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Car Paint Protection Film (PPF): Types & Advantages

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The truth is that car owners treasure their vehicles and feel the pinch whenever their motorcars undergo wear and tear. That's why they can do anything to secure their cars' value. The vehicle's exterior parts endure many damages, whether scratches, rock chips, minor abrasions, or splatters. Although, several car insurance offer coverage for paint and dent repairs, many opt for solutions like PPF coating for cars to make them appear almost brand new.

Paint Protection Film (PPF) acts as a self-healing film. It's often applied to the outer surfaces of a car (new or used) to safeguard the paint from any harm resulting from outdoor driving. Hence, the paint protection film helps maintain your vehicle, making it look as attractive as a brand-new one.

In this blog, we will learn more about the importance, types, and advantages of car paint protection film (PPF) and the tips for maintaining it on your vehicle.

Types of Car Paint Protection Film

Different types of car paint protections to consider are:

1. Clear PPF

Clear PPF is the most common type. It offers a high degree of protection without interfering with the car's appearance. It's virtually invisible and suitable for all vehicle colours and finishes.

2. Gloss PPF

Gloss PPF helps to boost the glow and glitter of your car's paint. The film gives the vehicle a polished finish and glossy look. This type of PPF is perfect for those looking to protect their vehicle's glossy paintwork while maintaining the aesthetics.

3. Matte PPF

This type of PPF is designed mainly for cars with matte finish. The film maintains your car's unique matte look, safeguarding it against stains and scratches.

4. Self-Healing PPF

This is an advanced form of PPF. Car owners like it because it can restore itself from swirl marks and minor damages caused by sunlight or heat exposure.

Advantages of Using PPF on Your Car

Some of the advantages of using PPF on your car include:

1. UV Resistance

PPF has UV inhibitors that prevent the sun's harmful UV rays from fading your car's paint. It also prevents the paint's oxidation and colour degradation, maintaining its shiny appearance.

2. Protection from Physical Damage

PPF acts as a protective layer. Hence, it helps safeguard your car paint from physical damage, preserving the original paintwork. It absorbs the possible effects of marks, scratches, stone chips, and other debris.

3. Durability

Using high-quality PPF coating for car is important since it's highly durable. It's fashioned to endure harsh weather conditions, such as sun rays, rain, and snow. As a result, your car's paint remains intact for a long period. Thus, it saves you money on routine repainting costs.

4. Improves Resale Value

PPF protects your car's paint from damage, thus maintaining its original condition. This can significantly boost the resale value of your vehicle. Car buyers are often highly attracted to clean and well-maintained vehicles. This includes attributes like smooth car paint, which can boost the selling price.

5. Ease of Maintenance

PPF is made to enhance low vehicle maintenance. Since it's resistant to most chemicals, it can withstand routine cleaning without discolouration or peeling. Better still, you can clean your car with plain water and mild soap and keep the PPF looking glossy.

6. Self-Healing Properties

Some forms of PPF contain self-healing properties, which enables swirl marks and minor scratches to disappear gradually. Usually, the film's upper layer can restore the original state of the car surface whenever exposed to heat. It works to erase the damage and maintains a smooth surface.

7. Transparency

Clear PPF tends to be virtually invisible once applied on your car's surface. It protects the vehicle plus its original beauty. The PPF doesn't interfere with the colour, thus maintaining your vehicle's natural, shiny colour and aesthetics.

PPF Coating vs. Ceramic Coating

Many car owners search to compare PPF vs ceramic coating to choose the best option. Both are effective options to protect your car's paintwork. Even though PPF and ceramic coating of car offer high-level protection and gloss to your car, essential factors help distinguish between the two.

Note the following differences:

• PPF offers a greater impact on resistance and physical damage. On the other hand, the ceramic coating provides better gloss and sleekness.

• Ceramic coating also has an advantage over PPF in terms of ease of cleaning the car.

• For second-hand car buyers or those who change cars frequently, it's best to choose ceramic coating over PPF, as it will cost you less while offering you the maximum protection you need for as long as you have the car.

Note:

For the best protection, you can combine ceramic and PPF coating for a car. Start by applying the Paint Protection Film, followed by ceramic coating. This gives your vehicle much stronger protection, with advantages like impact resistance, UV rays protection, hydrophobicity, and an enhanced look.

Tips for Maintaining PPF on Your Car

Let's explore some of the tips to maintain PPF on your car:

1. Choose the Right Type of Paint Protection Film

Whether you want a matte finish, high gloss, or a specific colour, ensure you choose the perfect type for your car. Don't compromise for the substandard types. Remember that the longevity of a PPF also depends on the quality of the film.

2. Do Not Touch the Film Immediately After Installation

Usually, it takes around 48 hours for the film protection to settle. So, once installed, try avoiding any impact on the film for about a week. Bubbling should disappear once curing is complete. Low temperatures and high humidity could slow down the curing process.

3. Avoid Washing the Car After Installation

As the film settles and cures, you shouldn't wash the vehicle if you want the coating to last longer. If it’s necessary, avoid pressure washing near the film edges. This will help prevent any issues with the curing process.

4. Invest in High-Quality Cleaning Materials

Don't use brushes, paper products, abrasive materials, or terry cloth to clean your car's coated surface. Doing this will dull the surface or even damage it. Also, select shampoos with lubrication additives and microfiber mitts made specifically for automobile care.

Other tips for maintaining your car's PPF include:

• Remove acidic contaminants such as bug splatters or bird droppings immediately to prevent film staining.

• Much later, after the curing process, regularly wash the PPF-coated car to keep the film looking its best.

• Pay attention to the film's edges in case dirt builds up.

FAQ's

1. Is It a Good Idea to Use Paint Protection Film (PPF) on Your Car?

PPF is an excellent idea to safeguard your car's surface from stains, chips, scratches, and colour fading. Generally, it enhances the aesthetic appeal and value of your vehicle.

2. Does PPF Make Your Car Paint Look Better?

Depending on the type and quality, PPF can improve the appearance of car paint by enhancing its texture and appearance. It can also prevent the colour from fading due to chemicals or UV rays, giving your car a glossy finish.

3. How Long Does PPF Last?

The longevity of a PPF varies depending on the film quality and how well you maintain the finishing. High-quality PPFs tend to last around 5-10 years. Nonetheless, the durability will also depend on factors like climate, contaminant exposure, and driving habits.

Conclusion

Although owning a brand-new car is an exciting experience, most people dread watching their expensive vehicles deteriorate and lose value. Within a short time, your glossy car can have swirl marks and scratches, making it appear old. However, paint protection films can save you from such a situation. If you value your car and desire to keep it looking as good as brand new, you can consider car paint protection film. Remember, PPF coating can last up to 10 years with proper care and maintenance. Most importantly, you must get comprehensive vehicle insurance to get coverage for paint repair if any accident damages the car's exterior. Third-party car insurance won’t provide this benefit.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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