Paint Protection Film, or PPF, started out as a military invention during the Vietnam War. It was originally made to keep helicopter blades and other military equipment safe. Over the past 40 years, this tough but thin film has become a popular way to protect cars and trucks from damage.
Your car’s exterior and paint can be damaged by everyday things like dirt, small stones, tar, and even a dirty sponge when you wash your car. These are common problems that every car faces. That’s where PPF comes in. Also known as “clear bra”, this thin, strong layer helps to keep your car’s paint safe from these everyday damages, helping it stay looking new for longer.
PPF is really effective at protecting cars. But there are quite a few myths about it that make some drivers think twice about using it. In this article, we’re going to clear up these myths so more people can benefit from using PPF to protect their vehicles. Grab some juice or probably, a glass of water as we go through 10 Common Myths About Paint Protection Film (PPF) Busted!
Myth 1: PPFs Cause Damage to the Inner Paint of Your Car!
One of the most common myths surrounding PPF is that Paint Protection Film, or PPF, can harm the original paint of your car. But that’s not true at all! PPF’s job is to act as a barrier between your paint and harmful objects or environmental elements. When installed properly, the film adheres to your paint via a clear glue leaving a seamless surface capable of hiding imperfections. It protects against things like stones (rock chips), sun UV rays, tree sap, debris, bird droppings, and scratches.
Paint protection film can keep your car looking great for 5 to 10 years. It’s like a shield for your car’s paint. But, it’s important to get PPF professionally installed on your car. This way, it won’t cause any harm. And if you ever decide you don’t want it anymore, a pro can take it off easily. So, don’t worry, PPF won’t damage your car’s paint. It’s just a myth!”
Myth 2: Paint Protection Film is Easy and can be done at Home
Professional installation is recommended for PPF. The process requires precision, skill, and the right tools. Poor installation can lead to bubbles, wrinkles, and peeling, which not only looks unsightly but also diminishes the protective qualities of the film.
The truth is, applying PPF isn’t a simple DIY project. You need a professional to do it. They know how to handle the tricky parts, like getting around curves and edges, getting the seam right, using the right chemical, cleaning and looking out for contaminants, making sure the film is not stretched beyond its limits eliminating stretch marks and distortions in the finish.
So, remember, PPF may need a pro’s touch to make sure your car looks great and stays protected. With all said and done, the myth that Paint Protection Film is easy and can be done at home is not true. For small sections, an individual who is patient and uses the right tools may get away with installing paint protection film at home. The biggest challenge arrives when you run into difficulties. That is when a professional with the right training/knowledge and experience can make a difference.
Myth 3: Paint Protection Film Turns Yellow Over Time
In the early days of Paint Protection Film production, this myth had some element of truth. It held water! In the olden days, PVC-based films were common, but they had issues. They would often turn yellowish under constant UV exposure and could crack, peel, and even cause the paint to discolor.
In recent times, with advanced Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) Paint Protection Films, these problems are largely a thing of the past. Modern PPFs are designed to withstand elements like UV rays, reducing the risk of PPFs turning yellow over time.
A great example of this advancement is Gyeon PPF. They offer an impressive warranty of 7 years or more, covering defects like yellowing, bubbling, and cracking. Gyeon also guarantees that their film will maintain its repellency (hydrophobicity) and gloss for at least two years. When you invest in a quality PPF product today, worries about discoloration and damage are much less of a concern. so the saying that PPFs turn yellow over time is no longer true. It’s just another myth!
Myth 4: PPF is Meant for only Luxury Cars.
This myth likely stems from the initial use of PPF on expensive, luxury cars. PPF was more commonly used on luxury and high-performance cars.
This was partly due to the higher cost of these vehicles and the owners’ desire to maintain their pristine condition. High-end cars often have expensive paint jobs and unique finishes that owners want to protect from scratches, chips, and environmental damage so most of such car owners opted for PPF for their vehicles. For any vehicle type, there is a PPF type tailored for vehicle usage and needs. check out our post to help you know the types we offer here: https://gabrieldetails.com/2023/11/13/paint-protection-film-types-and-advantages-gabriel-series
Over time, the PPF industry has evolved. The technology has become more accessible and affordable, making it a viable option for a wider range of vehicles. Now, PPF is not just a luxury item but a practical investment for any car owner who wants to protect their vehicle’s paintwork. So the saying that PPF is meant for only luxury cars is just a myth!
Myth 5: Paint protection Films can’t be Waxed
Another common myth about Paint Protection Films is that they can’t be waxed hence making the maintenance of your car a lot more difficult. This isn’t true! PPF can be waxed with any natural or synthetic wax or sealant and can be used in conjunction with ceramic coating.
This misconception largely arises due to the confusion between Paint Protection Film (PPF) and vinyl car wraps. Vinyl car wraps are generally much thinner (2 mil compared to PPF’s 8 mil) and fragile, making them susceptible to damage from UV rays and various contaminants over time. Moreover, they lack the resilience to withstand scratches and abrasions that PPF can endure without compromising the finish.
It is advisable to wax or ceramic coat PPF installed on your car as this will help maintain the PPF and add another layer of protection while making maintenance a breeze. It is imperative to consult your installer to know which additional protection ( be it wax or ceramic coating) is ideal to use for your specific needs. PPF can’t be waxed is not true and is just a myth!
Myth 6: PPF Lasts Forever
The belief that Paint Protection Film lasts forever is a common myth. While PPF is indeed a robust and durable solution for protecting a vehicle’s paint, it is not impervious to the effects of time and environment. The reality is that the lifespan of PPF is influenced by several key factors.
The quality of the PPF itself plays a significant role in its durability. Higher-quality films, are designed to withstand environmental factors better and have advanced features like self-healing properties and UV resistance. These characteristics help the film maintain its effectiveness and appearance over a longer period. Cheaper, lower-quality films may not offer the same level of protection and could degrade faster.
Proper care, including regular cleaning and avoiding harsh chemicals, can extend the life of PPF. Neglect, on the other hand, can lead to a build-up of contaminants, which can degrade the film over time. Typically, with good quality film and proper maintenance, PPF can last between 5 to 10 years. On planet Earth, nothing man-made lasts forever. So the belief that PPF lasts forever is a myth!
Myth 7: Only new cars Need Paint Protection Film
There’s a common myth that only new cars need Paint Protection Film, but that’s not really true. PPF isn’t just for brand-new vehicles; older cars can benefit from it too. Whether your car is fresh off the lot or has been on the road for a few years, PPF can help protect its paint.
For new cars, PPF keeps that showroom shine longer by protecting against scratches, chips, and environmental damage like bird droppings or UV rays (fading). This helps in maintaining the car’s appearance and can even help with its resale value down the line which makes it the best time to invest in a PPF!
But, it’s not just new cars that get to have all the fun. PPF is great for older cars as well. It can give an older car’s paint a new lease on life, protecting it from further wear and making it look better. The paint protection film can conceal imperfections like swirls, minor to moderate scratches, and fading, resulting in a glossy surface with enhanced depth. So, whether your car is new or old, PPF is a smart choice for keeping it looking good. It’s a protective layer that guards the paint, keeping your car looking as good as possible, no matter its age so only brand-new cars need PPF is a myth busted!
Myth 8: PPFs are only Necessary for cars that go Off-Roading
There’s a myth out there that Paint Protection Film is only necessary for cars that go off-roading. But that’s not quite right. PPF is actually useful for all kinds of cars, not just the ones hitting the rough trails. It doesn’t matter if you’re driving in the city, on highways, or off the road; your car’s paint faces challenges everywhere.
Even in everyday driving, your car’s paint can get damaged. Things like small stones on the road, bird droppings, and even harsh sunlight can affect your car’s appearance. PPF acts like a shield, protecting your car from these common hazards and the dreadful act of keying. It keeps your car looking newer for longer, which is great no matter where you drive.
So, remember, PPF isn’t just for off-road adventures; it’s for everyone. Whether you’re cruising city streets or exploring rugged terrain, PPF helps keep your car safe from scratches, chips, and wear so this is just another myth!
Myth 9: PPF Reduces the Value of Your Car
Another myth floating around is that having Paint Protection Film on your car can lower its value. This isn’t true at all! In fact, PPF can actually help maintain or even increase your car’s value. It’s all about keeping your car looking as good as new, and PPF is a big help in that department.
PPF works like a protective barrier, guarding your car’s paint against scratches, chips, and sun damage. This kind of protection is key, especially if you’re thinking about selling your car in the future. A car with well-maintained paintwork often has a higher resale value compared to one with a lot of cosmetic damage. So, rather than hurting your car’s value, PPF helps preserve it.
In short, PPF is a smart investment for your car. It keeps your car’s exterior in top shape, which is a big plus whether you plan to sell it or keep it for years to come. so this is just another big myth!
Myth 10: PPF Does Not Require Maintenance
There’s a common thought that once you put Paint Protection Film on your car, you don’t have to worry about maintaining it. But that’s not quite right. Just like anything else on your car, PPF needs a bit of care to keep doing its job well. It’s not high maintenance, but a little attention goes a long way.
Regular cleaning is key. Dirt and grime can build up on the film just like they do on the rest of your car. Washing it off regularly helps keep the film clear and effective at protecting your paint. Plus, there are special products made just for PPF that help it stay in great shape. Using these products can keep the film looking good and working well for a longer time.
So, while PPF is a big help in keeping your car looking new, it doesn’t mean you can skip maintenance ’cause this is just another big myth!