Finding the right film for protecting your car's paint requires knowing your options. Here is a guide on how to choose paint protection film for car owners.
Did you know that there are approximately 6.75 million car accidents per year in the United States alone? Most, if not all, of these crashes cause sufficient vehicle damage.
Even the smallest dent or paint chip can bother a car owner and sometimes these incidents occur from outdoor elements.
Luckily, there is a way to protect your vehicle's paint so that you save money on damages over time. An auto protection film can protect your vehicle if you buy the right kind.
Keep reading to learn how to choose paint protection film (PPF) for your car.
Consider Product Quality
Choose paint protection film based on the quality of the product. A lot of providers sell paint protection films, but not all of them use high-end products from respected brands.
If you buy from a company, learn if they have a solid reputation first. The main criteria that determine the quality of paint protection film are the raw materials used and the manufacturing process.
Raw Materials
There are four layers that make up an auto paint protection film. These four levels help with the longevity of paint protection film:
Polyester Release Liner
Acrylic Adhesive
Polyurethane
Clearcoats
The polyester release liner is the base layer that helps secure the PPF to the car paint. It's not very thick but it is durable enough to get the job done.
An acrylic adhesive bonds the paint job, glass, or plastic to the protective film. A well-balanced acrylic blend will ensure the paint protection film doesn't damage the surface of the paint.
Polyurethane is what allows the PPF to stretch and is typically up to 6.0 or 0.152 in thickness.
Clearcoats block UV rays and act as the protection element to keep the PPF from being saturated with liquids. This blend impacts the overall quality of the protection and can make your PPF stronger for vehicle protection.
Manufacturing Process
Using the best raw materials is only one part of the development process. How the materials are assembled to form the strong protection film is just as important.
Machines are used for precision engineering and consistency. The people operating the machines are educated on the right procedures.
You'll want to purchase factory-direct products when purchasing protection film for your vehicle. Generic films sold under different brand names are never the better option.
A PPF manufacturer that is transparent about their products improves their credibility. You'll have peace of mind knowing you are choosing a valuable paint protection film provider.
Ask for a Warranty
Protecting car paint with a film is better when you have a warranty backing up your purchase.
You can find different automotive protection film suppliers that offer warranties. Some offer lifetime warranties while others have a specific time frame.
Check the fine print with a warranty so that you know what is covered. A lifetime warranty might seem like the best option but these warranties are sometimes limited to small defects and chips.
Find the Right Color
There are different PPF colors available to provide your car with protection and an enhanced look. A lot of PPF films are made with a gloss or matte finish. Specialty finishes like carbon fiber or metallic are pricier.
While you think about the right finish for your film, you should also consider the size of your vehicle. Larger vehicles obviously need larger pieces of film which may increase the price. It also takes more time to install this film properly.
When choosing a supplier for paint protection, ensure that the company installing it has the right equipment or tools. This equipment needs to be able to accommodate the vehicle size in question.
Choose an Installation Method
When you choose paint protection film, you'll want to find an installer that can install based on your preferred method. There are several methods to choose from, but the most common is a wet application.
A wet installation method involves spraying water on the surface that needs protection and squeegeeing off the excess liquid. Excess liquid can damage the paint if not taken off properly.
Dry installation is another method that doesn't involve the use of water. This option often results in bubbles in the film.
If you have an old car paint protection film, you'll want to take it off before buying a new PPF. An installer should be able to do this for you but is likely to charge extra for the additional labor.
Compare Prices
Comparing PPF costs is an important step of the choosing process if you have a strict budget that you need to follow.
PPF is not cheap but it's a great investment to protect your vehicle from bugs, rocks, and other debris found on the road. A PPF saves you money in the long run because you don't have to worry about damage from these elements.
Prices will vary based on the quality of the product, the colors available, and the size of the vehicle. Your technician will charge a labor amount as well.
Compare the prices of different providers to find one of quality that is within your budget. Choosing the cheapest paint protection film is never a smart choice. You'll be wasting your money if you choose wrong.
How to Choose Paint Protection Film Explained
Learning how to choose paint protection film is easy but researching the different brands takes time.
When you want to protect your vehicle from road hazards, you need to make the right investment. Consider product quality, ask for a warranty, find the right color, and choose an installation method that you like.
When you do all of these things and compare prices you'll benefit from the best PPF for your vehicle.
At Myrtle Beach Window Tint, we use the highest quality and most durable paint protection films in the industry. Contact us now, the best PPF installers for Myrtle Beach to receive a free quote for services.
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