Maintenance Tips for Paint Protection Film

Introduction

So, you decided to have your car covered in paint protection film. It is a sound decision, and it is even better if you opt for a quality product and our professional installation. It means that you will get your money’s worth and be more than satisfied with the product and service. But what now? Now, we will explain proper PPF maintenance and how to perform paint protection film care. You want your PPF to look new for years to come, and you should know a few things about PPF maintenance. Here they are.

1. Washing

Forget about automatic car washes, big brushes that damage the paint (or PPF), and water under high pressure. The safest thing you can do is gentle hand washing. It is time-consuming, but this is how to keep your PPF looking new for years. Avoid aggressive car shampoos and sticky foams that are known to affect the shine. Always use pH-neutral car cosmetics and gently wash the car with a soft cloth or sponge. Thorough rinsing is also essential, but water should not be used under high pressure since it can peel film from the edges of the car’s body.

When drying the car, use soft towels to accumulate as much water as possible. Even more importantly, avoid wiping the car since it can cause scratches and swirl marks on the film. Instead, try the pat drying technique, which is far safer for the PPF.

When faced with bird droppings, tar, bug splatter, and similar things, be sure to remove them as soon as possible since neglecting those things can damage the film. For some more aggressive stains like paint or tree sap, use dedicated PPF cosmetics, which guarantee to clean the surface but leave it intact.  

2. Detailing

Since your car is covered in paint protection film, your detailing options are very limited. Forget about classic waxing and polishing, as they will ruin the PPF. Instead, look for a specific product designed to be less abrasive and especially for use on vehicles with paint protection films. You can achieve the same shine and fantastic appearance without standard detailing procedures.

3. Exposure

Modern paint protection films are designed to be usable every day and to withstand any weather conditions. However, due to the nature of the material (TPU), the PPF is somewhat sensitive to extreme temperatures and direct sunlight. That is why you should always park in the shade and avoid leaving the car outside for days in warm climates. UV rays and high temperatures will result in a yellow hue (in extreme cases) and can cause delamination when the film has just been applied.

For those who park their vehicles outdoors frequently, such as in apartment complexes or senior living in Eagan, it's essential to find shaded parking to prolong the life of your PPF

4. Inspection

Make a habit of inspecting the PPF on your car on a regular basis. Check for damage, scratches, and delamination, and react if you notice something. If you act fast, chances are that the problem can be easily repaired (maybe even under a warranty). Neglecting problems will result in conditions that are hard and expensive to remedy.

It is unusual to find problems on large portions of the car’s body, like the hood, roof, or doors. In those areas, PPF is well-glued to the car’s paint and rarely has any issues. However, what you want to concentrate on are edges and curves. Those are the areas where the film is stretched and areas where delamination can start. Again, avoid using water under high pressure in those areas, and if you notice something, act quickly to prevent further issues. Also, pay attention to bubbles and discoloration.

5. Damage Repair

If you use your vehicle often, chances are that the PPF will do its job and protect the paint but earn a few dings and scratches along the way. But fear not. Most modern products have either self-healing or instant-healing abilities, which means that even though the rock left a mark on the PPF, you can mend it by applying heat either from a heat gun or just by leaving it in the sun for a couple of hours. Of course, significant scratches or dings always require professional help, but those are much rarer. If you see any damage to the film, act fast in order for it to stop spreading.

Conclusion:

The paint protection films are superb products that can last decade if properly maintained. Compared to old PPFs, modern materials are not only more flexible but also more durable. However, it doesn’t mean you should forget about it once it is installed on your car. Neither does this mean you must spend your complete ownership period meticulously caring about the film? Use your vehicle as intended, enjoy it, and keep in mind that your ride is covered in a thin film that requires attention and understanding. Follow our advice and PPF maintenance rules and avoid damaging the film, and you’ll be fine, and your car will look brand new. For further advice or inquiries, feel free to contact our skilled technicians.

‍

‍