Frequently Asked Questions About Paint Protection
Paint protection film popularly known as PPF is the magical film you need for your car to keep it shining! Many people come to us with questions about its longevity, cost, and effectiveness. If you are someone looking out to get your car sealed up and coated, then this blog is for you!
Paint protection is a thermoplastic urethane film applied on top of the paint layer to protect the surface. This is a rather new approach to giving your car the fresh and final look it deserves. PPF is just a film for your car that keeps it secure from the inside as a phone protector.
There are many films available in the market, vinyl and PPF are very different than each other. Vinyl wraps change the appearance of your car ever so often with color-changing and graphical illustrations. These wraps are more or less thinner than a clear bra and offer various customizations. PPF is however a thicker and much heavier version of vinyl. Apart from that, PPF has still shown better progress than vinyl wraps since it self-heals after getting scratches.
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about car paint protection:
How long does PPF last?
The basic answer to this question is the same as any other car job, it depends on the quality. Realistically these films should last for 5-7 years but it also depends on your driving conditions. We suggest that you get it coated on as soon as you buy a new car.
The longevity depends on the wear and tear of your vehicle, and how well you polish it. PPF comes equipped with self-healing properties that diminish over time. Look out for certifications and make sure to do your research about all the other options available. There is a probability that you will still be owning that car after 10 years, so make it worth it!
Will I still see seams on the surface?
Like every other coating, PPF has its ins and outs. You will always see seems, even after a professional and refined cut because bubbles get trapped. Its installation is a very difficult and time-consuming process, however still not perfect in that regard. Bubbles, fine lines, or stretches are a common occurrence with every installation but these will dissolve over time.
Air bubbles evaporate over time, depending on the weather after getting exposed to heat. There are several benefits of this sealant, because of its self-healing qualities. Most detailers strive for a perfect coat, which is why you will see those poking holes in the sealant to get the air out.
Does it get yellow or fade away?
Like every other coating, these coatings lasts for as long as you commit to taking care of it. PPF truly has the magical ability to heal swirls and scratches with heat. It also has a massive impact and preserves your paint from rock chips.
It is the safest material to apply to the clear coat of your car, without causing any damage. It does tend to get yellow after 2-3 years but that entirely depends on the usage of your car. The wear and tear determine the overall performance of your vehicle. Predicting the lifespan and age of the protective coat is only an average which goes up to 5 years approximately.
Are all PPFs the same?
There is a massive difference in the price range of PPFs. There is no MSRP for PPF because it all depends on the dealership’s pricing. You may be getting those from $1000 to $2500 for a full-frontal or end coverage. These prices are all over the place and so is the quality of these sheets.
Always get the job done from a certified dealer because most of them cheat in terms of quality. This means that you might get tricked into paying a higher price for a cheaper quality, so make sure to get your enthusiast friends involved. PPF comes with a paint correction process, which fixes the initial swirls and gives you a scratch-less surface. Most dealers don’t offer it with the cost of the PPF but it is a part of the job.
What comes with a PPF?
Paint protection warranties are registered and recognized with installation companies who certify products. There are several variables to this process that determine the actual longevity. Here are some of the factors mentioned below that play a big part in the lifetime of a clear bra:
Surface preparation
The environment of the facility
Installer’s expertise
Wear and tear of the vehicle
Additional protection
Care and maintenance of the service
About the installation, the coating takes about 24-48 hours to complete. The rest of the process is to let your vehicle adjust to the change of coat. This self-healing coat tends to fix itself with every scratch. It is still not a bulletproof vest for your vehicle, but a simple clear coat to attain a smoother finish.
What is the best time to get a PPF?
The final verdict completely depends upon you and the need for your car. If you are buying a new car, it is more than a must to consider it. A car enthusiast would never compromise on the look of their car because, in the end, it is all about the finished look.
If your paint is starting to fade away, and you aren’t satisfied with the job, consider PPF after paint correction. Paint correction is a different process that takes its own time. After getting the paint job done, go for PPF for a smoother finish. There is no point in digging PPF on a lousy-looking paint job because it will enhance the errors even more. The best you can do is to consult with car detailers and get a hang of the process. You can always drop us a question regarding all your car detailing related queries to understand the detailed job.