Is Paint Protection Film Worth It For You? How To Know

Last Updated on June 18, 2023 by Chase Manhattan

Does Paint Protection Film Work?

Yes, paint protection film works to protect your car. It is a polyurethane based film that is applied to your car’s upper most layer of paint known as the clear coat. Instead of your car’s paint job taking the abuse from the elements, the film absorbs the impact and the stickiness instead acting as the best, superior protection method on the market. This makes PPF a great option for those who don’t have a covered garage, or any other kind of car cover.

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For car owners with high valued cars, paint protection film is usually applied over a layer of ceramic coating. For example, the ceramic coating will be applied to the clear coat, the paint protection film applied on top of the ceramic coating, and then a high quality wax will be applied on top of the paint protection film. With this set up, it’s near impossible to damage your car’s paint job unless you find yourself in an accident of sorts.

All in all, it’s important to understand the benefits of waxing your car, ceramic coatings, and paint protection film itself to understand which protection method may be best for you.

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Is Paint Protection Film Really Worth The Cost?

Determing if paint protection film is really worth the cost will depending on the car owners and their car’s value. If you’re someone who has an expensive car, it will be a financially wise decision to protect the car’s exterior but if you have a basic car that’s used only for transportation it may not be worth the investment.

So ask yourself, what are your goals with your car? Is your car an exotic car that will carry a high resale value, is it a “beater” that you only use as a basic form of transportation, or is it somewhere in between? Each case will vary, along with the costs of a paint protection film for each application.

For new cars, and cars valued above $10,000 dollars USD, my personal recommendation would be that paint protection film is truly worth the investment. However, I do want to stress that the case is different for each person. If you’re someone who is comfortable installing paint protection film by yourself, then the value of your car is not such a big factor as you can install it yourself realtively cheaply.

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Can You Remove Protective Paint Film?

Yes, you can remove paint protection film. The process of removing paint protection film can be done a few different ways, but my favorite is relatively simple and can be done at home with the right tools.

Here are the steps to removing paint protection film:

1. heat the film with a heat gun or hairdryer to soften the adhesive
2. use a plastic scraper or credit card to gently lift the edge of the film
3. slowly peel the film back at a 45-degree angle, being careful not to damage the paint underneath
4. If any film remains, use a solvent such as rubbing alcohol or Goo Gone to remove it.
5. wash and wax the area to restore its shine

It is important to note that if the film has been on for an extended period of time, it may be more difficult to remove and may require professional assistance.

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How Long Does Does Paint Protection Film Last?

How long paint protection film will last depends on various factors such as the quality of the film, the type of environment the car is exposed to, and how well it is maintained. Generally, high-quality paint protection films can last up to 5-10 years with proper care and maintenance.

However, some films may start to show signs of wear and tear after a few years. It is important to note that the lifespan of paint protection film can be extended by avoiding harsh chemicals, washing the car regularly, and avoiding exposure to extreme weather conditions.

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FAQs and Related Questions

What Does Paint Protection Film Protect From?

Paint protection film is designed to protect the paint from scratches, chips, and other types of damage that can occur from everyday driving. It can also protect the paint from damage caused by environmental factors such as UV rays, acid rain, and bird droppings. Additionally, paint protection film can help to maintain the appearance of a vehicle by preventing fading and discoloration over time.

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Is Paint Protection Film Better Than Ceramic Coating?

I wouldn’t say that paint protection film is better than ceramic coating, as a matter of fact, many car owners decide to apply the paint protection film on top of their ceramic coating layer.

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