Understanding the advantages of paint protection film (PPF) after purchasing a new car or considering one is an essential task to achieving top-of-the-line paint protection against direct road debris impact to your vehicle’s paint.
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Paint Protection Film (PPF) is a clear or colored adhesive-backed synthetic “tough plastic” made of several layers. It is designed as a sacrificial product that gets applied directly on top of the paint and can be peeled off after its useful life is over.
Paint protection film serves as a sacrificial product to protect your paint from rock chips, paint scratches, and road debris by taking the abuse for you. When paint protection film takes the hit instead of your paint, any contact or chipped paint is much easier to remove by polishing.
PPF is quite popular for paint protection on all vehicle types. Essentially any car owner who wants to preserve the aesthetic curb appeal, along with resale value down the road. It is also widely used by professional drivers and track day enthusiasts to protect the paint from damage during their rigorous driving activities.
This article is designed to inform and educate you about the different types of paint protection film available for your car. This includes their benefits and what to look for when seeking a service provider to install paint protection film on your vehicle.
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Any vehicle owner who wants to preserve their paint from chips and debris on the road should use paint protection film. There are many various forms of paint protection film available, each with a distinct method of application over the painted surface.
Below we highlight the most common types of applied film protection:
A hard polyurethane material with several micro-layers of either clear or colored adhesive-backed synthetic. It’s meant to be a sacrificial product that is put on top of the paintwork on the most common high-traffic areas (e.g. bumper, front-end of vehicle). After its useful life has ended, it is intended to be peeled off.
Both XPEL, 3M and SunTek are publicly-traded companies with vast R&D resources that develop top-line PPF products and are worth exploring in more detail.
Same as the traditional PPF described above, except that it’s infused with hydrophobic properties that are similar to what a ceramic coating offers. The hydrophobicity of the film makes for ease of washing and reduces the possibility of water spots from developing. STEK DYNOshield is a popular brand that offers infused hydrophobic PPF.
Specific PPF for your vehicle’s windshield. EXO shield is a popular brand that specifically offers this type of PPF. Designed with hydrophobic properties and superior clarity, the functionality reduces the possibility of your windshield from cracking as a result of direct impacts from road debris.
One of the most well-known PPF designs is the matte and carbon finish. These types of film provide comparable protection with a different aesthetic appeal. At this point, these films are more of a color-changing wrapping option. In this regard, you’d want to concentrate on only a complete wrap with these type of fashion PPF choices.
A rubberized coating that is primarily applied in aerosol form. It can be sprayed to coat just about anything, including paint. It can also be applied to protect the paint on vehicles where paint protection film is not an option.
Yes. PPF provides sacrificial protection from paint chips and scratches caused by road debris impacting the paintwork on your vehicle. When paint protection film takes the hit instead of your paint, any contact or chipped paint is much easier to remove by paint correction with a polishing tool and compound. (Do keep in mind that paint correction would only be completed after the PPF has been removed from the paintwork.)
Once paint protection film takes the hit and a nick is caused in the film, some brands including 3M Pro Series, XPEL Ultimate Plus and SunTek have self-healing properties that enable the PPF to self-repair after the film has been impacted.
Self-healing paint protection film has polymer chemistry that is infused with what’s called a “healing agent”. This healing agent once activated through exposure to UV light, enables the PPF film to self-repair over some time.
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Instead of using that old and outdated leather car bra from the s or even those bug deflectors, paint protection film is virtually invisible to the naked eye and made from a polyurethane removable material that provides a sacrificial paint protection for your vehicle’s paintwork.
The ideal PPF system has the following features:
What are the disadvantages paint protection film?
Visual bubbles and lifting on the edges over time may occur if paint protection film is installed incorrectly by different individuals. These problems will necessitate the PPF to be removed and replaced.
This takes time as the PPF will need to be removed and reinstalled, not to mention a trip to the installation location where it was first put on.
Yes. If paint protection film has been installed on your new paintwork from the car dealership or soon after, by a certified installer, it would have been worth it to you not having to worry about paint and rock chips for several years.
Yes, paint protection film isn’t cheap, but neither is a paint job or even regular paint maintenance that can extend beyond its useful life. Paint protection film is an investment worth making, especially if you are trying to maintain paint quality over the long term.
Paint protection film typically has up to a 12-year durability expectancy depending on the brand installed. Keep in mind that there are several solutions on the market that provide additional protection for the PPF over the long run.
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This can be a debatable topic. Both paint protection film and ceramic paint coating provide paint protection for your paintwork, but they do it in different ways.
The paint protection film is sacrificial and will take the hit that would chip your paint. If you’re looking to protect paint from road debris and small scratches, paint protection film is the way to go.
On the other hand, the ceramic coating may be utilized on most painted surfaces, as opposed to PPF which can still be applied to most painted surfaces but at a substantially higher cost.
Furthermore, hydrophobic PPF has established a wonderful compromise to the debate. You may have it all!
For the ultimate protection, some vehicle owners will have PPF installed and then receive a top-coat of Gtechniq Halo (PPF specific ceramic coating). Alternatively, if you have PPF only installed on high-traffic areas e.g. front-end, then ceramic coating the rest of the paintwork is another solid option.
The cost of paint protection film and paint correction varies greatly depending on the make and model of your vehicle and where you take it to be installed. The average paint correction cost typically starts at $300 and goes up from that point.
You need to keep in mind that paint correction may be required if your vehicle has been driven for some time before having PPF installed. Remember that PPF is traditionally clear and the paint is visible underneath. Any paint defects such as swirls and marring should be corrected before PPF is installed.
The cost of PPF will vary based on the following:
Below we highlight some key price points that are typical starting points:
As you can see there are a variety of installation package options that are available. The above-mentioned are the most common PPF package you will come across at a PPF installation center.
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The paint protection film is computer cut with a special cutting program and a large plotter machine that cuts the roll of film according to your car’s trim specifications.
On top of that, the cost of the film, plotter machine, and training to become a certified installer may all be well over $. We’ve included this as a reference point to help you realize that any qualified PPF installer will have an incentive to ensure that your vehicle is correctly installed.
Below is a generalized overview of the installation process:
Installing STEK DYNOshield to front bumper.
After paint protection film is installed you mustn’t utilize any car wash for a minimum of 2 weeks. Doing so will help to ensure the film has properly cured to the paintwork. Remember that direct contact of a pressure washer to any corners that have paint protection film applied to are prone to lifting should the water impact those areas.
Instead, we recommend washing your vehicle by hand and using plush microfibers to dry.
Aside from the hand wash recommendation, other things to consider for PPF aftercare, include:
After the paint protection film has been installed, the protected areas should be able to withstand a higher degree of rock-chips and other road debris.
Paint protection film can offer up to 12 years of protection from the date of installation. So what is the warranty protection?
The simple answer is the performance and durability of the paint protection film, not cost to repair stone chips and other direct impacted areas on your vehicle. Remember that PPF is about protection not insurance and that is what a performance warranty typically implies.
The guarantee on the durability of a product in this case is a warranty that it will not fade, peel, or crack. If any of those conditions should occur on your installed PPF, the manufacturer will likely provide a warranty.
Should your PPF be warrantied by the manufacturer then they will most likely cover the cost to have the installer remove and replace with new PPF.
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There are numerous paint protection film products on the market, each with its own set of advantages. The most reputable brands from our experience and feedback from across the industry include:
Regardless of which type of paint protection film is installed on your vehicle, here are some key features you should look for in a paint protection film installer:
Installing PPF to side mirror.
Yes, paint protection film can be removed. Once paint protection film has been installed on your vehicle, there are generally two ways you will need to have the paint protection film removed:
Keep in mind that if you have a professional installer complete this service for you it will most likely start at several hundreds of dollars and go up from there based on the amount of film coverage to remove and difficulty.
Removing PPF from partial hood. Edges were lifting and needed to be replaced.
It is possible to paint protection film your vehicle yourself. The benefit of doing so is that it will be much cheaper than having the service done professionally, but keep in mind you may need to have paint correction completed before paint protection film installation.
XPEL offers pre-cut kits which can be DIY if you want to install the film yourself. Should you go this route, it is worth exploring the video below for some inspiration.
Yes, you can. Do keep in mind that there are a variety of PPF manufacturers that now offer hydrophobic properties built into the PPF, including:
Gtechniq HALO is an excellent top-coat application that is specifically designed as a ceramic coating for PPF. For more information on this product, we’ve linked an excellent article:
Protecting Vinyl & PPF with HALO
Kingfilm contains other products and information you need, so please check it out.
Should you end up wanting ceramic coating with your paint protection film, keep in mind that a product like HALO will only be applied on the areas where PPF is present. Areas that don’t have PPF will receive a traditional ceramic coating application.
Yes, paint protection film can go through car washes. However, your paint protection film may be susceptible to an increased risk of paint damage if you opt for an automated car wash with bristles. In this case, you would want to avoid this option in favor of a touchless automated wash.
Ideally, a hand wash is preferred as there is more emphasis placed on detail and this will reduce any negative impact to the film areas. The biggest concern lies in pressurized water being concentrated on any corner areas where film has been applied. These areas are at increased risk of lifting should the pressurized water impact that area.
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With paint protection film, you can protect and maintain your vehicle’s paint for years to come with a reduced risk of paint damage. Your paint will be well protected from rock chips, road grime, and UV rays. Keep in mind, the paint protection film is not a substitute for full paint correction; it’s an addition that provides long-term paint protection.
All paint protection film should come with a manufacturer warranty that covers the performance aspects of the film from fading, lifting and general degrading over time. The warranty will not cover the cost to repair paint chips or any other direct impact to the paint which requires repair.
When seeking out paint protection film installation on your car, seek out a paint protection film installation service provider that offers paint scratch removal. This will ensure your paint is in optimum condition before paint protection film installation and that paint damage (should it occur) can be repaired by the paint protection film service provider or body shop.
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Do you love the simple elegance of the matte finish on your vehicle, but are worried about how you can protect it? You are not alone. The matte finish has become a popular option for owners of luxury and performance vehicles as it offers a bold alternative to the traditional glossy finish a car usually has. It signifies sophistication and individuality and gives the vehicle a modern edge.
However, while matte paint looks stylish, it is also prone to everyday damage. Minor scratches, stains, and oil stains can ruin its unique texture. This is where a matte PPF for cars comes into play. This high-tech solution offers two easy solutions to one big problem: it preserves the original matte look and adds a protective layer that shields against damage.
But how does the matte finish PPF protect your car without compromising style? Keep reading to find out!
The matte finish PPF is a specialised film made from Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) to protect vehicles that have a matte finish. Unlike regular PPF, which is usually glossy and enhances shine, matte PPF is made with a low-gloss surface to match the subdued texture of matte paint.
Here is why a matte PPF film is unique:
Visual Consistency: It blends invisibly with your car’s existing finish, so your vehicle is protected without altering its aesthetic.
Versatility: It can be applied to cars that have a naturally matte finish, and even over gloss paint to create a matte effect, which is a great option for those seeking a reversible transformation.
Physical Barrier: A matte PPF wrap also acts as a shield against chips, scratches, chemical stains and environmental damage.
You can think of it as a stealth PPF that respects the design language of the matte styling of a car while protecting it from daily threats.
While matte finishes are a stylistic choice, they also need extra care due to factors such as:
Matte paint can more easily absorb contaminants than glossy paint. Water spots, tree sap, fuel spills, bird droppings and fingerprints can leave behind visible marks that are tough to remove without affecting the finish.
Glossy paint can be polished or buffed to restore its shiny look, unlike matte paint. Any surface damage usually means that they need a full panel repaint, which can be expensive and hard to match.
Matte finishes on cars need pH-neutral shampoos, microfiber cloths and specialised detailing techniques. Using wax-based cleaners could lead to shiny patches that ruin the look permanently.
When it comes to a matte finish, prevention is better than a simple cure. Having a matte PPF film eliminates the anxiety of damaging your paint with every drive, wash or parking spot.
Matte PPF is a fusion of advanced engineering and aesthetic design. Here is how it works:
Matte PPF offers non-reflective paint protection; it replicates the exact sheen of matte finishes. This ensures that the original look is maintained without glossing over it.
A UV-resistant matte film blocks harmful rays from the sun, preventing paint fading, oxidation, and yellowing over time: a common problem in sunny or polluted areas.
Self-healing matte PPFs, like from Garware Hi-Tech Films, feature a self-healing polymer that heals light scratches, swirls and scuffs vanish when exposed to heat: either through sunlight or warm water rinse.
When installed by certified professionals, the film is laser-cut or custom-fitted to each panel, so that it sticks without any bubbles or damage. This will help with a factory-finish look with invisible protection.
Matte PPF offers a lot of benefits that go beyond surface-level protection:
The matte finish PPF helps guard the car against gravel, sand, road salt and rock chips. It also prevents chemical stains from tree sap or fuel overflow. It also acts as a barrier against minor scratches during washing or parking.
A matte PPF film maintains the exact matte or satin finish without altering their original look. It also keeps the vehicle looking fresh and stylish, just like the day it was detailed or delivered.
Matte PPF for cars have water-resistant properties, meaning that dirt, dust and oil will slide off easily. So, there is no need for special detailing every week; a simple wash with a matte-safe shampoo is enough.
A well-protected matte vehicle stands out in the used market, making buyers more confident to purchase a car that has been proactively protected.
Matte car owners often have frequent questions such as:
Will matte finish PPF alter the look of my car’s original matte paint?
No. A matte PPF offers non-reflective paint protection, which means that it matches the sheen of matte finishes, thus ensuring no visible visual difference. Your car will look the same, just better protected!
Can matte finish PPF be applied to glossy or satin finishes as well?
Yes. This is a growing trend; installing a matte PPF on a car with a glossy finish gives a stealth look without needing to repaint it permanently. It is also fully reversible.
How does matte PPF protect against environmental damage?
Matte PPFs like those by Garware Hi-Tech Films can easily withstand extreme temperatures, heavy rainfall and pollution, making it ideal for Indian cities and highways.
Does matte PPF come with a warranty?
High-end matte PPFs come with a 5 year warranty and cover issues like yellowing, cracking, peeling and delamination.
Can matte PPF be installed over existing scratches or imperfections?
Minor imperfections may be covered, but anything deeper should be corrected before installation. A professional installer will assess and prepare the surface before applying the PPF.
Will matte finish PPFs increase my car’s resale value?
Yes. Matte PPFs will give your car a sleek look while protecting it from damage caused by road debris, staining and chemicals. This will increase buyer confidence and increase your car’s resale value.
With a rise in demand for matte PPFs, there are now many options in the market. Here are the factors you should consider before choosing:
Go With Trusted Brands
Choose brands like Garware PPF, which is known for consistent finish, warranty support and UV stability.
Insist on Certified Installers
Look for professional installers who have been trained and certified. Make sure you see a portfolio work or before-and-after examples for clarity.
Warranty and Aftercare Support
Read the fine print, and make sure the warranty covers discolouration, peeling and bubbling. Ask about aftercare instructions, including recommended wash products and maintenance routines.
Customisation Options
Some PPF brands also offer partial installation options for styling. You can get it applied on the hood and the roof, and leave the side panels glossy.
A matte finish PPF is a style statement that keeps your car’s sleek, non-reflective look intact. Moreover, it also works as a stealth PPF, giving the vehicle a smart shield against damage.
Matte PPFs offer a comprehensive solution with:
Uncompromised aesthetics
Strong environmental protection
Easy maintenance
Increased value.
No matter what car you are driving, a matte PPF helps keep it looking sharp and showroom-ready in the face of whatever the road throws at it.
The company is the world’s best matte ppf roll supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.