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Congratulations — you’ve just finalized the sale of your brand-new luxury car and are nervous to drive it off the lot before optimizing its protection lest it depreciates immediately. If you’re looking at installing paint protection film on your new car, you undoubtedly have some hesitations, as you should. Paint protection film (PPF) is designed to seal in your vehicle’s paint like a shield of armor, offering defense from the environment and keeping your car in pristine condition. As with anything, however, there are some upsides and downsides to PPF installation on new vehicles. In today’s post, our PPF experts will discuss a few of the advantages and disadvantages to applying paint protection film to your new car.
Paint protection film is the gold standard in vehicle protection and customization options. Its many benefits include:
Paint protection film provides a premium finish atop the car’s paint the way a good wood varnish does to the grains of timber. Whether your aesthetic choice is a flat matte, super high gloss, or something on the spectrum between the two, there is a film that can achieve exactly what you’re looking for.
While the upfront cost of paint protection film installation may seem high, it is a long-term investment that should not be undervalued. The average car owner has to have paint repairs three to four times in their lifetime, which are not usually covered by auto insurance policies. Each repair can cost $300 to $400 and does not include body repairs if necessary. A single incident prevented nearly makes the initial cost worth it.
Paint protection film provides a barrier between your car and the environment. Pollution, chemicals, and ordinary moisture can all damage your car’s body with rust and deterioration. PPF prevents chemicals from reaching your vehicle’s paint and body surface.
Scratches and dings happen in everyday life to nearly every vehicle. Those that bear an invisible shield of PPF are resistant to damage. Minor scratches don’t even reach the paint beneath and are self-healed by urethane technology.
Talk about a high return on investment, paint protection film offers added value to your vehicle that is recognized during trade-in or sale negotiations. The presence of PPF alone increases resale value, but it also ensures that there is no paint or body damage beneath, which serves to further increase value.
Even the best vehicle paint is no match for the relentless California sunshine. In a place where there are more than 300 days a year, on average, of sun, if you want your car to retain that new-car look, paint protection film is a must. PPF offers superior protection from cracks caused by intense heat.
Much like a high-SPF sunscreen, PPF provides UV protection for your car’s paint. Under normal circumstances, when a car is stored in direct sunlight, oxidation is accelerated and a car can become faded and worn long before its time. A PPF sun-shield provides a barrier between the sun’s rays that effectively prevents UV-A and UV-B from penetrating the paint coating.
Paint protection film is incredibly easy to clean because it resists the absorption of chemicals like bird droppings, rain spots, and mud. While it’s not recommended you use a drive-thru carwash, handwashing will be a breeze. And, the best part is, no wax is necessary.
Unlike the manufacturer’s paint on your vehicle, aftermarket paint protection film comes with a limited lifetime warranty. At Jet Black Tint, we also include a craftsmanship warranty in case anything goes wrong. You’ll be able to rest easy knowing you’ve made the best investment for your vehicle.
While there are a plethora of advantages offered by paint protection film, it is not without its downsides.
Body damage that exists before the PPF is installed won’t be repaired by covering it up with the film. In fact, it can trap the damage in. In some cases, like a scratch or dent, this can protect the area from further damage. But, in areas where corrosion already exists, it can potentially accelerate the damage the way a bandage can nurture wound infection if left unchanged. If your car is older or used, it should be inspected for damage and repaired prior to PPF installation. The rule of thumb is to wait 30 days after damage repairs are complete to have paint protection film installed.
Paint protection film, while removable, is semi-permanent and should be purchased and installed as though it is a permanent part of the vehicle. As such, cheap or poorly-made film should be avoided as it could potentially cause more damage — i.e. peeling, scratches, or bubbles can trap corrosive chemicals rather than keep them out. High-quality film is a shield and well-made material that prevents a variety of damages, enhancing curb appeal for years to come. The requirement for quality material isn’t a downside, but the price tag that hangs off of it is.
Protective film that is worth it requires professional installation by technicians who are trained and experienced. Professional installation avoids complications and keeps both the protective film and the paint it shields in pristine condition. Paint protection film that is installed by sub-professionals or eager do-it-yourselfers is at risk of leaving gaps or not fully adhering to the car. These application mistakes can cause severe damage and the repairs can cost twice as much as high-quality installation labor costs.
While these are disadvantages, they do help you find and evaluate the best paint protection film material and installer to help you get the protection your car needs.
At Jet Black Tint, we offer a wide variety of PPF options to suit every car and car owner. Our packages range in price from $1500 to $6500 with material from Global Paint Protection Films, one of the industry’s leading film manufacturers. Choose from a simple partial front-end bra to complete coverage that includes full-car window tint for the ultimate in vehicle protection. To schedule your installation, connect with the Jet Black Tint near you today!