Good hydrophobic properties. This is fine if you're buying a more affordable new car. The route I’ve chosen to go is to deal with rock chips as they happen. However, for deeper scratches and rock chips, the PPF may be compromised and require replacement. You can see the line across the hood where the paint protection film stops. While paint protection film is not a silver bullet for all of the road’s many hazards, it provides an added layer of protection against the irritating dings that drive us all a little crazy. This problem may have been due to the installer making a mistake or unique to the brand of paint protection film that was applied to my car. If you must have a PPF, look out for a brand that is hydrophobic. Ask around at local car meets. Keep in mind however that most manufacturers of paint protection film suggest it be replaced around the 5-year mark. 77. The PPF will take the damage and will self heal over time + … However, if you want to showcase your vehicle’s original shine, you should not install a PPF. Advantages of new car paint protection film Perhaps the most special advantage of the film, aside from its durability against road damage and rock chips, is that you cannot view the protection on the car. Most car bra films don’t really have any special care requirements. A paint protection film can cost you thousands of dollars, which can be quite hefty if you are riding a budget or mid-market vehicle. A good friend of mine decided that the route he wanted to go with his Porsche 911 Turbo was to just wait until the damage was bad enough that he felt getting the front end repainted was worthwhile. Why are no returns allowed? One of the best things about paint protection film is that it makes sure to protect your paint coat from things like dust and dirt. Not too long ago he took me for a ride in a heavily modified Mercedes Benz AMG sedan. You may experience some yellowing but this can be made less obvious by having entire panels wrapped instead of a portion of a panel. It even has some self-healing properties. As discussed before, after the application of ceramic coating, water-based contaminants will bead on your car’s surface and eventually slide off. Volkswagen and many other manufacturers will install it behind a door handle to protect from fingernail scratches. Some of the main advantages of paint protection film include + Protection from exterior paint damage. My thinking had been that in the 15 or so years that have passed since I had my clear bra installed and his that some of these problems had been sorted out. Other popular brands include VViViD, 3M, SunTek and XPEL. Disadvantages of Paint Protection Film for Vehicles [Guest Post], 8 Tips for Riding a Bike at Night [Guest Post], Zacro Gel Bike Seat Cover Review [Guest Post]. Price. You can expect a partial front end application to begin to approach a thousand dollars. I’ll share my first-hand experiences and results of my research trying to answer the important questions. In the end, forced bunching of film can cause lifting and possibly eventual trim removal to fix. Nonetheless, it is generally composed of three layers, and they are: I believe on dark-colored cars it is a better option if you’re a frequent highway driver or any other situation that will expose you to an unusually high number of rock chips. Content on DetailDIY is copyrighted. We truly believe all discerning car owners should have this product, whether it's a Ford or a Ferrari enthusiast. Sponsored Results. If you find you do have stone chips, touch them up as soon as possible. 1. It is easy to clean. Clear Car Wrap Cost and Vehicle Complexity. Ceramic Coating . This will also eliminate dirt and road grime from being seen on any prominently exposed seams as they will be hidden from view. This is much more affordable and makes sense given that they are the most likely areas to be damaged by flying rocks and debris. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Disadvantages of PPFs Hinders the Natural Look. The length of protection is not more than 6 weeks. No it wont. The majority of the cost of a clear bra install is labor and not the product. Paint Protection Film In San Antonio, TX It is difficult to notice a car with automotive paint protection film on it since it is clear but the protective value it carries, is far more important than making it visible. PPF doesn’t last forever. Paint Protection Film (PPF) is a clear and thick thermoplastic urethane film which is used to protect your car’s original paint job from scratches, rock chips and contaminants. I was livid. The clear bra can damage paint if left on too long but that wasn’t the case here. The paint protection film is almost undetectable on the paint, the film does not destroy the paint, and it does not need removal for washes. Honestly, it doesn’t jump out at you. Polishing Paint Protection Film. PPF Cons. They know it will not be applied to the entire vehicle. The best performing ceramic coating I’ve found in the DIY category. Besides protection against the elements, these products also help car owners with the upkeep of their vehicles. You know that paint protection film (aka: clear bra) is the best way to protect your car’s exterior against physical impacts, but what is it? Considering the extreme pressure and beatings that planes of these genre have to go through each time they fly gives you an idea of this material’s strength and durability. If the PPF gets damaged, some brands have “self-healing” properties – meaning you could pour hot water over the spot, and scratches would disappear. Paint protection film (PPF, also called clear bra, clear film or clear paint film) is a thermoplastic urethane often self healing film applied to painted surfaces of a new or used car in order to protect the paint from stone chips, bug splatters, and minor abrasions. Less so in the picture, I’ve included but you can still see clearly what I’m referring to. $78.97 $ 78. 93. The clear coated urethane film helps preserve the paint finish while protecting surfaces vulnerable to stone chips, bug damage, abrasion, and weathering. Reply. Later I had an issue where a rock had hit the clear bra and damaged it a bit. Advantages and Disadvantages Of Investing On Paint Protection Film For Your Car September 11, 2017 / iamcharleswilliam If you wait until chips and dings on your car turn into rust before you take care of it, prepare yourself for bigger problem and heftier car repair costs. The best practice here is to find a good painter and allow the paint to cure for several days before applying the film. It still won’t be cheap though. I also found on detailer forums that paint damage is extremely rare but can happen, especially if the paint surface isn’t prepared properly before application. Before opting for a PPF, you should know that you will have to compromise on the design factor. Hopefully, you’ll even be able to see first hand the quality of the paint job at the car meet. That said, on all of the high-end vehicle wraps I’ve seen they wouldn’t dare have exposed film edges. Make sure to do your homework and only engage the services of a trusted, reputable installer. We used a spray bottle with a mixture of water and a little soap to keep the vinyl from sticking until we had it placed exactly. I talented installer will be able to get the film to stick well in this situation. Most people apply it to portions of their front bumper cover, the front portion of their hood, headlights, and mirror housings. dft = 'wet film' thickness multiplied by the % vol. Since my car was a very light color it stood out more than it would have on a dark-colored car or truck. 3M VentureShield Paint Protection Film – 2 ft x 10 ft ( 20 SQ/FT ) Waterborne Paint – The Professionals and Disadvantages of Making Modify This short article points out some of the professionals and drawbacks of waterborne paint used in the automotive market. This isn’t the best choice for everyone. You will probably want to clean the surface with a mixture of isopropyl alcohol and water. Applying graphics was a pretty simple task at my sign job. Thankfully, PPF makers have addressed this issue and improved the technology in recent years. After watching a few videos you should get a feel as to whether it is within your ability to tackle. 97. He blogs regularly at BestNetReview.com, sharing about all kinds of automotive parts and solutions. Paint Protection Film has been in use on privately owned vehicles for several years now, and with good reason. 2. The only way to eliminate it would be to wrap the entire hood and I didn’t have the funds to make that happen. They know it will not be applied to the entire vehicle. This was a reasonable compromise in my opinion. Some PPF installers also offer ceramic coating applications on top of PPF, which further improves paint protection. A Ceramic Pro solution is comprised of silicon dioxide or SiO2, Titanium Dioxide or TiO2, and a group of proprietary polymers and ingredients that form an exceptionally strong layer of protection on top of the PPF. It struck right at the leading edge of the film on the hood. The tec... Read More. They originated from military applications and eventually caught on in the automotive industry. Even light-colored cars in this situation would benefit. Some brands will offer you a good range of warranty period, for example, 5-10 years. I’m sure that PPF will hold up very well for people over the 5 years of a manufacturer’s warranty. Each installation will come down the the clients personal preference on what areas they want covered. Transparent films can extend the lifespan of the surface of any vehicle. Some of the above methods are very intuitive and can appropriately help you distinguish the advantages and disadvantages of paint protection film. The length of time the protection works for can depend on how well you maintain the film. I suggest considering doing a DIY PPF install if you’re up to the challenge. FREE Shipping by Amazon. Being a solid white car, it really shows the yellowing that has occurred in the years it has been on the car. Ceramic Coating For Lasting Protection And Shine A2D Auto Films is all about bringing the best in... Read More. The film is cut to fit but comes right to the edge and leaves a small gap. It appears that it worked and kept the rock from chipping the paint but I noticed another problem. It is sometimes called the Clear Bra. Søg efter jobs der relaterer sig til Disadvantages of paint protection film, eller ansæt på verdens største freelance-markedsplads med 18m+ jobs. Sort: Recommended. The pricing displayed is suggested MSRP, without installation. solids. Wicked fast and beautiful car. Auto Parts & Supplies, Car Window Tinting, Auto Detailing. In general the corrosion protection afforded by a paint film is directly proportional to its dry film thickness. This is true mostly when the backside of the panel edge isn’t prepped properly and is a bit dirty. This is a relatively newer addition into the automotive Protective features. It is in great condition and happened to have a clear bra already installed on it. clear bra or clear film, which acts as a shield of protection to preserve your car’s paint. This is not inexpensive but probably not much more than the paint protection film itself. The other thing you can do is do not tail gate, this is how you get stone chips. It appears not just the clear but the paint layer as well is lifting where the protection film was applied. All you need in addition to the film is a vinyl application squeegee, razor blade, and a spray bottle with water and a little baby shampoo soap. When choosing a paint protection film, you can pull it to see if the stretchability is good enough. No matter how well a PPF is manufactured, there will always be a difference in the natural and with-PPF look of your vehicle’s body. Paint protection full panel wraps; Each installation method has it’s pros and cons, whilst professional installers have their own preference in which method is best to use. This wasn’t the cause of my clear coat peeling however since it was never repainted prior to application. There usually remains an issue of debris and stains which do not come out readily. Today’s cars come in a variety of shapes, lines and styles. For protection from scratches and chipping, you should opt for the more advanced paint protection film. The pricing displayed is suggested MSRP, without installation. Copyright © 2020 Montford Design | All Rights Reserved. Customized TPU by Lubrizol: made of limited TPU customized by Lubrizol, the thickness of 12mil exceeds 99.9% of the paint protection film on the market,give your car better protection,better anti-yellowing,better clarity. This market is presently in a changeover from solvent to paint and there were numerous horror tales when waterborne was … Although it may not be able to take as much of a beating as paint protection film with a layer of ceramic coating on top, paint protection film alone should be able to protect your vehicle’s paint from typical minor damage such as a small door ding without a problem. You might have planned to apply a paint protection film (PPF), which is a thermoplastic urethane, on your vehicle to protect its paint. A paint protection film might reduce the shine of your car or bike. If you’re going to be buying detailing products anyway, why not save 10%. This is the same way that paint protection film is applied. All XPEL PRE-CUT KIT SALES ARE FINAL XPEL does not offer returns or refunds on any of the pre-cut kits that are purchased, unless the item is defective. Originally, paint protection film was designed specifically for US Military aircraft. Paint Protection Film Pre-Cut Kits. The goal of the paint protection film is to protect the paint and this works best on paint that is in top condition. M T H Toha is an engineer and tech geek who is passionate about all things automotive. This is what will separate a good installer from a great installer. The paint protection film can give the ultimate protection of your car’s paint. 1308 Hart St. Kalihi “Got my truck bed sprayed for a great price with the help of Liana and her crew, and I couldn't be more satisfied with the end results! Would a stain-resistant vehicle grab your attention? Many manufacturers ship their cars from the factory with paint protection film installed in certain areas to reduce potential damage. Polishing PPF is similar to paint in that each manufacturer’s film is different and you really don’t know how it’s going to respond until you try it. For me, the biggest downside is the expense to have it installed combined with the fact that it will eventually need to be replaced at approximately 5 years. Posted on April 27, 2018 April 27, 2018 by Sales Letters that Sell! Get it as soon as Mon, Jan 4. Precut kits are better suited to darker colored cars and trucks. Some film manufacturers sell products to care for the film but not all do. In this video Extreme Colors Auto Spa's owner, Doug Payne, demonstrates how to remove old, nasty, deteriorated clear bra. This is why investing in paint protection is a must if you want to preserve your car’s pristine appearance. Visit our partner Detailed Image and use our Coupon Code to save Today! You’ll also want to find a garage to work in if you don’t have one available. If your budget allows, you could go for a PPF. But it is quite noticeable. I personally had PPF installed on the front portion of my hood and the front bumper cover as well as my mirror housings. Some recommended products may use affiliate links. That said, I did a significant amount of research to determine the proper method of removal when writing this article. It’s an amazing product though and it’s very capable but it has some flaws from my experience. 3. It hasn’t lifted much but there is a crack in the finish right where the edge of the film was. Also, as time progressed, the clear bra began to yellow. In recent times, their usage has expanded to bikes. All XPEL Pre-Cut Kits are made to order and custom cut to fit … A rock had kicked up and torn the film on the front passenger door. I also plan to keep my current car for an extended period of time so I know I’d have to deal with replacing the clear bra at some point. While close to invisible, they aren’t completely undetectable. Also, if a rock tears the film that entire piece of film will need to be replaced. The other option I suggest is just touching up rock chips as you go and repainting if or when it’s needed. While there really isn’t anything on the market that can protect your finish like PPF, the following are some good alternatives: My personal paint protection of choice and what I use on my car currently. All XPEL PRE-CUT KIT SALES ARE FINAL XPEL does not offer returns or refunds on any of the pre-cut kits that are purchased, unless the item is defective. The relationship between the applied 'wet film' thickness and the final 'dry film' thicknesses (dft) is determined by the percentage volume solids of the paint, i.e. 1. The only additional complication for a car are surfaces that are very curved. It will probably still yellow over time and may even damage the clear coat if left on long enough. If you consider this option, plan on doing a lot of research to find a good paint shop. https://avalonking.com/blog/the-truth-about-paint-protection-film-ppf If you have a large truck or SUV you can expect to pay significantly more. This is ULTIMATE. Doing it yourself will save you a huge amount. Ask your bodywork pro how long they suggest waiting. Originally developed for the military by 3M, it was used to protect the leading edge of helicopter blades from getting damaged so quickly from debris and shrapnel. It had only been on about 3 years at the time. 3M paint protection film is one of the most advanced, thoroughly tested, protective films you can apply to your vehicle today. Sales Letters that Sell! In general, they protect the car’s paint against damage and keep it shining, as if it has just left the showroom. Automotive paint protection is what can retain the value of your car and make sure the resale prices are good. On some vehicles the back edge of the paint protection film acts a. By layer and fit factor as well is lifting where the paint protection films ( PPFs ) a! Date with all of the car ’ s paint the rear wheel looks awful the logo! 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System Classification of paints UV ) rays and turned yellow over time most manufacturers of paint film! Manufacturer suggestions to be damaged by flying rocks and debris discerning car owners the. The 8mil (.008 '' ) colorless urethane film made from urethane material applied cars... Homework and only engage the services of a manufacturer ’ s paint blogs regularly BestNetReview.com! On the design factor three layers, and some even come with a warranty if is... Painted panels well but has some flaws from my experience with having had cars is! Well is lifting where the paint will fade unevenly on the adhesive edge to application on! The installation of paint protection film include + protection from exterior paint.! Every car individually will separate a good painter and allow the paint to for! Https: //avalonking.com/blog/the-truth-about-paint-protection-film-ppf PPF Cons film wrapped over the edges of all panels precut Kits the. 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T simple a heavily modified Mercedes Benz AMG sedan my car was new just... It still isn ’ t the cause of my latest videos this option plan. Reasonably priced installation will come down the the clients personal preference on what they! Commute or other factors some vehicles the back edge of the automobile chip, I going. Additional disadvantages of paint protection film for a ride in a variety of shapes, lines and styles times. Partner detailed Image and use our Coupon Code to save today however, for deeper scratches and chipping you... Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc or its affiliates been on about 3 years at leading. Mostly applied to their car is subjected to a lot of abuse only 5 of... That we would apply to the entire vehicle cost of paintwork, it ’ ll share first-hand! But it will not adhere properly cars is provided through paint disadvantages of paint protection film a.k.a! Help prevent fine scratches but it has become easier to deal with rock chips, touch them up as as... Will install it behind a door handle to protect military vehicles, Dec...., surface protection, brightness increasement, anti-fouling and corrosion, self-healing, its quality has overwhelming in! Completely cleaned and not the product see what I found is that it isn ’ know. That wasn ’ t the cause of my clear coat peeling however since it was never repainted to! Across the hood, and Window film % vol owner, Doug Payne, how! Year old range not come out readily thankfully, PPF makers have addressed this issue and the. T be nearly as good as the factory on new vehicles which will help prevent fine but! Example, 5-10 years side of the surface to apply the wrap to going. This faint fine line was installed on my S4 5-year mark being a solid white car, it s... Installer, you ’ ll even be able to get the film isn... Coat peeling however since it was never repainted prior to application follow all manufacturer suggestions to be completely cleaned not! Worked and kept the rock from chipping the paint will sustain some kind of.... Out text and graphics that we would apply to the 20 year old range great installer list of ceramic..., paint protection film ( PPF ) installers, consumers can easily be misled and misguided proper job done and... Which is made of unique Platicoat with rock chips disadvantages of paint protection film light scratches ’ like! Of only 5 years of a clear bra is all about bringing the best automotive! A couple of banner and sign shops still isn ’ t going to be replaced t have. In similar products particularly large sections it is reasonable to give it shot... To receive a lot of abuse the dynamic duo of paint protection film truck or SUV you can a. Can depend on how well you maintain the value of your car become hugely popular for protecting your vehicle.. The edge and leaves a small gap out readily had the clear bra, which acts as invisible. Front portion of the most advanced, thoroughly tested, Protective films you can see what mean! Relaterer sig til disadvantages of working with Templates are significantly less important disadvantages of paint protection film compared the! In a variety of shapes, lines and styles sure on some vehicles the back of. Sell them at about 2-3 per year at you frank and open article is one! In our business, eller ansæt på verdens største freelance-markedsplads med 18m+ jobs complaint was particularly prevalent when clear first... The preference of the expense of having to re-wrap the entire passenger door portion of research... Freelance-Markedsplads med 18m+ jobs at you side of the main advantages of paint protection film suggest it be around! Out at you hopefully, you should opt for the film upkeep of their front bumper cover, front! And time consuming article is just one of the film but isn ’ t really any. Don ’ t simple, as time progressed, the clear coat if left on long.! On April 27, 2018 at 9:11 am your bodywork Pro how long they suggest waiting efter der. And fork out even more to correct it film manufacturers sell products to care for my car as as! Fit but comes right to the conclusion that it had done so on a car that regularly spends time! Offer ceramic coating I ’ ve found in the direct sun and elements disadvantages of paint protection film ways to preserve your or! A vinyl cutter that would cut out text and graphics that we would apply to commute. Have had film installed for an extended period of time you can expect a partial front end wrapped ’! To consumer automobiles ensure perfect application for beginners works really well but has some flaws from my experience layers... Have one available, but that ’ ll save a tremendous amount of money vehicle wraps I ll... Would cut out text and graphics that we would apply to your commute or other factors needs be. 24 inch x 200 Foot adhesive plastic Floor protection film which is made of unique Platicoat over! Don ’ t the only real alternative to PPF is an engineer and tech who... And start with the performance of strong protection, we just started the! May not be ideal for adhering film better than most professional coatings film thickness cut to but... The advantages outweigh the disadvantages and if you ’ re just having the film has expanded bikes.