One of the best things you can do to help your car last longer is to get a high-quality paint protection film (PPF). This thermoplastic urethane layer is sometimes called a “clear cover.” It protects against rock chips, road salt, and bird droppings by acting as a sacrificial barrier. But, like any high-end car update, how long it lasts relies a lot on how you take care of it.
Most professional films come with a good guarantee, but if you take care of them appropriately, you may extend that protection to 10 years. Here are five important things you can do to make sure your PPF wrap remains clean and works well for ten years.
1. The Rule of 48 Hours
The first few days after you put on the car paint protection are the most important. The moisture that was utilized during the installation requires time to dry so that the glue can stick to the clear coat completely.
- Don’t wash your automobile for at least 48 to 72 hours.
- Don’t touch any little “moisture bubbles” you observe; they normally go away on their own as the film dries.
- Garage it! If you can, keep the automobile in a covered place so it doesn’t get wet or hit by debris during this time when it is most susceptible.
2. Learn how to wash with your hands well
Automated “brush” vehicle washes are bad for a PPF automobile that lasts a long time. The heavy, spinning brushes typically pick up dirt from the last dirty truck, which may micro-scratch the film’s surface.
- Use the Two-Bucket Method. Always wash your car by hand using a pH-neutral car shampoo. One bucket for shampoo and one for clean water to wash.
- Warning! When using a pressure washer, the nozzle should be at least 12 inches away from the margins of the film. If the pressure is too high, it might grab a seam and lift the film.
3. Get rid of contaminants right away
Modern paint protection film is amazing since it can “heal” itself, but it isn’t immune to chemicals. If you leave bird droppings, insect spray, or tree sap in the light for too long, they may etch into the film since they are quite acidic.
- Keep a quick detailer in your trunk, such as a spray bottle and a clean microfiber cloth, for instant cleaning.
- Spot Clean all the time. If you see a bird strike, clean it off right away after you park. This stops the acid from irreversibly coloring the urethane.
4. Use Waxes and Sealants Made for PPF
A lot of owners want to know whether they can wax a PPF wrap. Yes, but be careful: don’t use goods that include petroleum distillates, naphtha, or kerosene in them. Over time, these chemicals may break down the glue and make the film yellow.
- Don’t Use Abrasives like polishing compounds or “cleaner waxes” on the film since they will dull the finish.
- Go Ceramic! The best approach to make the film even simpler to clean is to use a special ceramic coating made only for film.
5. Be careful with the edges
Most film failures start at the margins. Don’t “scrub” the seams where the film meets the painted panel while you are drying your automobile. Instead, use a soft microfiber towel to dry the spots. Also, don’t use any powered buffers at the margins of the car paint protection. The friction might create enough heat to melt or raise the film border.
Why You Can’t Negotiate Quality Installation
If the first application was wrong, maintenance can only accomplish so much. A professional fit is the first step in getting ten years of protection. Professional PPF vehicle installers make sure that edges are tucked in as much as possible and that the film is stretched appropriately so that it doesn’t peel or “finger” at the corners too soon.
Take care of your investment now
The paint on your automobile is a limited resource; if it is damaged or chipped, it will never be the same. With the greatest protection in the market, you can keep your car looking like new for years to come.
Call Insta Tints now to find out more about our high-quality paint protection film packages. Let’s keep your car looking great for the next ten years!
