PPF stands for poly-carbonate polymer, and it is a type of film that is affixed to the inside of your vehicle’s exterior. The film serves two main purposes: It protects against ultraviolet rays, which can cause paint damage; and it protects against road debris from damaging the paint underneath.
Table of Contents
What is a PPF?
A PPF is a polymer film that protects the exterior of your car. It’s also known as a clear bra, although some people use the terms interchangeably. A PPF can be applied to any vehicle and costs between $450 and $1,200 depending on its size and complexity.
A PPF consists of three layers: an outer layer that holds everything together; an adhesive middle layer; and an inner layer that protects against UV rays while allowing moisture to escape through tiny pores in its surface (this prevents peeling).
How does a PPF work?
A PPF is a thin, transparent film that protects the paint from scratches and dents. It’s applied to the surface of your car in much the same way as wax or polish. To keep it in place, there are also adhesives that are applied to hold down any loose edges of film to ensure it stays on your vehicle for as long as possible.
The PPF does not change the color or look of your vehicle; it simply adds another layer overtop whatever color scheme you have already chosen for yourself. The end result will be something similar to what happens when you put clear coatings on furniture–it adds protection without changing anything else about how things look at first glance!
Advantages of a PPF
If you’re thinking of getting a PPF, here are some advantages:
- Protects your car from scratches. If you’ve ever parked in a parking lot and returned to find that someone has scratched the side of your vehicle, then PPF is for you. A clear coat paint protection film will protect against this kind of damage and keep it looking brand new for years to come.
- Reduces the need for repainting. Another great benefit is that it helps reduce the need for repainting or re-spraying over time because it protects against rusting as well as other forms of corrosion such as pitting or chipping on bumpers etc., which can happen if they’re not protected by a layer of clear coat paint protection film!
- Protects against fading. If you live in an area that has extreme temperatures, then a clear coat paint protection film can help your car look much newer for longer. This is because it protects against the sun’s UV rays and therefore prevents fading of any kind on your vehicle’s exterior. It also reduces the need for waxing or polishing, which means less time spent on caring for your car!
Disadvantages of a PPF
The disadvantages of a PPF are:
- In general, PPFs are more expensive than conventional car waxes or polishes. The price difference is due to the fact that most PPFs are custom-made for specific vehicles and require an experienced installer who can apply them correctly.
- Labor time/difficulty of application. Applying a PPF requires more time than other types of paint protection products because it requires precise application and removal, which may take up to two hours per vehicle depending on how much surface area needs protection and whether there are any dents or scratches in need of repair before applying the film itself (which must be done before installing).
Does a PPF protect you from scratches and dents?
Not all PPF’s are created equal, and some provide more protection than others. A good PPF will protect your vehicle from scratches and chips. But it won’t prevent dents, even if they’re caused by other cars or objects in the road.
If someone crashes into the side of your car, for example–or if you hit something like a curb or tree–the impact can leave behind deep scratches that go through the paint job and into the metal underneath it (known as “metal surface rust”). These types of damage will still need repairs even after installing a protective coating on top of them; however, they won’t be as obvious because they’ll be covered up by this new layer!
Will the color of your car change after applying a PPF?
While it’s true that the color of your car will not change after applying a PPF, this isn’t because the paint protection film is so strong that it overpowers the base coat. The fact is that PPF doesn’t actually affect the color of anything at all. Instead, it protects against scratches and dings in such a way that they can be easily removed by rubbing them out with a cloth or sponge soaked in water or soap (depending on what type of product was used).
So what determines whether something has been protected with PPF? In short: base coat! Base coats are what give each car its unique hue; therefore, if there’s already one present on your vehicle when you apply your new coating–and there likely will be–then nothing needs changing about its appearance afterward.
Reasons to install PPF with a professional
To ensure the best results, it’s best to have a professional apply your paint protection film. The application of a PPF requires specialized equipment and training. It can also be messy, so if you don’t want to damage your car or make a mess in the process, hiring a professional is the safest bet. A pro will know how best to apply their product so that it maximizes its effectiveness and protects against UV rays without affecting visibility through windows or windshields (or blocking radio signals).
When you apply a PPF yourself, there’s always the risk that you’ll miss a spot or make an error in your application. The result? Your car won’t be as protected as it could be.
When you get your car professionally applied, the job will last for years to come. There’s no need to worry about reapplying or repairing any damage that may occur down the road. With a professional PPF application, you can be sure that your vehicle is protected against UV rays and other environmental hazards such as bird droppings, tree sap and more.
Look for a product that’s easy to apply and lasts long
If you want to protect your car from scratches, look for a product that’s easy to apply and lasts long. If you’re not sure which is the best PPF for you, check out some guide on what makes a good PPF.
You should also consider whether the paint protection film will last long enough for its price tag. If it doesn’t last as long as advertised (or at all), then spending money on something like this could be pointless when compared with other options available on the market today.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the best way to find the right PPF for your vehicle is by doing your research. There are several factors to consider when shopping for one, including what type of coverage you need (i.e., collision vs. comprehensive). Once you have an idea of what type of coverage works best for you, it’s time to start looking at quotes from different companies who offer these types of policies so that you can determine which offer will give you the most bang for your buck!
