With cooler temperatures on the way, now is a great time to get your vehicle protected against the harsh elements. We wanted to share a summary of an article in CarBuzz that discusses paint protection film advantages and disadvantages.
The article starts by giving a little background on what paint protection film is. It states “Paint protection film (PPF) applied to cars’ paintwork goes by many names. It is essentially a urethane-based protective film applied to the paintwork and, as such, can be called rock-chip protection, clear bra/wrap/mask, invisible shield, or scratch-protection film. All these names refer to the same basic type of invisible plastic-like film. This clear bra for cars can be applied to paintwork to seal and protect it against casual, everyday wear and damage such as chips, scratches, and the effects of chemicals, acid rain, and bird droppings.
The advantages of urethane became apparent in the 70s when 3M developed a variation of the film that could be applied to the leading edges of helicopter rotor blades to protect them, often obviating the need to replace entire rotor blades. Urethane films would continue to be applied on jet fighters’ noses, and eventually to protect the body panels and decals on NASCAR race cars in the 80s. Today, this protective film for cars is widely available to paintwork, too, the difference being that it is now even better and more advanced than its earlier versions, offering better protection than ever before.”
It goes on to define the main reasons to apply PPF:
– It keeps your car looking better for a longer time
– It provides a barrier between the paint and external sources of damage
– Self-healing properties allow it to regain its finish after minor damage
– It prevents the paint from fading and oxidizing
While there are many great reasons to apply PPF, you need to make sure that you work with a reputable installation company that is using top quality products. The article mentioned the following “cons” of having paint protection film installed. These are all attributed directly to the expertise of the installer or the use of sub-standard film. The article states the following:
“There are not many downsides, but certain things can happen that are almost always a consequence of an inferior-quality product or an improper application process:
– Peeling occurs when the film is poorly applied, or when there is excessive pressure-washer use.
– Blistering is the result of bubbles trapped under the film, which is another consequence of poor application.
– Yellowing is a common problem when an inferior-quality adhesive is exposed to UV radiation.
– Cost is a natural consequence of modifying your car, and this is a particularly pricey paint-protection measure.”
We hope that this article helps you understand paint protection film advantages and the couple things to keep in mind to make sure you get a good result. If you’re interested in learning more or getting a quote for applying a paint protection film to your vehicle, you can contact us directly by calling (206) 403-1366. We have been serving the Tukwila and Seattle, Washington area for over 14 years and would be happy to discuss your options and provide you with a free, no obligation assessment and quotation on your particular vehicle.