Every year, auto retailers sell about 17 million units, translating to approximately 46,575 vehicles every day. If you’re in the market for a new car, the paint is probably the last thing on your mind. Apart from maybe the color, few people pay attention to the intricate details of their car paint. Most dealers offer car paint protection as an extra to entice customers. But is car paint protection a gimmick or does it actually work? We’re glad you asked because we have all the answers you need right here. In today’s post, we’ll be taking a deep dive into whether paint protection works.
What Is Car Paint Protection Film?
Car paint protection film, or PPF, is a clear urethane film that’s applied to the car’s surface. The main purpose of car paint protection film is to protect the car’s paint from scratches, chips, and other types of damage.
Paint protection film was first developed by the military to protect helicopter blades from debris. After seeing how well the film worked, car manufacturers began using it on car prototypes and eventually made it available to consumers.
Nowadays, the car paint film is one of the most popular aftermarket car accessories. It’s estimated that about half a million vehicles have some form of paint protection film installed.
How Does PPF Installation Occur?
PPF installation takes about 2 to 5 days to install, depending on the vehicle. The process occurs in five steps, namely:
Car Wash and Decontamination
The first step is to give your car a good wash. This ensures that the paint protection film will have a good surface to adhere to.
During this stage, the PPF installer removes any dirt, grime, or grease on the car’s surface. They then let the car dry before moving on to the next step.
Clay Bar Treatment
The clay bar treatment aims to remove any contaminants stuck on the car’s surface. It ensures that the paint protection film will have a smooth surface to adhere to.
During this stage, the installer lubricates the car’s surface with a clay lube. They gently rub the clay lube on the surface to remove any contaminants. After the clay treatment, they wipe down the car’s surface with a microfiber towel to remove any residue.
Polishing
Diligent polishing is necessary before the installer can install the PPF. Polishing helps to remove any swirl marks or scratches on the car’s surface.
During this stage, the installer uses a dual action polisher to polish the car’s paint. They start with coarse-grit sandpaper to remove any major imperfections. They then move on to finer grit sandpaper to remove any smaller imperfections.
Precut PPF Installation
Once the car’s surface is prepped and ready, the installer can now install the PPF. The PPF is cut to size and then applied to the car’s surface.
During this stage, the installer uses a squeegee to remove any air bubbles that might be trapped under the film. They then use a heat gun to shrink and mold the film to the car’s surface. The car cures for around 24 hours before it’s ready to hit the road.
How Much Does Car Paint Protection Cost?
There are tons of factors that affect the cost of installing car paint protection on your car. Some of these factors include:
The size of your car: As you’d expect, the larger the car, the more you’ll have to pay for PPF installation.
The type of car you own: Sports cars and luxury vehicles typically cost more to protect than economy cars.
The number of panels you want to be protected: The more panels you want to be protected, the higher the price will be.
The quality of the film: There are different grades of car paint protection film, with each grade offering a different level of protection. The higher the quality of the
The PPF company: Last but not least, the company you choose to install the car paint protection film will also affect the price.
That said, expect to pay between $800 and $2,500 for PPF installation. If you want the best results, don’t skimp on the PPF film.
Cheap PPF film is sub-par in quality and easily peels off. Stick to high-quality PPF like LLumar paint protection film and get bang for the buck.
Is Car Paint Protection Film Worth It?
Of course, there’s always the question of whether car paint coating is worth it. We’ll let you decide for yourself. Here are a few benefits of car paint protection film.
Preserves the Car’s Paint
As the name suggests, car paint protection film should protect your car’s paint. And it does a pretty good job of it, too.
Car paint protection film acts as a sacrificial layer, meaning that it takes the brunt of the damage so that your car’s paint doesn’t have to. Thanks to car paint protection film, you can preserve your car’s showroom-quality paint for years to come.
Everyone knows how expensive a new car paint job can be. PPF helps protect your car’s original paint so it lasts much longer. That way, you don’t have to dig deep into your pockets for a new paint job.
Gives Your Car a Polished Look
Proper car paint protection film can give your car a smooth, polished look. The film enhances the car’s paint, making it appear shinier and brighter. If you’re looking to give your car a facelift, you should consider PPF installation.
Improves Your Car’s Resale Value
Cars with PPF sell for more than those without. That’s because car paint protection film protects your car’s paint, keeping it looking newer for longer. And as we all know, a newer-looking car commands a higher price tag than an older one.
So, if you’re thinking of selling your car in the future, car paint protection film is a wise investment.
The Verdict: Car Paint Protection Film Works!
You don’t need an auto expert to tell you that car protection film works. The proof is in the pudding. Whether you’re buying a new car or trying to spruce up your current one, installing PPF is a smart move.
Just make sure you find a reputable PPF installer for the best results. So what are you waiting for? Arrange for your car’s PPF installation today, because it works.
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