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Originally Posted On: https://www.winterparktint.com/7-questions-to-ask-before-getting-a-paint-protection-film

 

Are you an enthusiast looking to retain the fresh look of your car’s exterior? Well, paint protection does more than make your car beautiful. It shields your car’s exterior from harsh external elements, extending its usage.

However, navigating the $280 million paint protection film industry can be daunting, especially when you’re a newbie. Don’t make the mistake of buying a protection film before doing some background research.

Considering the paint protection options before buying one increases your odds of getting value for money. Are you wondering where to start? Here are the seven questions you should ask.

1. What’s the Difference Between a Paint Protection Film, a Wax, and a Coating?

Waxing is a traditional form of vehicle paint protection. It’s a sacrificial layer that people apply to their cars to give them an extra sheen. The wax layer thins out every time you wash the car until it eventually wears off.

A coating is similar to waxing; only it offers protection for a longer period. You can survive on a coating once you apply it for up to five years. Waxing, on the other hand, needs to be re-applied up to four times a year to protect your car’s paint.

A protection film is an invisible 8 mm–thick layer for protecting your car’s exterior against many threats. Protection films are easy to clean and excellent at preserving the sparkle of your car’s original paint.

A protection film is the most durable as it can last up to seven years. Aside from protecting your car against dents and abrasions, it offers protection during minor collisions.

Paint protection films are ultra-hydrophobic; they offer maximum protection to your car’s paint against damage by water.

2. What Is the Cost of Paint Protection Film?

The cost depends on many factors, such as the space you want to cover. Some people prefer to go for only the important areas such as the bumper. Such people will pay less than those who’d like to apply the protection film to the whole exterior.

Pricing is also dependent on the service provider you’re working with. Try and work with reputable brands with a history of providing high-quality service.

Sample a few such brands and ask for a quotation for their services. The simple exercise will help you have a feel of the prevailing market prices for different protection film options.

3. Can You Wash Your Vehicle After Installing a Protection Film?

You won’t encounter any problems with vehicle paint protection when you wash a car. But only start the washing a week or two after the installation. This is the amount of time the protection film takes to stick on your car properly.

When washing a car with a protection film, stick to these rules. First, never use abrasive cleaning substances to wash the car. These cleaning agents pose a serious threat of damage to the protective film.

Second, it’s better to hand-clean the car with a micro-fiber if you want to extend the life of the protection film. Using a pressure washer is fine, too but take care not to use the washer directly on the film’s edges.

4. What Happens if an Accident Damages the Paint Protection Film?

Paint protection films have a self-healing feature. This capability gives them excellent regeneration capabilities during minor collisions. For instance, the film can smoothen out dents when you get into a fender bender.

Suppose the damage from the accident is extensive; you’ll have two options. You can remove and replace the parts of the protection film that have sustained serious damage. Alternatively, you can replace the entire protection film in case of a severe collision.

5. What Are the Protection Film Options at Your Disposal?

The most common options are a full vehicle PPF, a full front PPF, and a partial front PPF. The partial front package focuses on protecting the most vulnerable parts of the vehicle. The protection film covers the fenders, the bumper, and the hood.

The full vehicle package offers protection to all exterior parts of your car. The protection film covers all painted surfaces, including the tail lamps and the headlamps. Professionals roll all the edges, if possible when installing this package.

The full front package covers the front headlamps, the full hood, the backs of mirrors, and the whole of the front fenders. Professionals wrap all the possible edges, so seams or lines aren’t visible on the middle panels. This package is great for people who want comprehensive protection for the front of their cars.

6. How Do I Choose the Best Package?

People have different tastes and needs, but the full-vehicle PPF is the best choice. This is because you get to protect every inch of the car’s exterior. But the package is pricey compared to the others, so you’ll have to sacrifice it.

The partial front PPF is the most affordable package. It’s suitable for people on a budget, but they prioritize protecting the key areas of their car. A partial front PPF will suit you well when you drive under normal conditions most of the time.

The full-front PPF is the middle-ground package. It offers comprehensive protection to specific parts of your vehicle while at the same time giving you a stylish look.

7. Should I Ask for a Warranty?

It would be best to insist on a warrant when getting a protection film. A brand that offers high-quality service shouldn’t have a problem giving you a warranty. Further, take a moment to scrutinize the contents of the warranty.

Make sure that they are favorable to both parties. Run if a service provider asks you to pay extra for a warranty. They may be fraudsters.

Extend the Durability of Your Car’s Exterior

Getting a paint protection film is a solution if you’ve been searching for a way to protect your car’s exterior. PPF shields your car from adverse elements that are notorious for ruining the paint jobs of the car. Moreover, the transparent and glossy look of PPF gives your car an elegant look.

PPF offers long-term protection to your car as it can last up to seven years. Reach out to Winter Park Tint and Paint Protection and get yours today by contacting Winter Park Tint and Paint Protection for a free estimate.