Many vehicle owners in Boston MA and the surrounding areas would likely have heard about paint protection films, online or offline. In fact, chances are high that friends and families already have this protection film installed.
If you’re the type that loves to research products before shelling out your money, you’re likely wondering if all those marketing points about paint protection films are true. The truth is, some of those points sound too good to be true.
This article helps you clarify the buzz, ensuring that you know the real truth about the product. You will also be able to make a decision on whether to get one for your vehicle or not.
Here are the myths and truths about paint protection films.
Myth 1: Vinyl is the same as Paint Protection Film
False!
There’s been a lot of debate among vehicle owners on paint protection films and the material. In most cases, vehicle owners find it hard to differentiate between the protection film and the vinyl wrap. However, both are different products.
Vinyl wraps, also known as color-changing wraps, are used to change the aesthetic appearance of vehicles. The light vinyl material is laid over the vehicle to save cost on repainting it. Vinyl wraps can also be used to introduce graphics (advertisement or not) to a vehicle.
On the other hand, Paint Protection Films are much thicker and heavier. They are also crystal clear and used to cover the existing vehicle color to prevent scratches. This material protects the original paint from weather hazards, scratches, and other aesthetic problems.
It is important to note that paint protection films are also available in different colors, including matte, satin finish, carbon fiber finishes, and color finishes. These color options are quite recent. So, a Paint Protection Film is your best bet if you’re looking to protect your vehicle’s paint and keep it glossy for a long time.
Myth 2: Paint Protection Films Don’t Leave Seams On The Car
False!
Paint protection film application is an art. This means that some installers are better than others. With that established, expert installers may install the material without leaving seams on your car, while others may leave seams. Not to worry, the film is usually hard to discover once it has been fully installed so you may not have to worry much about the seams.
Unsure of how to choose an expert for the installation process? Ask them about their installation method. There are two primary methods for installing paint protection films. They are;
- Custom or bulk-forming the paint protection film to the panel and then cutting/trimming the edges
- Pre-cutting the paint protection film to match the installation part and then laying it over from edge to edge.
While both methods have advantages and disadvantages, the pre-cut method is the commonest. With the pre-cut method, installers deal with smaller material volume and area, allowing them to install the film better.
Please note that installers may adopt different installation methods based on the type of vehicle they have at hand. For example, it may be better to roll the paint protection film over smaller vehicles compared to SUVs.
Myth 3: Paint Protection Film Installation Is Never Perfect
False!
Although the paint protection film installation process can often be complex and complicated, it can also be perfect. There are trained and experienced installers who do their due diligence to ensure that edges and lines are perfect during the installation process.
Car owners can also improve the chances of a successful installation by choosing experienced installers with a reputable track record. Installations are also generally better when the installer caters to existing aesthetic problems like dust, scratches, debris, rock chips, dents, and others.
You can also ask the installer if they have a clean room where the installation takes place. Clean rooms ensure that the film does not trap debris.
Myth 4: Paint Protection Films Are Designed To Last Forever
False!
Paint protection films are designed to protect the vehicle’s surface and paint from scratches and weather elements. As a sacrificial layer, the film itself is exposed to UV rays, dirt, dust, and other chemicals which could have degraded the vehicle’s paint.
While paint protection films are thick and heavy to withstand weather elements, they are also degradable. This means that they won’t last forever, however, you may be able to get longer protection based on the material and installation quality, your location and weather condition, as well as exposure to chemical and other degrading materials.
Myth 5: All Paint Protection Film Installations Are The Same
False!
You’ll find that there are different types of paint protection films at different prices. This is because the material or installation differs from another. For example, you may get an installation for $1,000, while another person may get it for more or less.
You may be able to get the best installation and installation prices from companies that offer bulk paint protection film installations. Chances are high that such companies may have been supplied at a discount.
