If you’ve spent any amount of money on a car, you obviously want it to look good for as long as possible. And even if that car was a gift, why wouldn’t you want to preserve its good looks? In either case, you don’t want it to look worn out in just a few months. So, you start thinking about your options.
You go online, do a bit of research, and you notice quite a few people mentioning PPF and saying how it’s like this invisible shield on your car that’ll keep it looking brand new and protected for years.
But then you research some more and you find out some car owners saying PPF turns yellow over time, others say it ruins the paint once it’s removed, and there are even those claiming it’s only for luxury cars. Now, you’re hesitant to get it even though originally, you thought it’s the best investment in the world.
The truth is, the internet is full of myths, and if you keep reading, you’ll see why some of the common misconceptions about PPF are just that – misconceptions.
So in short, is PPF good or bad? It’s good, but it, as most things in life, also has some flaws. Let’s bust those myths so that you can make an informed and unbiased decision.
When you go online, it’s kind of like opening one of those chocolate gift boxes – you never know what you’ll stumble upon. Anybody can write anything and have it sound like a fact, so it’s no wonder you don’t know what to trust.
But if you’ve ever had second thoughts about getting paint protection film because of something you’ve heard or read, it’s high time we set the record straight.
This used to be true, but it’s not anymore. This myth comes from the early days of PPF, when materials that were low-quality would turn yellow after being exposed to sunlight (UV radiation) for an extended period of time. Older PPFs didn’t have UV-resistant technology, so they’d oxidize and discolor, making your car look faded and yellowish.
Today’s PPF, however, is able to resist UV damage because it has self-healing top coats and non-yellowing adhesives. If you choose a high-quality film from a reputable brand, it’ll stay crystal clear for 10+ years (probably even longer; depending how much sunlight the area you live in gets).
2. PPF Damages the Paint Once It’s Removed
Some people will tell you that when you remove PPF, it’ll peel off the car’s paint and damage it. But this is true only if the film wasn’t correctly installed or if it was left on way past its lifespan. Factory paint is designed to bond with high-quality PPF, and if you get it professionally installed (which you should!), it’ll come off cleanly when it’s time to be removed and it won’t affect the paint.
Another reason for paint getting damaged is if you didn’t prepare the car’s paintwork before PPF installation. Any chips, cracks, faded paint, deteriorated clearcoat, or scratches; all these can weaken the paint’s structure, or they can introduce rust (because bare metal is exposed) which further damages the whole area underneath the actual paint. And if you’ve installed the PPf in a professional shop, you’ve probably been warned about that.
Problems mostly occur when you use a cheap film with an aggressive adhesive or when you try to yank off old, deteriorating PPF without heat or the right technique.
The moral of the story? You need pro-quality PPF and a professional to do it for you.
3. PPF Is Only for Luxury Cars
Expensive cars usually have PPF, but that doesn’t mean it’s only meant for them. Every single car or truck can benefit from PPF. Rock chips, road debris, and weather don’t discriminate based on the car’s price tag – you’ll get equal treatment, always, regardless of whether you’re driving an old Chevy, or a brand-new Bentley.
PPF will protect any vehicle it’s applied on from wear and tear, regardless of the car you have. This of it as protecting an investment. So if you decide to sell the car one day, you’ll likely get a much better price for it. And while you own it, it’ll look top-notch.
4. PPF Is the Same as Vinyl Wrap
Many people tend to mistake PPF for vinyl wraps and vice-versa, but while the installation process can be similar (depending on the wet or dry/heat technique), they’re completely different.
PPF is a transparent, protective layer that absorbs impact and protects from damage. Vinyl wraps, on the other hand, are used pretty much only for cosmetic changes, like changing the car’s color or adding graphics. PPF can self-heal minor scratches and resist stone chips, which isn’t the case with vinyl wraps. PPF is also much thicker than vinyl.
Vinyl will do almost nothing as far as paint protection goes. It’s pure aesthetics.
5. It’s Hard to Wash a Car with PPF
Actually, the complete opposite is true. PPF repels dirt, water, and grime, so cleaning a car with it is much, much easier. High-quality PPFs have a hydrophobic top coat that doesn’t let contaminants stick to the surface, so you need less effort to keep your car looking nice and clean.
You can still use your standard washing technique, as long as you steer clear of harsh chemicals and automatic car washes with stiff brushes.
If you want to make the car even easier to wash, you can always apply a ceramic coating on top of the PPF.
6. PPF Makes the Paint Look Dull
PPF can make the paint look hazy and dull if the film is low-quality or if it wasn’t properly installed. Also check the finish of PPF you’re installing. Is it glossy? How glossy is it? Is the PPF perhaps matte or satin?
If you get a premium film and get it professionally installed, it’ll actually improve/enhance your car’s shine and make the paint more vibrant. Of course, you can also go for a matte PPF, which won’t be glossy.
Not all PPFs are the same, so if you decide to get it, make sure it’s high-quality and that you have a professional install it. Think of the thickness (6, 8, 10, 12 mils) and the finish (candy gloss, regular, matte, satin) you want on your car.
PPF is not worth having if you’re not willing to spend the money on it, but although it’s definitely an investment, it’s DEFINITELYworth it.
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