Paint protection film makes a big difference in the long life of a flawless paint job, but it also represents an additional cost for installation. You may ask, is it worth it? In this simple pros and cons list, we’ve outlined all the pros and cons of protective film to help you weigh your options:
Advantages
It’s Invisible
You may be covering your car’s paint, but the thin, transparent layer of protective film (PPF) is almost impossible to detect. Modern films can provide long-lasting and durable protection without excessive thickness. Most only come within 8 mils (0.0008 inches) and block less than 0.1% of the light to reach color!
Customizable To Your Needs
it’s easy to target specific areas of the car with die-cut anti-split films or wrap entire body panels as appropriate for your project. 1. Hydrophobic properties: The protective film on the car paint is hydrophobic.This implies that liquids and pollutants will bead up and runoff (like a waxed hood). It’s easier to preserve the brilliant luster of your paint job when it repels dirt, mud, oils, smudges, and streaks.
Increases Service Life Of Vehicle
As years of use and abuse deteriorate a vehicle’s technical qualities, look, and shine, the value of the car depreciates. By successfully repelling dirt, rocks, sand, and other impacts that result in unintentional chips, scratches, and abrasions, paint protection films prolong the vehicle’s youth. Some films even heal themselves.
Easier To Apply Than The Alternatives
Ceramic coatings are another common paint protection solution. Unfortunately, these coatings are messy, require expensive equipment, and add long curing times to your painting process. Inefficiencies like this can hurt your margins. PPF installation is quick; it helps you pass savings on to OEMs and boost bargaining power.
Disadvantages
Costs Up Front
Applying a paint protection layer is more expensive than simply leaving the paint alone. The higher costs, particularly in high-risk regions of the vehicle, are more than offset by the long-term value increase. You can reduce costs by opting for protective films only in areas commonly exposed to impact and dirt (ie fenders, lower body panels, front fascia, side mirrors).
The Film Can Be Applied Incorrectly
The paint protection film is a reliable solution only if it is applied smoothly over the entire surface, without wrinkles, wrinkles and bubbles. You can avoid the risks of incorrect application by using a trusted supplier and providing your team with an easy-to-use product that requires minimal training to use.
Some Films Turn Yellow Over Time
This is a common fault with older types of films that degrade and turn yellow from too much UV exposure (caused by the car outside). New materials no longer have this defect. Modern urethane films retain their full transparency throughout their lifetime.
Must Be Replaced
Paint protection films are usually guaranteed for 5, 10 or 12 years. The quality of the movie cannot be guaranteed after this point. However, this is a significant period of optimal service life. Replacing a paint job in the meantime (due to insufficient protection) would be a monumental expense.
The Car Still Needs Painting
Paint protection films will only serve to protect the paint work after it has dried; they won’t do away with the time-consuming and expensive painting procedure. If waiting periods are a problem, you can think about paint replacement films. These movies have vibrant colours that closely resemble the look and functionality of car paint without the trouble.
Paint protection film has benefits and drawbacks, and the balance will depend on your project’s complexity, budget, and anticipated operational environments. They will, nonetheless, undoubtedly raise the calibre of your offerings wherever and however you choose to use them. Contact a supplier today for more details.