PPF is the longest-lasting form of paintwork protection available in the car detailing industry. Not only does it have incredible durability, but it is also the ultimate choice if you are looking for abrasion and impact resistance to keep your car’s paintwork in pristine condition. In this guide, we’ll explain what affects PPF longevity, and how to ensure it lasts as long as possible.
Typical PPF Lifespan
Paint protection film (PPF) typically lasts between 8-12 years depending on the type of film applied. Most PPF installers will offer a warranty period covering defects in the film e.g. yellowing, cracking and blistering. In order to achieve the maximum potential longevity of the film, it needs to be installed by a trained or accredited professional, and be maintained properly.
What Affects PPF Longevity?
There are four main factors which affect how long paint protection film lasts. These are:
- Film quality
- Installation process
- Aftercare & maintenance
- Environment & storage
Film Quality
There are various PPF products available in the UK, and the durability differs between them. All reputable PPF brands will offer a manufacturer’s warranty period, covering imperfections in the film which are not caused by accidental or intentional damage. This typically covers issues such as yellowing, blistering, peeling, and cracking. In order to be eligible for this coverage, the PPF must be applied by a certified installer. That’s why it’s very important to choose a PPF installer with the relevant training and experience.
Here’s a list of some of the most popular paint protection films in the UK, and their warranty periods when applied by a certified professional:
- XPEL Ultimate Plus – 10 years
- SunTek PPF Ultra – 10 years
- Pro PP – 10 years
- Avery Dennison Supreme Defense – 10 years
- 3M Scotchgard – 10 years
- LLumar Platimum Extra PPF – 10 years
- Stek DYNOShield – 12 years
- UltraNAX PPF – 12 years
- Solar Gard Clearshield Pro – 12 years
- Gyeon PPF – 10-12 years or lifetime warranty
Installation Process
As we mentioned in the previous section, in order to ensure the PPF is covered by a manufacturer’s warranty, it needs to be applied by a trained or certified professional. This is because the PPF installation process is complicated and requires skill and experience. It also needs to be carried out in an indoor, temperature-controlled environment which is free from dust.
If the PPF is installed incorrectly, or the surface is not prepared thoroughly before installation, then the film will not adhere properly. This means that you’re likely to encounter issues such as peeling and bubbling.
The PPF installation process typically takes 2-5 days to complete, depending on the level of coverage required. Here is a basic outline of the process:
- The car is thoroughly washed and decontaminated (iron removal, tar removal and clay bar treatment). This is crucial to make sure the surface is clean and free from bonded contaminants which cause the paint to feel rough.
- All the panels are degreased using a panel wipe solution. This removes any remaining oils or residues on the finish, which would otherwise prevent the film from adhering.
- The vehicle make and model is matched to a database and the PPF sections are printed and cut to size if required.
- The film is sprayed with a slip solution which acts as lubricant when positioning it.
- The film is positioned on the panel and a squeegee is used on small areas to keep the film in place.
- Once the positioning is confirmed, the film is gently stretched into place, taking care not to cause wrinkling by overstretching.
- The remaining slip solution and air bubbles are removed using a squeegee.
- The film is then allowed to cure for 24-48 hours.
Choose a Professional PPL Installer
Most PPF installers typically complete a training course in order to become competent. We have completed the Pyramid Car Care PPF Installation Training Course which consisted of 1-2-1 training in surface preparation, PPF cutting and plotting, and the installation process itself.
Aftercare
Even if a quality film is installed by a trained professional, if it’s not looked after properly, then it won’t last for its maximum potential lifespan. Maintaining PPF isn’t a tricky process, but there are some key things to keep in mind:
- The car should not be washed for at least 7-14 days after the PPF has been installed. During this time, the PPF needs to adhere and cure fully.
- Never take the vehicle through an automatic (tunnel) or roadside car wash station. They use aggressive chemicals and tools which damage the PPF.
- Only use PPF-compatible products to wash and maintain the film. PPF can be enhanced with certain ceramic coatings and sealants, but waxes which contain hydrocarbons must be avoided as they will damage the film.
- Don’t use tar remover (or any other solvents) near the film’s edges. This can soften the adhesive and cause the film to lift at the edges.
- Do not use abrasives on the film e.g. polishes or clay bars (or synthetic clay mitts, clay towels etc).
- Avoid the use of aggressive or caustic chemicals to clean the PPF as this can lead to staining.
- Do not aim a pressure washer too close to the film’s edges as this can cause them to lift.
Washing a Car with PPF
In addition to these rules, it’s also important to use “safe” wash techniques to clean a vehicle with PPF, in order to prevent swirl marks and marring. Here’s a quick guide to washing a car with PPF:
- Pre-wash the car using snow foam and rinse with a pressure washer (at a safe distance) before hand-washing. This removes as much abrasive dirt as possible before the hand-wash stage, and hence the risk of inflicting swirl marks.
- Use the two-bucket method to wash the car. Have one bucket of water filled with car shampoo solution, and a separate bucket with just clean water. After you wash each panel, rinse the mitt in the bucket of clean water before dunking it back into the shampoo. This reduces dirt build-up on the wash mitt. Alternatively, you can use a fresh wash mitt for each panel.
- Use premium microfibre wash mitts and towels. Never use sponges, brushes, chamois leather, or bath towels, as these will cause swirls and marring.
- Wash the car from top to bottom, saving the dirtiest areas for last.
- Use straight-line motions when washing.
- Don’t wash the car in direct sunlight or when the surface is warm/hot.
- Wash the car frequently (ideally every 2 weeks and no less than once per month).
Environment & Storage
High-quality PPF which is installed and maintained properly should last 8-12 years regardless of whether it’s stored outdoors and driven often. However, exposing the film to harsher conditions will have an effect on the overall lifespan of the film. To mitigate the effect of airborne contamination and traffic film build-up, the car should be washed frequently. This will keep the PPF is the best possible condition.
When Should PPF Be Replaced?
PPF should be regularly inspected to ensure it’s free from defects such as yellowing, blistering, peeling, or cracking. It’s recommended to have most films replaced every 10-12 years, before any of these issues have a chance to develop. If the film is left on for a very long time, it can be harder to remove without damaging the paint underneath. If the PPF is removed after an appropriate length of time by a trained PPF installer, the paintwork underneath will be left completely unharmed.
The process of PPF removal involves using heat (usually a heat gun or steam cleaner), to gently soften the adhesive so the film can be slowly peeled away. Any remaining adhesive residue can then be removed using a specialist chemical. It’s important not to attempt this process yourself at home, and instead go to a PPF installer to prevent damage to the paint.
Once the PPF has been removed, the surface can then be degreased and a new layer can be applied. Alternatively, the paint can be left bare or protected with another option such as a ceramic coating.
Tips to Extend the Life of PPF
Here are some key tips to ensure your PPF lasts as long as possible:
- Allow the PPF to full cure before washing the car. This usually takes 7-14 days, but your PPF installer will be able to advise on the exact timescale required.
- Wash the car regularly and remove bird droppings, tree sap, and bug splatter as soon as possible by washing the affected area.
- Avoid overly aggressive or caustic chemicals. Stick to pH neutral wash products.
- Avoid the use of tar removers and other solvents near the film’s edges.
- Make sure to keep the pressure washer nozzle at a safe distance from the vehicle.
- Don’t use clay bars or other abrasives e.g. polishes and compounds.
- Inspect the film regularly for any signs of damage.
- Never take the car through an automatic car wash.
Expert PPF Installers in Hertfordshire
We are Hertfordshire’s trusted PPF experts, offering a range of packages from front-end PPF, to full coverage. We use Pyramid Car Care PPF which comes with a 12-year manufacturer’s warranty, self-healing technology, incredible chemical and UV resistance, and excellent optical clarity. Get in touch with our team today if you’re interested in having your vehicle protected with industry-leading PPF.