Paint protection film originated in the 1950s when the United States Department of Defense contracted 3M to come up with a solution for protecting their helicopter blades.
They wanted to extend the life of the blades by further protecting them against flying debris during landings and takeoffs. Due to its lightweight and cost-effectiveness, the paint protection film is still used in the US military today.
New manufacturing and materials in car paint protection film are continuously improving the infamous "helicopter tape."
Do you want to learn more about how the best paint protection film can help protect your car? Keep reading to learn all about it!
Paint protection film (PPF) is made of a thin polymer or polyurethane. When PPF is applied by a professional, it forms a protective, transparent surface layer over the car's paint.
The layer protects the car's clear coat and the paint underneath.
Paint protection film protects against various things, such as:
PPF protects you from all those parking lot dings and scratches, too. Have you ever returned to your car in the parking lot only to find a ding from someone else opening their car door carelessly?
Without paint protection film, those small scratches and dings become eyesores that are expensive to fix.
Vinyl wrap is not the same thing as clear paint protection film. Vinyl wraps and films are used to change the way a vehicle looks. They are not meant to protect so much as they're meant to change the aesthetic.
Vinyl wrap can be used to change the color of a car or add graphics without the need to repaint the whole car. Vinyl wraps offer customization, but they're much thinner than XPEL or 3M paint protection film, so they don't offer the same protection.
Paint protection film is heavier and thicker than a vinyl wrap. PPF is clear, too, and it self-heals when scratches occur. The purpose of PPF is to protect the car's original paint. It doesn't enhance the aesthetic of the car, but some companies are starting to offer matte and satin finishes.
PPF with different finishes is referred to as "fashion PPF."
The prices for applying paint protection film are not entirely consistent. While one business might charge $1,000 for full front-end coverage, another might charge $2,500.
Pricing depends on the expertise of the professionals offering to protect your vehicle, the make and model of your vehicle, and the type of film used.
While it might be tempting to go for the lowest price, it's important to ensure you hire PPF experts to apply the film to your car.
There are many benefits of applying paint protection film, regardless of what climate you live in.
PPF is particularly useful in sunny locations such as Orlando, Florida, because of the UV rays that shine down on Florida residents' cars. In addition to protecting against UV rays, scratches and dings, there are lots of other benefits of using paint protection film.
PPF provides a protective coat over your vehicle's paint. It helps keep your car looking shiny and new for much longer.
It'll give your car a polished matte or glossy appearance and protect it against fading.
Scratches on a car build up moisture, which can lead to rust eventually. Plus, chemicals in harsh cleaners and environmental elements lead to discoloration. PPF acts as a chemical barrier for your vehicle's exterior.
Plus, PPF is entirely invisible. Even though you know it's on your vehicle, if it's professionally applied, no one else will know it's there. Even with PPF, it's a good idea to try and avoid harsh cleaners so that you get the full life of the clear film.
If you want to retain your car's new-like aesthetic, PPF is the best place to start. By preventing potential damage, you'll better protect your car's exterior, so that you don't have to spend money on regular damage and repairs.
Plus, PPF is self-healing so most dings and scratches will quickly dissipate, bringing your car back to being as good as new.
A car that has paint protection film has a better chance at protecting its resale value. Even if the dealer you sell your car to opts to remove the PPF, the original paint and film on your car will be much more protected.
Paint protection film will protect any vehicle's resale value for much longer.
If prices seem too good to be true when you receive a quote for getting paint protection film on your vehicle, do a little more investigating. You want to ensure that whoever you hire to install PPF on your car is reputable, reliable, and consistently puts out quality work.
Find out what type of film they use, too, so that you can rest easy knowing high-quality materials are being applied to your car.
If your car has any paint issues, you must correct those before applying PPF. Make sure your installer has the capabilities to correct these issues before the installation of the PPF.
If you live in Florida and you're wondering if your car could benefit from paint protection film, the UV rays alone are reason enough to install PPF.
UV rays damage vehicles over time, and PPF helps to protect your car against those damaging rays. Are you ready to find out how much it'll cost to keep your car looking new for longer?
Contact us for a free estimate! Winter Park Tint is here to help and keep your beloved ride looking great for years to come!
Winter Park Tint & Paint Protection
700 W Fairbanks Ave
Winter Park, FL 32789
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