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Below we have tried to answer the most frequently asked questions related to paint protection film (PPF). If there's something we haven't covered or you would like more information on these subjects please contact us and we will be happy to help.
Paint protection film is made from a virtually invisible urethane. It can be applied to any painted area requiring protection from stone chips, light scratches and other road debris. Some films feature self healing properties, and superior stain resistance.
Absolutely! Although only to a certain extent of course. Designed to self heal light scratches and light stone chips. The top coat is the self-healing layer and is approximately 13 microns thick. If that layer is penetrated, the film will not heal.
Before the paint protection film is applied to the surface, we design and pre-cut specific panels using our precision cut Graphtec FC8600-160 plotter. This ensures that there is no need for cutting on the vehicle whatsoever and leaves a flawless & virtually invisible finish. Our pre-cut designs are then applied using our specially formulated solution and squeegee method. We do not use heat to stretch or tack the film unlike vinyl or other paint protection films.
Yes, thanks to our specific preparation method our paint protection films can be safely removed if needed without leaving any glue residue or damage to the surface, (providing the paint is factory original and / or has been re finished with a factory approved bodyshop).
Yes, the manufacturers we use offer 5, 7, and 10 year warranties against cracking, peeling, yellowing, hazing and bubbling. Typically the most popular versions we use are Xpel Ultimate Plus and SunTek Ultra, both of these paint protection films come with a 10 year warranty.
Yes, our paint protection films are designed to allow the suns UV rays to pass through the film so paintwork will fade at the same rate as unprotected paintwork in a uniform fashion.
Please check with your body shop who are carrying out the refinish and see what they recommend. The time will vary depending on the paint system the body shop has used. In any case, the time that they recommend you should wait to wax the paint, is the same time you will need to wait to install paint protection film.
Sealants such as Gtechniq Halo will not hurt the film or interfere with the paint protection film's self healing properties and is safe to use after installation. However we do not recommend applying these types of sealants before installation. The low surface energy of paint sealant products such as these will cause adhesion problems both during installation and over the life of the product.
Yes, although we will need to prepare the vehicle in a specific way to ensure adhesion isn't compromised.
Yes, film can be installed over any quality of touch-up. Though the best possible appearance will be achieved if the touched in area has been sanded smooth and buffed.
Yes, paint protection film can be applied to headlights and fog lights, and is a great way to protect those most vulnerable areas from getting stone chips.
Yes, however depending on how thick the vinyl / sticker is, you may get a slight air channel running around the edge.
Yes, any surface can be protected providing that surface is completely smooth.
A very similar process as you would before the film was applied. We would recommend waiting around 7 days before washing after film has be applied. If using a power washer avoid getting too close to any edges, a distance of around 2-3 feet is suitable and will prevent lifting. Try to wax the film once a month or after every wash using a liquid spray on wax, this will help prevent bug splatter and tree sap from sticking to the surface. Use only PH neutral products and avoid harsh chemical that contain Petroleum, Kerosene, and Naphtha.
It is highly unlikely for paint protection film to harm OEM paint. Paint systems used on modern assembly lines today produce a minimum bond strength of 16 MPa and maximum of 25 MPa between the panel and the paint depending on color, iridescence and the system used. Our film’s bond to the painted surface at normal state (immediately following installation) is .0753 MPa. Even after years of heat and sun, the bond between the film and the paint increases to only 0.17 MPa. What that means is in the absolute worst case scenario, the bond of factory paint to the panel is over 94 times stronger than the bond of our film to the paint. In the best case, the paint is 332 times stronger.
Have some questions about our services, or just need some general advice? Contact us below or call on 01252 878752 and a member of our team will be more than happy to help!
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