Do you care about protecting your luxury vehicle’s exterior? Dirt, grime, bugs, debris, and environmental conditions can wreak havoc on your car’s factory paint, not to mention scuffs, scratches, and chips from daily driving. Your run-of-the-mill waxes, paint sealants, and coatings will not cut it when it comes to protecting against these damages. If you want to defend your car against these types of roadside hazards and keep it looking brand new, you need a top-of-the-line paint protection film.
So what is paint protection film exactly, and is it worth it? The short answer is yes, but let’s dive into everything you need to know about PPF from the experts at Pista Film Solutions. We are a leading paint protection film installer in the Seattle area and are here to educate you on all things paint protection and luxury car care.
What is Paint Protection Film?
Put simply, paint protection film is a transparent, nearly invisible polymer protective coating for your vehicle. The material attaches to your car and becomes like a second skin, protecting the factory paint underneath against scratches, chips, dings, UV damage, swirl marks, and more. Notable features of paint protection include its strength, flexibility, UV resistance, chemical resistance, edge seal technology, and self-healing properties. Other names for paint protection film include Clear Bra, Clear Wrap, and PPF.
How Does Paint Protection Film Work?
Paint protection film comes in pre-set rolls and is typically installed on high-impact areas of your vehicle, such as the front bumper, side mirrors, hood, and doors. At Pista Film Solutions we use DAP Xpel software to precut specific PPF patterns for every panel of your vehicle with precision. After the layouts have been precut, our technique includes applying the film and making sure there is no debris, stretch marks or bubbles trapped underneath. Our last step is a heating process around the edges to secure the film attachment to the vehicle and avoid any future lifts or pealing, this results in a clean application of PPF.
So, how does this film work to protect against damage once it is applied? Compared to factory paint, which is highly rigid, this polymer film is extremely flexible and will absorb the impact. So, if your car is hit by a rock or scratched by another vehicle, the film will spread out the impact and protect the paint underneath from being touched. It also traps pollutants, chemicals, and UV rays inside the film, protecting the paint underneath from contamination.
Common Threats to Your Vehicles Paint
A number of items can threaten the quality and appearance of your vehicle’s factory paint. From too much sun and car wash chemicals to rock chips and flying debris, paint protection is a valuable investment to protect against common roadside damages, such as:
UV Rays
UV rays from the sun can cause your factory paint to oxidize and lose its color and shine.
Chemicals & Liquids
Due to its hydrophobic properties, paint protection film protects against harsh chemicals, contaminants, alloys, and moisture.
Impact Damage
Scratches, scuffs, and dings from rocks, debris, and other cars can all cause permanent damage to your factory paint.
Dirt and Debris
When driving, you are susceptible to roadside dirt, debris, and other environmental hazards that can damage your vehicle.
If you are concerned about any of these elements damaging your new car, paint protection film is definitely something you should consider installing.
Top Reasons Why Paint Protection is Worth it For Your Vehicle
Now that you know what paint protection is, how it works, and what it protects against, let’s get into the top reasons why PPF is well worth the investment.
PPF Vs. Ceramic Coating Vs. Clear Bra
Now that you are well versed in all the benefits of PPF, you may be wondering how it compares to other protective materials such as “ceramic coatings” or “clear bra.” Clear Bra is actually just another term for Paint Protection Film. So when someone is talking about a clear bra or Paint protection film, know that they mean the same thing – a clear, polymer protective coating.
Ceramic coatings, on the other hand, are a bit different from PPF. Ceramic coating aims to protect paint against tarnishing, staining, and oxidizing from UV rays and other chemicals. These coatings do not offer the same physical damage protection as paint protection film. While PPF is 8 mil or 8 thousandths of an inch and thick enough to protect from paint damage in 95% of the cases, ceramic coating is much thinner. However, they both still provide a shiny, glossy finish and some amount of protection for your factory paint. At Pista Film Solutions, we offer paint protection film and ceramic coatings so our customers can double up on paint protection for their vehicles.
How Much is Paint Protection Film in Seattle?
If you want to safeguard your vehicle’s factory paint, preserve its appearance, and maintain a high resale value, applying a paint protection film is your best option. But how much does it cost? Paint protection film is known to be expensive, and costs can be hard for vehicle owners to nail down as they depend on several factors.
Some key factors that come into play when looking at PPF costs include:
- How much of the car you cover
- What type of PPF you use
- The installer you choose
Here’s a closer look at the three main factors that will impact the cost of your PPF installation.
Size Of Your Vehicle
Size is an important factor to consider when choosing to install PPF. For example, a small car is going to cost less to cover than a large SVU. Furthermore, many vehicle owners opt to cover the most vulnerable parts of their car, such as the front bumper, hood, and side mirrors, as it is more cost-effective.
You can expect partial coverage of your vehicle’s most vulnerable areas to cost anywhere from $1,000 – $2,500, depending on the exact dimensions. If you are in the market for a full vehicle wrap, it can run you anywhere from $3,000 -$7,000.
Type of PPF
Pricing will also vary based on the brand of PPF you choose. Common brands include Llumar, XPEL Ultimate, SunTek, and 3M Scotchgard. Your PPF installer can debrief you on the difference in price between brands as well as their different features.
PPF Installer
Installation is a big factor when it comes to the cost of PPF. The more experienced and professional your installer is, the more expensive it will likely be. However, a high-quality installation is important for the appearance and longevity of your PPF – and also can help to minimize costs for upkeep and repair.
When looking at the cost of paint protection, you’ll want to consider not only the upfront cost but also the long-term value it can provide. It can save you money in repair and maintenance costs – you won’t have to touch up your paint or wax your vehicle, and it can help you get a better deal if you decide to sell your car in the future. It will enhance your everyday driving experience, which can be invaluable for some vehicle owners.
To learn more about the cost of paint protection film packages at Pista Film Solutions, visit here.
The Bottom Line - Invest in Paint Protection Film For Your Vehicle Today
If you want the ultimate level of paint protection for your vehicle – you need to invest in PPF. While it can be a significant investment upfront, its long-term benefits greatly outweigh the initial costs, especially for new cars or luxury vehicles.
Pista Film Solutions is an XPEL Ultimate Plus certified PPF installer in the Seattle area and can install your film with exceptional care and precision. Contact us today if you are interested in XPEL Ultimate Plus paint protection film in Seattle, Bellevue, and surrounding areas.
