in remarkable condition, even after years of enjoyment. But a PPF is a serious investment. With a price tag of a few thousand for an entire body wrap, the upfront cost can be an initial turnoff to most new car buyers. Don’t let this discourage you. With a minimum of a 5-10 year lifespan, once the film is removed, your vehicle will look just as good as the first day you drove out of the showroom.
The Battle of Paint Protection Methods
Today’s technology in paint protection services comes down to PPF application vs. a ceramic coating when determining what should use to protect your vehicle. Other products, like waxes, can cause irreversible damage due to product build-up and discoloration.
A ceramic costing service does come with various benefits for any car owner, from a 10-year-old used vehicle or one with a few thousand miles. Due to its low-cost nature, the entry point for most is enticing, especially if they are new to the world of paint protection. With its polymer-based layer creating an invisible paint-like texture, your vehicle is left with a single layer of protection against scratches, gravel, and other debris. When considering a ceramic coating, the product’s longevity can become a concern, with a typical application that can only last up to 1 year.
In comparison, a paint protection film not only lasts 10 times the length of a ceramic coating but also adds several layers of extra protection. With self-healing properties, a film can repeatedly take damage before needing to be removed and replaced with a new product. Thus, reducing your overall maintenance cost of keeping your car in a road-worthy appearance.
5 Ways A Paint Protective Film Can Be Applied to Your Car
- Partial Front: When a PPF is applied in this configuration, areas that would be highly susceptible to damage are now covered. Coverage spans over the entire front bumper, headlights, mirrors, and a portion of the hood.
- Full Front: A popular package that protects the entire front of the vehicle, including a complete hood application, front fenders, door handles, and side skirts. With the added protection, your car will be able to handle the everyday wear these damaged prone areas are exposed to.
- Full Exterior or Body: A full 360-degree shield for your vehicle, covering every inch of your car’s exposed painted exterior.
- Partial: Our needs change, and a PPF is just as adaptive as you are. Whether you need just your front bumper or headlights, a film can be customized to fit your exact specifications and your car’s unique design.
- Interior: Accidents can happen anywhere. Especially on your brand-new interior. Having a PPF installed on your high-traffic touchscreens, center consoles, and other stylish components can protect them from our sometimes chaotic lives.
Is a PPF Installation DIY-er Friendly, or should it be Left to the Pros?
If you are considering a paint protection film for your vehicle, you might be curious about how intensive the process is. Maybe you are a do-it-yourselfer looking for the next project to tackle.
Beyond the actual film and all materials required for application, there are several other things required to assure PPF quality when finished. Most professionals use a wide range of cleaners and clay bars to remove contaminates, leaving the paint 100% free of debris, an essential step in the installation process.
Once you are finally ready to start applying the film to your car, it can quickly become an overwhelming process, due to the countless “small details”, only professionals are aware of, after encountering these previously. One air bubble that pops up the next day can ruin your entire previous day’s work… So start from the small parts – PPFing light, bumper, or door sills. If you need a full-body PPF it’s better to go to detailing shops, which have the proper materials stock, required space conditions, and most important, long-time experience.
Your Car Paint Protection Film Wrap Up
With a professional film installation, your car will be able to defend itself from road grime and debris, leaving your paint like new. With its multi-layer technology, your vehicle’s value will maintain its level throughout the years. Allowing you to enjoy a brand new-looking car for the next decade. A PPF install is precisely what any car enthusiast needs, a product that keeps the vehicles they love exactly how they love them.
This article is brought to you by INKAS Design, Canada based Paint Protection Film manufacturer and PPF application school.
