If you’re reading this, chances are that you are thinking of installing a Paint Protection Film (PPF) to protect your car’s clear coat and the factory paint. But with a plethora of confusion out there over what PPF can and cannot do, it can be difficult for you to decide.
Regardless, Paint Protection Film, commonly known as PPF, is one of the commonly heard car paint protection solutions. With the primary task of protecting your car’s paint surface and other materials wherever it’s applied, PPF is a polyurethane-based substance that forms a transparent protective surface layer when properly applied.
Having said that, PPF is usually installed by professionals as it uses a unique adhesive substance that bonds solidly to the substrate and undergoes a multi-stage installation such as fitting, cutting, placing, and activation by a liquid spray.
Now that you have learned about what it takes to install a car paint protection film, it is time to explore the advantages and disadvantages of installing paint protection for your car as well as how it can help protect your car paint.
What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Installing Car Paint Protection Film?
As one of the most expensive car paint protection solutions available in the market, you will need to consider the following factors if you’re going to invest in a car paint protection film to maintain your car’s paint job.
1. Provides superior protection against chemicals and corrosion but is not fully resistant to rocks and other debris.
Available in the form of considerably thickened film, PPF is highly resistant to acidic contaminants and corrosion, giving it the ability to provide superior protection against corrosive substances such as bird droppings. However, they may also crack upon pressure against impacts from rocks and other debris on the road.
2. Produces a customised finish but may not be lasting.
While some glossy PPF may improve the shininess of your car, some PPF is available in a matte finish. Depending on your preference, you can either choose to install a glossy or matte PPF to create a customised exterior look and appeal. An important factor to take note, PPF is commonly avoided because of its tendency to discolour and turn yellow, it may reduce the shine of your new car paint after a period of time.
3. Immediate healing of minor scratches but if a section of the paint protection film is damaged, you have to completely replace the entire film.
Most of the top brands of car paint protection film have self-healing properties. This means your car detailer can fix the minor scratches on your car by applying direct heat to the film. However, due to the thickness, many often find themselves having to replace the entire film when a small area of the film is tarnished.
4. Resistant to high temperatures
With decades of refinement and re-engineering, PPF has since evolved into the high-quality thermoplastic urethane film of today. This makes it highly capable of providing a heat shield, which blocks UV rays and radiation from penetrating the surfaces of your car.
5. Long-lasting car paint protection option however, frequent maintenance is required.
Most PPFs come with a warranty, which means you get to file a claim if it wasn’t installed properly or had an undetected manufacturing defect. But if properly installed and maintained regularly, you can expect it to last a few years however, do keep in mind that after a period of time, dirt contamination on film edges may occur and can be rather unsightly.
How is Paint Protection Film Different from Ceramic Coating?
While the two are known to provide some of the best car paint protection in Singapore and have similar advantages, car paint protection film and ceramic coating differ in terms of the following:
1. Material
Ceramic coating is a liquid product that is installed by applying the liquid formula onto an application sponge and then spread on the car’s paint surface. PPF, on the other hand, is a transparent film that is installed by laying it on the car surface, smoothing out all bubbles and imperfections, and then adhered to the paint using hot air.
2. Levels of protection
Ceramic coating helps make cleaning easier due to its hydrophobic surface as well as enhances your car paint finish to look glossier than ever. A car paint protection film, on the other hand, helps to protect your car from damage by small, abrasive debris. However, this doesn’t make your car bulletproof.
3. Post-application appearance
The difference in post-application between a PPF and ceramic coating is crystal clear as PPF tends to produce a fuzzy paint finish and is less hydrophobic, while ceramic coating enhances the shine and glossiness of your car paint. In addition, PPF will become dirtier as the material tends to absorb dirt and other materials.
Get Your Car Paint Professionally Coated at Lambency Detailing
Providing your car with a car paint protection system is your best bet at keeping it looking new always. If you’re looking for professional car paint protection solutions in Singapore, Lambency Detailing is a one-stop automotive centre for all your car needs.
We offer comprehensive car paint protection coating that use only 100% genuine SONAX products from Germany to ensure the quality of your car’s surface.
Find out more about Lambency Detailing’s different products and services here. Book an appointment with us to get your car interior detailing now! WhatsApp: (65) 9658 5808 Email: lambency@quantum-globe.com
Ubi Outlet: (65) 9658 5808