Paint Protection Film (PPF)
Paint Protection film is a clear protective wrap which is applied over the top of your paintwork to protect it from physical damage such as stone chips, scuffs and scratches. It comes in gloss or matt finish and self-heals with heat from the sun or water, eliminating swirl marks and stone impact. We are proud to be part of the Suntek Network and are fully trained in installing Suntekl paint protection film.
PPF films are made from clear polyurethane, they are applied to vehicles to protect them from physical damage but also to protect the original paintwork beneath. They are best applied when the car is brand new but it can also be applied to used or older vehicles.
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What areas can you cover with PPF?
PPF Can be applied to any exterior surface apart from textured plastic. We offer a wide variety of coverage, from totally bespoke installs to small areas such as cargo loading areas and vulnerable sections of the car to full coverage of the complete vehicle. Please see the below illustration for the standard options and guide pricing:
The Benefits
If your looking for protection that physically protects your pride and joy from damage then PPF is the answer. Most automotive paint protection systems like ceramic coatings provide excellent protection against dirt and grime but sadly don’t stop the risk of physcial damage like stone chips and scratches from being inflicted.
PPF allows you to use your vehicle, park it in places you would normally worry about and removes that constant worry from the back of your mind reminding you that at any point a stone could flick up or round the next corner could be an overhanging branch. PPF will protect your paintwork from all of this and more!
What PPF do you use?
Suntek Reaction is the latest generation of PPF and the most advanced film on the market. Its self healing, hydrophobic (its repellent) and ultra glossy. Its a 2 in 1 advanced film with a ceramic coating built into its top coat meaning it doesn’t require an additional coating on top. Suntek Reaction is by far the best film on the market currently and we are hearing fantastic feedback from customers regarding its performance. It comes with a 12 year warranty and we offer a 5 year warranty on the physical install and our workmanship.
Can you see it?
Don’t be mislead! PPF is not designed to be invisible, how could it be? Its a clear wrap laid over your original paint and its purpose is to protect the factory paint beneath. We do our best to ensure its as invisible as possible, wrapping edges and concealing joins and in most cases it is near invisible to the untrained eye. Its appearance is optically clear and will enhance the paintwork beneath improving the appearance and in many cases has the ability to hide defects if you opt not to have the vehicle detailed prior. Many companies claim that PPF is invisible and cannot be seen but this is untrue. Using pre-cut patterns the film is designed to wrap the edges of the panel and offer full edge to edge coverage where possible. We will talk through your install with you to explain fitment and make you aware of any areas that may require joins, this is however rare.
How long does it last?
Subject to which brand of film you choose, the warranty can range from 5 years to lifetime, subject to which grade of film you choose. With the correct maintenance and annual check ups the film will last a minimum the warranty period.
Can you take it off?
Yes, one of the many advantages of PPF is it can be removed at any time. For any reason the film may require replacement, this could be due to damage from impacts or due to the age of the film. We highly recommend you bring the vehicle back if for any reason you want the film removed as it should only be done by a professional installer. Once removed the original paintwork beneath will be revealed with no signs there was ever PPF installed.
What are the different types of PPF?
Many moons ago there used to be one brand and one type of PPF. It had a reputation for yellowing easily and was very thick and easily visible. As time has passed technology and investments have seen massive developments into PPF and as a result there are now many different brands and types of PPF on the market. Here at Detail Driven we offer both Gloss finish PPF and Matte/Satin finish PPF. Stealth conversions are becoming ever popular where customers choose to have Matt PPF installed over the gloss paintwork converting the vehicle from Gloss finish to a Matt finish while still being able to offer all the benefits of PPF. Unlike wrapping your vehicle in a vinyl wrap, a stealth conversion will provide all the protection against stone chips and the self healing abilities that you wouldn’t get from a vinyl wrap. Gloss PPF also comes in many different shapes and sizes. Premium shield and STEK now produce a variety of different finishes including Carbon Fibre effect PPF and Gloss Black PPF which again offer all the advantages of PPF with the added benefit of converting the panel into a Carbon fibre finish or Gloss black finish.
Maintenance
Maintaining PPF couldn’t be easier. Many manufacturers advise against using a pressure washer when cleaning a PPF covered vehicles although it can be done if carried out with caution. Wash your vehicle the same way you would if it didn’t have PPF on it. Once the initial drying out period is complete, you are free to wash your vehicle as little or as often as you like. We recommend regular maintenance to ensure optimum performance from the film and to prevent any staining from unwanted contaminants. We recommend you remove bug splatter and bird lime immediately as PPF is still vulnerable to etching from this. You no longer need to worry about being over cautions to prevent swirl marks and wash marring as any defects inflicted during the wash process in time will self heal. If you want to accelerate this process you can pour hot water (not boiling) over the film to activate the healing process. We will provide you with all the guidance and aftercare advice required to correctly maintain your film and vehicle. We carry stock of a wide range of suitable products suitable for this.