Paint Protection Film is a clear protective layer that can be added on top of your car’s paintwork to provide protection against stone chips. It is typically found on high-performance cars that might see track days.
Many ‘ordinary’ cars also have PPF in some places. The most common place to find PPF is just in front of the rear wheels on the sill, which is a common hotspot for stone chips. The PPF protects the paintwork in the event of any flying stones hitting the paint. Over time the film can become peppered to the point it may need to be removed.
Many PPFs have self-healing properties. Under certain conditions, minor scuffs and swirl marks can be removed without the need to remove the film.
In order to safely remove PPF, you will need a heat source. A heat gun will work best, but you could also use a hairdryer or a steamer. The heat will soften the adhesive, enabling it to be safely removed.
Start near the edge of the PPF and gently warm the surface. If you are using a heat gun you should use the lowest heat setting and keep the nozzle moving. Apply heat for about 30 seconds, the surface should be warm, but not too hot to touch. Try and pick an edge of the film using your fingernail and gently pull away. Reapply heat as necessary to the film and continue to pull off the surface. If the film seems difficult to remove, you can apply some adhesive remover, and allow it to seep in between the paint and the film.
With the film removed, you may notice some residue left over. This will be adhesive from the film which can easily be removed. I find tar and glue removers to be perfect for this job. For a good value tar and glue remover, I recommend Autoglym Intensive Tar Remover.
To use the product, apply a small amount onto a microfibre or cotton cloth and dab onto the affected area. Allow a minute or two of dwell time before wiping away.
After removing the film, you might want to polish the surface, especially if the PPF has some scratches in it. A machine polish will be needed to remove any deeper swirls that exist, however polishing by hand will also improve the appearance of the panel.
After polishing, it is important to add a layer of protection, whether that is in the form of a wax or a sealant. The film that was providing UV and chemical protection to the paint is now gone, so a wax or sealant is used to serve this purpose.
How to Repair Paint Protection Film
As we mentioned at the start, many PPFs have what is known as self-healing properties. This will allow very fine blemishes in the PPF to be removed, without the need to remove the film completely. The film is made from a thermoplastic, which means that by using heat, the film can be reformed.
Heat can be used to remove fine scratches, swirl marks and bird etching. First, identify the affected area and ensure it is clean of any dirt, including any tar. Next using a heat gun on a low setting, carefully warm the surface of the film. Ensure you keep the nozzle of the gun at least thirty centimetres away from the surface, and never hold then nozzle still over one spot. You should notice that scratch begin to fade, and eventually disappear.
Leaving the vehicle in direct sunlight or applying warm water to the surface can also activate the self-healing properties.
FAQ
Can damaged Paint Protection Film be patched?
No, there is no way to neatly patch the film, unfortunately the best option is to remove the film, and consider having a new one installed.
Will removing Paint Protection Film damage paint?
Removing a PPF will not usually result in any damage to paint. However, if the paint underneath has been poorly resprayed, paint may come away with the film. To avoid this, ensure the surface is kept warm during removal, and apply an adhesive remove to dissolve the glue safely.
Can you polish Paint Protection Film?
You should not use an abrasive polish on paint protection film, as this can cause hazing on the surface. Scratches can be removed by gently heating the surface, as directed above.
Can you wax over PPF?
Yes, you can apply a wax or sealant over a PPF. This will give the film hydrophobic properties and make it even easier to clean.
How long does Paint Protection Film last?
The duration of a PPF will vary depending on the manufacturer and the quality of the installation. Most films will last at least five years, but some may last up to ten.
Can you remove PPF yourself? Yes, you can remove the PPF by yourself, but if you are careful enough, the original paintwork might come off with the Paint protection film. Removing old PPF is expert work, we recommend you to visit an expert.
In some cases, PPF can be removed by peeling, as you would with a sticker, whereas in other case, you will require a heat gun to loosen the film before peeling. We generally don't recommend removing paint protection film via peeling without any heat, even if the paint protection film was poorly applied.
If PPF is ripped, it can not be repaired and must be replaced. When it comes to fixing a scratch on Paint Protection Film, you simply need to apply a heat gun to the area, and this will gradually remove the scratch. This is because PPF becomes malleable when exposed to a certain amount of heat.
We can recover and scan (transfer) extremely damaged film as long as the film emulsion (images) are in tacked and the film is not freeze dried (hard like a brick) to the point of crumbling or fused together (like glue) or severely blocked in one hard solid mass and can not be separated.
Longevity of PPF is realistically around 5 to 7 years depending on driving conditions, wear and tear, and the method of care. The Self-Healing properties will diminish over time. It's just natural, due to wear and tear. All PPF companies are competing for the longest warranty available to the public.
Yes, you can remove Paint Protection Film (PPF) without causing damage to your paint. Typically, during removals, installers employ heat to soften the adhesive, facilitating a smoother removal process.
Warm the film by parking the vehicle outside in the sunlight. You may also use a heat gun or hair dyer to loosen the adhesive. Peel one corner of the film up with your fingernail. Pull the film towards you at a shallow angle less than 45 degrees (see figure 5).
What is the lifespan of PPF? Speaking generally, properly cared-for PPF can be expected to last between 7-10 years. Given that car owners sell or trade in their vehicle every 8 years, on average, many clients who choose to install PPF enjoy its benefits with no issues for the life of their vehicle.
To understand the cost of PPF, think of it as a custom-tailored suit for your car. The material, labor, and ongoing care all contribute to the overall expense. It's a significant investment, but for many car owners, the unparalleled protection and peace of mind it provides make it a worthwhile expenditure.
Is XPEL better than 3M? With many features in common, XPEL paint protection film outperforms 3M products: XPEL offers stronger self healing film properties, it never discolors or fade, and the warranty is 10 years. Hence, with XPEL PPF, you will be on the safer side.
Absolutely!You can apply 3M Ceramic Coating on top of 3M Paint Protection Film (PPF). They are two distinct automotive solutions yet complement each other. 3M PPF is a nearly invisible urethane and stretchable film that is applied to the painted surfaces of your car to protect them from road debris and hash.
The standard duration of a PPF installation is approximately six to ten years, although the lifespan can vary depending on several factors. If the PPF is not replaced after the given time, it would begin to disintegrate, and the damage caused to the paint underneath would be immense and even permanent.
How Long Does Paint Protection Film Last? Arguably the best attribute of a paint protection film is its longevity. According to 3M, a professionally installed paint protection film should last anywhere from 5 to 10 years.
If you are serious about maintaining the quality of your paint for years to come, PPF is the only answer. While PPF can take a lot of abuse over the years, it will eventually require replacement. Typical lifespan for PPF is 5 to 10 years. Once film has given you all it can, it should be removed and replaced.
Introduction: My name is Frankie Dare, I am a funny, beautiful, proud, fair, pleasant, cheerful, enthusiastic person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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