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What is Paint Protection Film and How Does It Work?

The paint on your car is most probably one of your prized possessions. And with the bulging bumpers and widespan car arch, these paints will be considered vulnerable to damage and scratches.

Of course, as a concerned owner, you want to do everything you can to protect it from scratches and other damage. When it comes to these so-called “horribles,” even the best ceramic coatings can’t shield your car paint from them.

That’s where paint protection film Auburn MI (PPF) barges in. This protective coating is applied to the paint on your car, and it helps to keep it looking brand new for longer.

In this blog post, we will discuss what PPF exactly is, how it works, and why you should consider using it on presumably all your vehicles.

What are these protective layers?

The protective film composition is a rather thick transparent coating of urethane that is put over the chassis to preserve the underlying paint.

The aforementioned urethane is normally the commonly utilized polymer in virtually every sector, including automobiles. Bumpers of these kinds are standard on modern automobiles, as are urethane insulators, sealant departments, and a majority of the inside components.

The material is relatively strong, versatile, and exhibits chemical stability and resistance to extreme UV. When applied to a vehicle’s body panels, it acts as a somewhat of a second skin, preserving the paint from mechanical injury such as scrapes, dents, and flaking paint. Not to mention the erosion and UV effects that it crosses off the board. 

“Does it have the potential of damaging my car paint?”

This substance is absolutely safe to use on your vehicle. In actuality, most customers choose to apply paint protection film right on the vicinity of the clear layer of their vehicle’s paint instead of ceramic coatings, conventional wax treatments, or sealants because of its ease of application. For the awareness of all, PPF is just a thin film that utilizes a proprietary adhesive that adheres strongly to its respective substrate.

In the duration of application procedures, the transparent protection film is fitted, diced, inserted, and later activated with a certain liquid spray. A sponge will be used to assist the installer in applying the film right into the surface. This is the point at which the adhesive begins its task of binding to the paint substrate.

How do these protective films work?

The paint protection film is available in lengths of pre-cut material. It is composed of multiple distinct layers, each of which serves a distinct purpose.

The bottom layer plays somewhat like a releaser that secures and maintains the remaining layers clean till the installation process. When the film is ready for application, the lining is extracted and disposed of.

In the center lies a thick compartment of adhesive. The adhesive secures the PPF as it is bound to the clear coat but is meant to remain connected with the surface of the film, allowing it to be completely removed without harming or modifying the paint permanently.

The urethane, being the film’s thickest layer, performs the majority of the work.

In cases wherein a rock collides with a pointed end on your car, it concentrates the majority of the momentum into a relatively tiny region. Because automobile paintwork is relatively thin and inflexible, it will ultimately fracture and chip away. Down the line, hundreds of such will accumulate on every exposed area on your vehicle, namely the bumpers, hood, and the like.

Once this occurs, the paint will never be perfectly smooth again. In the long run, it’s already more cost-effective to replace the panel paintwork, which is already costly.

When PPF is placed, the urethane coating flexes when struck, absorbing a considerable amount of energy and dispersing the remainder across a much larger area, thereby preserving the paint.

How are they applied to the car paint?

The majority of installers will utilize templates which have already been specifically prepared to ensure an exact fit for your precise vehicle. The chassis will be meticulously cleaned and readied for the film’s ultimate application, and each piece is to be applied manually using liquid as well as a slip compound to place the film. The liquid beneath it is pushed out after the film is squeezed into place. Certain manufacturers coil the material around the edge, while others keep it on the edge, flushing out.

“Is it able to shield my entire car or just portions of it?”

It is entirely within your decision on whether you want your entire vehicle covered with these films or just those areas that are susceptible to damage like the arches and bumpers.

Can it be applied to any owned vehicle?

Certainly! These commercial paint protection films can be applied by professionals who utilize the perfect kind of templates that will fit any type of car cozily. They just have to confirm your vehicle’s exact model and a predesigned template will take care of the entire fitting in just a nick of time.

Even in Tesla – a company in the electric car industry, tesla paint protection films are the best ways to go in terms of protecting your car’s paint in the long run! Just hit up the best professionals near you and they will take care of every inch of your car paint.

What are these self-healing protection that’s been going on around?

Scuffs and scratches will collect on the film, but only for a brief while. Self-healing is one crucial property possessed by paint protection films.

Urethane behaves similarly to highly viscous liquids. Any amount of pressure causes it to bend and distort, ejecting the material without causing tears or wounds.

Furthermore, it has the properties of a thermo-polymer, meaning that when heated, it softens while becoming pliable. Specifically, It attempts to resist the energy received from the collision and revert it into a uniform state. When cooled, it reverts to its original strength, and it may be cycled endlessly without altering the chemical constitution.

It is almost wonderful to witness how quickly these mishaps vanish after scorching some heat into the protective layer. Depending on the location, the film may straighten itself out during sunny days, mending the majority of impact zones.

“How do I maintain its optimum status over time?”

This part of the entire thing can be the simplest section. Once per week, or per 10 days, a simple touchless wash can keep your automobile in nearly pristine condition.

Occasionally, you should opt for an extensive hand-wash on the automobile to remove small coatings of stubborn grime, but that’s about it. 

If done properly and also with the appropriate supplies, your paint is bound to last for years when combined with minimal cleaning and upkeep. 

“Can I apply the PPF myself?”

It may be possible to install these films in smaller portions at home, but it would be best for your car to get it handled by professionals with the right knowledge and expertise in such. Firms like Fick’s Detailing can definitely venture with you in this course. They can surely aid you through the entire process. You can pay them a visit anytime!

What advantageous stances can it bring to the table?

One, the paint will be well-shielded 

against scratches and other sorts of damage that can occur on a day-to-day basis. You can also say goodbye to paint chips! The film acts as a buffer between your paint and any outside force that could potentially cause harm.

In addition, the hydrophobic properties of the film will cause water to bead up and roll right off the surface of your car. This means that you won’t have to worry about water spots or any other type of water damage! Not to mention, it will make washing your car a breeze.

So, if you’re looking for a way to protect your paint and make your life a little bit easier, the paint protection film is the way to go!

What are other things you need to be aware of?

It’s critical to understand that not every protection coatings pose the same quality. Certain ones are simply much superior to others. Given that, there are several factors to consider when investing in PPF.

Conduct research. Perform your due diligence prior to having a professional apply paint protection film to your vehicle. There are a few excellent automobile protection coatings available but some are also less than fantastic.

Consider your alternatives. Numerous professional coatings give years of exceptional protection. While they are not quite as effective as PPF at guarding against rock bits and other debris, they do have a number of advantages. Do not be scared to contact a trained installer who specializes in any type of coating. They’ll assist you in selecting the appropriate product, budget, and requirements.

Final Thoughts

Paint protection films Auburn MI are an excellent way to keep your paint looking new. But, as with anything else, there are pros and cons to be aware of. By doing your research and working with a certified installer – you can make the best decision for your car.

If you’re looking for superior paint protection, reach out to Fick’s Detailing. They offer protection films, ceramic coating, and more. Don’t waste time and get your car protected now!

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