3M Paint Protection Film
Paint Protection Installation
If you’re reading this, you probably agree that your vehicle is an investment worth protecting. Today, there are many ways to help protect your vehicle from being devalued by exterior flaws. Among many types of protection methods, one of the fastest growing automotive care solutions in the industry is paint protection (also known as PPF or Clear Bra).
About Paint Protection
Installing this durable polyurethane paint protection film to your vehicle adds an extra layer of protection from scratches, chips, debris, swirls, stains, corrosion, and oxidation or fading from UV exposure. This film helps preserve the quality of your vehicle’s paint by reducing the risk of damage to vulnerable areas. One of the attractive qualities of this virtually invisible film is that it is built with polymers to help it “self-heal” when exposed to small scratches.
Problematic Areas
Some of the most common areas to install paint protection are the hood, front bumper, rocker panels, quarter panels, and lower doors. The main reason is because these are areas that are frequently exposed to oncoming debris while driving. Many kits come specific to your vehicle’s make and model with pre-cut pieces to cover these problematic areas.
Installing Paint Protection
When it comes to the installation process, there are a few different ways of getting the job done right. Some installers work directly with a bulk roll of paint protection film in which they cut out pieces as needed. This method usually ends up wasting some material and requires additional trimming on the vehicle which requires a lot of practice and isn’t recommended for DIY.
Another way that installers apply paint protection film is by using pre-measured pieces cut on a plotter system. This method allows for accuracy when aligning pieces on the vehicle and enables the paint protection to be installed without much additional trimming.
In almost every circumstance, paint protection film should be installed by a professional.
Installation Steps
Verify Paint
Ensuring that the vehicle paint is properly cured and free of imperfections before the beginning the installation process is crucial. If the paint protection film is applied prematurely, it is subject to becoming one with the paint. This could pull paint off with the film If you decide to remove it down the road.
Read Film Specific Instructions
One of the first things that installers need to familiarize themselves with before the installation is with the brand of paint protection and the directions that are given for that specific film. Generally, the installation process on many films follows similar steps. One step that always remains consistent is the importance of properly cleaning the surface.
Prepping the Vehicle
Properly cleaning the vehicle makes all the difference in the film’s adhesion and longevity. Many installers first use soap and water to clean the surface and then apply a degreasing solution to remove any access grease or residue on the surface. After the surface is wiped clean, the surface will be checked once again for any stray hairs, fibers, dust or debris that could get trapped underneath the material.
Spraying the Surface
Once the surface is thoroughly checked over, the installer will spray a water & soap combination or other specific activating solution generously on the vehicle and on the top layer of the paint protection film to ensure that the squeegee can glide across it with ease.
Applying the film
For larger installation areas, the application of the PPF can sometimes require multiple installers to help stretch and form the film to the surface of the vehicle. The goal is to get the material looking smooth and appear like glass before applying any pressure with the squeegee. Once the film is in the proper position, the installer uses a squeegee to adhere the film to the surface and remove any access bubbles or solution from underneath. This process is repeated until the desired surface is covered.
Drying
When the installer has finished applying the film and there aren’t any noticeable bubbles or imperfections, the next step is to wipe it dry and use a heat gun or heat lamp to activate the adhesive and shrink the material to the vehicle. When the edges are down properly, the installer will trim any additional areas if needed and double check that the covered areas are free of flaws.
How Long Does Paint Protection Last?
When applied properly and when cared for, paint protection films can last anywhere from five to ten years. Many certified installation companies will warranty the paint protection for that time. In most cases, the longevity of the paint protection film will be determined by how well the surface was prepped, the quality of the installation, and the exposure to the elements after the installation.
Alternatives to Paint Protection Film
Another way to add a layer of protection to your vehicle is to use a vinyl wrap. In some cases where vehicle protection and advertising or custom artwork is desired, this could be the way to go. Although the vinyl is not made to protect the same as paint protection film, it adds another layer of protection from light scratches, UV Exposure, and debris.
Ceramic coatings are another common way of adding protection to your vehicle. Ceramic coatings help to keep contaminants off the vehicles surface, enhance the sheen on the vehicle, and makes it easier to keep your vehicle clean. However, it still isn’t made to protect to the same standard as paint protection.
Final Thoughts on Paint Protection Film
If you are looking for long term preservation for your vehicle, paint protection film is an effective way to help prevent damage from light scratches, chips, and other flaws for quite a long period of time. It’s not intended to enhance the look of your vehicle, rather, to add an additional layer of protection. It’s not indestructible by any means and will not protect against larger collision damage. If you have a daily driver or collector vehicle that you want to keep in top condition, paint protection is worth looking in to.