A PPF for vehicles, is a thin film applied over the vehicle’s exterior to protect it against dirt, dust, UV rays, and minor scratches. These films are available in various types to suit your budget, needs, and preferences. Since your vehicle is one of the most important investments in your life and you would want it to keep looking brand new, opting for a paint protection film will help protect your hard-earned money. So, let’s take a look at the types of PPF and which option will suit you the best.
Types Of PPFs For Cars, Vans, And Trucks
Different Types Of PPF Based On The Material
The first thing you need to understand is that paint protection films are manufactured using different types of materials. Each material carries varying sets of properties to match the varying needs of vehicle owners. This makes it a lot easier for customers to pick an option based on their requirements.
TPU
The most common material used in the manufacturing of paint protection films is thermoplastic polyurethane, which is known for its exceptional properties. These films are considered high-quality and are manufactured under strict quality controls. As a result, these films are also the most expensive when compared to the other types.
TPU films are widely known for their flexibility, strength, and optical clarity, making them a perfect choice for vehicle owners who want to keep their cars looking shiny. Not only that, but these films are also resistant to scratches and environmental aggressors.
And, when it comes to installation, the elasticity of these films allows the installers to cover any type of vehicle without having to worry about damaging the film. This means it is safe to say that TPU films are not only customers’ favorite, but also the installers’.
TPH
Furthermore, TPH films are also a common option due to being budget-friendly. These films are a hybrid of TPU and PVC. These films contain a high proportion of plasticizer that provides the film transparency and softness, but with time, as the plasticizer leaches out, the film turns yellow and sometimes starts to peel off as well.
It can be risky to have such quality film installed on your vehicle, as it can leave a residue while removing it. Although TPH films are sold at relatively low prices, they tend to damage the vehicle. While a high-quality PPF film is covered by warranty between 5 and 10 years, TPH films last a maximum of 2 years.
Polycarbonate + TPU
Finally, polycarbonate TPU PPFs tend to be the most advanced type of films out there. These films contain Polycarbonate as their base material, making the film achieve splendid gloss, clarity, and strength. TPU films are known to be a lot more effective than regular TPU films as they offer superior scratch protection and hydrophobic abilities.
But, the only downside to polycarbonate PPF films is that they are still under experiment. There are a few installers globally who are offering these films, and these films, due to being expensive, are mostly made for supercars and expensive antique cars for collections.
Types of PPF Based On Appearance
Now that you are familiar with the different types of materials used for the production of PPF, it is equally important to know the different types of films based on appearance, apart from transparent and colored PPFs.
Glossy PPF
Gloss paint protection films are arguably the most popular around the world, as vehicle owners want to protect their unique colored vehicles and keep them brand new. This type of paint protection film is focused on enhancing the original color of the vehicle while protecting it against dirt, tree sap, UV rays, and scratches.
Glossy paint protection films are mostly suited to dark-colored vehicles that are sensitive to swirls and scratches. With a glossy film installed, all you need to do is rinse the vehicle regularly to keep the dirt and dust away and make the vehicle look fresh within a matter of minutes.
Matte PPF
Matt paint protection films are made to make the vehicles stand out. These films are in matte form and come in a huge variety of colors, offering protection against external factors at the same time. Matte paint protection films are also high-quality, meaning they can last for years and do not fade if maintained properly.
These films are used by vehicle owners to offer their vehicles a new color combination if they get bored with the original one. With a matte film installed, the original color and paint of the vehicle remain protected until it is removed.
So, if you are someone who wants the best of both worlds, which is protection and aesthetics, then a matte paint protection film is going to be the perfect option for you. In addition to that, a matte finish is also a popular option for car window tinting Springfield.
How Is A Paint Protection Film Installed?
One thing you need to keep in mind while deciding to install a paint protection film on your vehicle is that the film is only as good as the installation. Paint protection films solely rely on the expertise and skills of the installer when it comes to protection and longevity.
A common problem with installation is that vehicle owners tend to choose amateurs to save money and soon find themselves replacing the films just because they start to peel off. Opting for an expert is always going to be expensive, but worth the money as it is covered by warranty and guarantee.
Expert installations ensure their films will not go anywhere for at least 5 years if the vehicle is regularly maintained. The process of paint protection film takes place in multiple stages. It begins with thoroughly washing and cleaning the vehicle to remove dirt, grime, and contaminants.
Then, the vehicle is detailed to remove any further microscopic contaminants. Once that is done, the experts measure the dimensions of the vehicle and cut the film accordingly. Using a liquid solution and a squeegee, the expert lays the film on the body parts one by one and uses the squeegee to remove the solution for the film to settle down properly.
Finally, the vehicle is sent for curing, where it takes a few hours for the film to cure, which ensures it bonds to the exterior. Depending on the weather conditions, the curing process can either be short or long. During the cold season, it may take a day for the film to properly cure while a few hours if the temperature is hot.
During the curing process, you cannot use the vehicle as it can slow down the curing process and damage the film at the same time.
Conclusion
Regardless of what option you pick, you should always define the purpose and choose a good paint protection film installer Springfield, along with picking a high-quality PPF. In the long run, you will need to maintain the vehicle as well for the film to last longer and for it to protect your vehicle.