True or False?

Top 5 Paint Protection Film Myths

By Narayan Andrews

Customers walk into my shop every day looking for information on wraps and window tint, but so often they are opposed to the initial investment required to protect their vehicle with PPF. In reality, it’s one of the best investments a car owner can make. Not only can it keep the paint looking better but allows your vehicle to maintain its value longer because it keeps the exterior in better condition.

What is Paint Protection Film (PPF)?

Paint Protection Film, commonly known as PPF, is essentially a superhero cape for your car. It’s a thin layer of flexible material that we apply directly to your vehicle’s paint. Think of it as an invisible shield that helps keep your car looking as good as new.

The real magic of PPF lies in its advanced technology. When we apply it, it forms a strong bond with your car’s paint, creating a seamless barrier. This barrier is tough against all sorts of enemies – from rock chips and road debris to bird droppings and tree sap. Plus, it’s got built-in UV protection, which means less fading and aging of paint over time.

We will look at a few common misconceptions that people often bring up when discussing paint protection film for their vehicles. Usually, we get to educate the customer on the benefits of PPF but there is one common misconception we often debunk that deals with just how strong PPF actually is.

#1 “PPF is indestructible.”

While PPF does have some self-healing ability with minor scratches, it can absolutely be gouged or torn by especially large rocks and debris at high speeds. Yes, PPF will still protect your paint under those circumstances and, ideally, the damage doesn’t go through to the paint but has on occasion. Typically though the PPF only has to be replaced and can save the vehicle owner the expense of repainting or replacing parts of their vehicle.

#2 “PPF is only for luxury or high-end vehicles.”

Paint protection film is a great fit for any vehicle and can be applied regardless of age, make, or model. It will protect the paint from debris on the roads, rock chips, and, in colder climates, the salt and deicer that is often applied to the roads in inclement weather. PPF is also not limited to vehicles but is great for protecting boats, RVs, motorcycles, countertops, and even appliances.

Washing your car is no problem with PPF applied. The film will actually protect your paint from scratches that may result from harsh or dirty car wash brushes.

#4 “I’m worried that over time the film will yellow or look dingy.”

The film will remain optically clear for the life of the warranty and most likely beyond with exceptional care. A typical warranty for gloss PPF runs about 10 years depending on the manufacturer. Paint protection film contains UV blockers that specifically prevent fading or yellowing so it will keep your car looking pristine for years to come.

#5 “Ceramic coating and PPF are the same thing.”

Ceramic coating is a liquid applied to a vehicle with a sponge to keep the exterior of a vehicle clean and easier to maintain. While it is a beneficial product it doesn’t do a lot of what PPF does for the exterior. Ceramic coating doesn’t help prevent rocks chips or scratches the way paint protection film does. It also lacks the capability to self-heal with minor scratches. Paint protection film has come a very long way over the years but customers are still surprisingly uneducated about the benefits. When properly educated a shop owner will find that PPF appeals to most customers and can be tailored to fit just about any budget.

Narayan Andrews

Narayan@spectrumautollc.com

Owner/Operator, Spectrum Auto

• Avery Dennison Certified PPF Trainer

• Avery Dennison/3M/ORAFOL

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