Paint Protection Film (PPF) – Your Complete Guide
28 September 2023
If you’ve just bought a new vehicle, either for yourself or your business, you’ll want to protect it. After all, cars & vans aren’t cheap, and bugs, road grime and birds can make your shiny new vehicle look neglected in just a few hours.
Not to mention the scuffs, scratches and stone chips that can build up over time. How do you protect your vehicle from all of that? Thankfully the answer is very simple – with paint protection film. What Is Paint Protection Film?
Paint Protection Film, also known as PPF, is a thick yet lightweight urethane material, which is wrapped around your car to provide a protective layer. The film sticks to the vehicle’s paintwork without damaging it, and acts as an invisible shield against scuff scratches, chips, and dirt. Once it’s been properly applied you can’t see it at all, so your car’s paintwork will always look shiny and new.
But wait, we didn’t even tell you the best bit yet! Thanks to the unique plastic polymers the film is made from, it has the ability to self-heal. So if you do get a scratch in the film, all you have to do is apply heat, and the film will swirl and meld back together, so it can keep protecting your vehicle over and over again.
The Origins of PPF films
PPF film was first invented in the late 1950s as a way to protect helicopter rotor blades from flying shrapnel, debris and dirt during the Vietnam War. It was an incredibly effective solution, and you’ll still find PPF films on modern helicopters and even aeroplanes. In the 80s, the motorsport world took notice of the technology, and started applying it to the outside of their race cars. Because the film is so lightweight it could protect the cars from rocks, debris, and light contact during races without sacrificing aerodynamic quality and speed. Over the years it’s been used for more and more commercial purposes, and now PPF films are widely available to the personal and business market, protecting millions of cars from daily grit and damage.
How Do PPF Films Work?
PPF comes in large rolls, ready to be applied right away. It’s made up of several different layers, each with a different function. The very bottom layer is a release liner. Its job is to protect the other layers and keep them clean before application, so no dust or dirt can get into the film. This layer will be removed just before the film is applied.
The middle layer is an acrylic adhesive, which binds the PPF to the clear coat on the car. It’s designed to keep the film attached to the car securely. Because it’s an acrylic base material, it can be 100% removed without any damage.
The heavy lifting is done by the next layer. This is made of urethane about 6 mils thick, which is what allows it to adjust and protect the paint. Instead of being damaged by flying rocks, the urethane is able to absorb the damage and flex around it, spreading the impact over a wider surface area and preventing damage. The film is then finished with a UV protection layer to stop it oxidising and turning yellow.
The Pros And Cons of PPF
Of course, wrapping your vehicle in PPF is an investment, especially if you have a fleet of vehicles to protect. So it’s important you make the right decision. As professional PPF installers, here are a few of the biggest pros and cons we’ve seen of PPF film.
Pros
Long-lasting protection: If it’s applied properly and taken care of, PPF films can last between 5 and 7 years. The lifespan will vary depending on installation quality, weather, driving conditions and general wear and tear, so bear that in mind when buying.
Easy to remove: Once applied, your PPF film won’t chip or peel. But if you do want to take it off for any reason, that’s very easy to do. A professional can take the film off quickly and simply, so you don’t need to worry about it being permanent. This is particularly useful if you’re looking to trade in or sell the vehicle. All you need to do is remove the film and reveal the shining paint underneath.
Protect your branding: If you’re a business that needs vehicles, you’ve probably (we hope!) invested in professional vehicle branding. This essentially gives you a billboard on wheels, which means you should keep it always looking good. PPF films can be applied directly over branding wraps and vinyl, giving you full protection from wear and damage, keeping your branding like new.
Advanced protection: Our environment isn’t as friendly to cars as it used to be, and a lot of the damage is very gradual indeed. PPF film offers enhanced protection against chemicals, pollutants, and corrosion, as well as everyday staining. This is particularly useful for businesses that work with corrosive or dangerous chemicals, as it adds an extra layer of protection to company vehicles.
Cons
Cost: We’re not going to sugarcoat this, getting PPF films applied can be expensive. The cost will vary depending on the quality of both the materials and the installer, but the price point can be off-putting for sale. However, if you’re investing in your business vehicles and branding, the added protection often pays off.
Installation quality: Much like vinyl wrapping, PPF films can be difficult to apply properly. If you don’t have a professional install the films for you, then they will be much less effective in protecting your vehicle. That’s why we always recommend using an experienced and qualified installer for your PPF film.
Maintenance: Much like your car’s paint, PPF film requires proper care and maintenance. Looking after it properly will extend the lifespan and ensure it keeps offering the same level of protection. That means washing it regularly with the appropriate cleaning products and techniques to preserve its integrity.
So, is PPF film right for you? It depends! At Signwrite Studios we are experts in the application of PPF films, as well as vinyl wraps and decals for vehicles of all shapes and sizes. If you’re looking for some extra protection for your vehicles and would like to know more, just get in touch with the team today. – we’d be happy to help.
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