Above: Paint Protection Film (PPF) Being Applied to a Vehicle Hood
Clearing up common misconceptions about paint protection film
Whether you’re headed to the beach or simply out for a drive, it’s important to keep your vehicle looking its best with paint protection film (PPF). Without it, your car is vulnerable to scratches, bird droppings, and other minor damage that can quickly ruin your car’s finish.
But there are some common misconceptions about what this protective coating can and cannot do. In this article, we’ll be clearing up these myths so that you can make an informed decision on whether or not paint protection film is right for you!
Paint protection film is a clear, polyurethane material (much like a vinyl wrap) that is applied to vulnerable surfaces to act as a barrier between your vehicle and whatever life throws at it.
What is paint protection film (PPF)?
PPF provides a layer of protection against:
- Minor scratches
- Stone chips
- Road debris
- Bug damage
- Tree sap
- Much more
This protective film is virtually invisible once applied, so it won’t take away from the look of your car. It can be installed on any area of your vehicle, but popular choices are the hood, rocker panels, bumpers, mirrors and other vulnerable surfaces to give maximum protection against damage.
The film also provides UV protection and helps keep your car’s finish looking new by preventing swirl marks or light scratches caused by cleaning, road grime or acid rain.
When installed by a professional, paint protection films are also quick and easy to apply, giving you a seamless finish with no visible seams or edges, and of course, peace of mind.
To get a quote on your vehicle today, drop us a line!
Above: Paint Protection Film (PPF) After Applied to a Vehicle Hood.
Does paint protection film protect against everything?
Paint protection film isn’t a magic solution for all the damage that can befall your car’s paint job, but it does offer some excellent protection.
It does an amazing job of protecting against minor scratches, stone chips, road debris, bug splatters and damage caused by sun exposure.
The effectiveness of paint protection films depends on how much coverage you get and where it’s installed. For example, if you only install a partial hood wrap, then chances are you won’t protect your car from bird droppings or stone guard damage. But if you cover the entire front end, including the sides of the hood and fenders, then you should see better coverage against these types of damage.
Invisible protection films are also popular for their ability to maintain the appearance of a factory-fresh paint job without adding any visible bulk or texture to the vehicle’s surface.
How well does it protect against acid rain?
Acid rain is more of an environmental hazard than one might think, and can cause a lot of damage to your car’s paint job.
Acid rain isn’t what you see in cartoons and comics – and its more common in areas with a high level of exhaust and manufacturing. Acid rain has a high acidity due to the presence of pollutants in the air. When acid rain falls on a car’s paint, it can cause the paint to corrode and fade over time, leading to expensive repairs and a decrease in the vehicle’s resale value.
When it comes to maximum protection against acid rain, you may want to consider investing in a full wrap, over the hood or just on the rocker panel to ensure longevity of more sensitive areas of your vehicle.
Do swirl marks still appear on paint protection film?
PPF is great for protecting your car against most outdoor weathering marks, and especially swirl marks for those who like to keep their ride looking clean.
Swirl marks are tiny scratches that can be caused by washing, waxing, and polishing your vehicle. These marks, although a result of care and cleaning, can end up making your paint job look dull or faded. Fortunately, paint protection film creates a protective layer on top of your vehicle’s paint job that helps to prevent these types of minor scratches from forming.
So if you’re looking for ultimate protection from swirl marks, this may be just what you need!
Above: Paint Protection Film before being applied to a bumper
Do you need an entire vehicle wrap for maximum coverage?
Keeping your car protected from the elements will bring a list of benefits like increasing resale value, and prolonging the life of your investment. But, do you need to wrap the entire vehicle?
The answer: not necessarily! But it is recommended.
While a full car wrap can provide total coverage and protection, there are more affordable options available that will still offer protection and keep your paint job looking its best.
PPF can be applied to any vulnerable surface on your vehicle such as the hood, fenders, door panels, and even the headlights. Because the polyurethane film helps protect against hazards like tree sap, stone chips or bug splatters, you can install it on any vulnerable part of your vehicle.
Customizable options are available to provide additional protection for those who park in direct sunlight, or under a tree full of birds, or for the rocker panels if you drive through construction zones.
So no matter what kind of coverage you’re after – whether it’s full-on protection or something more budget friendly – Outpacer has options for everyone!
Are protective films easily removable without damaging the car’s finish?
Protective films are designed to be easily removable without causing any damage to your car’s paint job.
All you need to do is use a heat gun or hair dryer set on low and slowly peel off the film in one piece. This will help ensure that there are no residue marks left behind and that your car retains its original finish.
Of course, it is not recommended to do the removal on your own! Consulting a professional do it right is the best course of action, to avoid any unwanted damage during the process.
It’s also important to note that proper installation of protective films can help prevent UV damage, minor scratches, and rock chips. This makes them an ideal choice for cars with vulnerable surfaces such as rocker panels and hoods..
Above: Paint Protection Film (PPF) Being Applied to a Headlight
How much maintenance is required to keep the film looking new?
Maintaining paint protection film is relatively simple, and it requires very little effort.
To start, you’ll want to make sure that you keep the film clean by washing your car regularly. This will help prevent dirt and grime from building up on the surface of the film and causing it to look dull or worn out. You may also want to use a ceramic coating or wax specifically designed for paint protection film, as this can help keep it looking shiny and new for longer.
Overall, maintaining paint protection film is an easy task that won’t take up too much of your time. All you need to do is give your car a regular wash with a soap and water mixture every few months, and buff out any minor imperfections as they appear.
With just these simple steps, you can ensure that your vehicle’s protective layer remains in top condition while helping preserve its like-new appearance for years to come!
Can I install the film Over existing damage, rust or discolouration on my car’s finish?
Installing paint protection film over existing damage or discolouration on your car’s finish can be a tricky task, as it depends on the severity of the preexisting condition.
If the damaged area is slight and there are no major scratches or chips, then it may be possible to install the film over it. The film should provide a layer of protection that will prevent any further harm from occurring.
However, if the damage is more pronounced and you want to achieve a seamless finish, then it’s best to repair the area before applying any protective films. This could involve sanding down any deep scratches and filling in holes with touch-up paint before finally coating your vehicle with a wax or ceramic sealant. It’s important to take this extra step to ensure your paint job lasts as long as possible and stays looking clean and vibrant.
If you’re looking for maximum protection against road debris and other environmental damage without sacrificing style or quality, then installing paint protection film is an excellent choice.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Window Tint Films
When choosing window tint films for your vehicle, there are several factors to consider.
First, you should decide on the type of film that best suits your needs and budget. Dyed films are a popular choice due to their affordability and ability to block up to 99% of UV rays. Ceramic window tints offer superior protection against heat and glare but may come with a higher price tag.
You should also consider the darkness of the tint you desire; darker tints provide more privacy but may not be legal in certain areas. Depending on the level of darkness, it may not comply with your local window tinting laws!
Finally, make sure you choose a reputable installer (Outpacer) who is experienced in the correct application of window tint films to ensure the best long-term results. At Outpacer, we’ve been installed window tints for many happy customers all across Simcoe County and Southern Ontario.
Will installing the film affect my vehicle’s resale value in any way?
Installing paint protection can actually help maintain the original finish of your car and therefore increase or hold its value over time.
Another major benefit to installing paint protection film is the added UV protection it provides. By blocking out harmful UV rays, you can avoid premature fading of your car’s paint job which could also negatively impact its resale value.
In addition to providing superior protection against everyday wear and tear, paint protection films are available in a wide range of finishes such as carbon fibre or partial hoods for more personalized looks.
By shielding vulnerable surfaces from damage, you can maintain the original coat of factory paint along with the overall value of your vehicle.
Misconceptions covered!
So, if you’re looking for a reliable way to keep your vehicle looking like new and protect it from the wear and tear of everyday use, then look no further than our paint protection film services.
