PPF FAQ’s

All the FAQ’s, answered

WHAT IS PAINT PROTECTION FILM (PPF)?

Paint protection film (PPF), also known as clear bra or stone guard, offers the best way to shield a car from physical damage such as stone chips/scratches/vandalism etc, it is widely recognised as the ultimate way to preserve a vehicle’s finish.
PPF is a transparent layer of polyurethane film which is applied to the exterior (and sometimes interior) surfaces of a car. It can be used to cover the entire vehicle or specific areas such as the front bumper, bonnet, door mirrors, windscreen and headlights to shield them from stone chips and scratches.
Mclaren PPF Derby

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF APPLYING PPF?

  • Protects against physical damage like scratches and stone chips
  • Self healing - will return to it's original state when heated by the sun
  • Protects against UV damage
  • Shields the paintwork from chemicals/bird droppings/tree sap etc
  • Enhances the gloss & finish
  • Improves the resale value
  • No need to have panels resprayed to fix scratches or damage
Porsche PPF Derby

DOES IT PREVENT UV DAMAGE?

   PPF is the best solution if you’re worried about your pride and joy getting scratched and chipped, which makes it a very popular option for brand-new vehicles. Although PPF is not indestructible, it is THE best protection product available on the market. 
   Bare paintwork is highly susceptible to scratches and stone chips which quickly deteriorate the vehicle’s overall condition. Ceramic coatings offer some protection, but they don’t come close to the level of protection that PPF provides. This is why PPF is a great option to protect the front-end of the car especially.
   Even near new vehicles which are less than a year old will usually have several stone chips on the bonnet and front bumper, particularly if they are frequently driven on high-speed roads. Not only do stone chips look unsightly, but they also expose the bare metal which can corrode and rust.
   PPF will also provide protection against swirl marks and other damage caused by car washes. It can even help to shield the car from minor door dings and collisions.
   Many high-quality PPF options also have self-healing properties. This means that the layer essentially rearranges itself when heat is applied so scratches can be smoothed out.
   It’s important to recognise that PFF can still get permanently damaged by heavier forms of abrasion and impact, however it remains the best method of protecting a vehicle’s paintwork.
PPF application Derby

WHAT DAMAGE WILL IT STOP?

If your car has a clear coat/topcoat/laquer layer, this does protect the colour underneath from UV rays, but it can still fade over time. One of the most crucial benefits of PPF is that it actually shields the clear coat from UV damage to keep the colour underneath looking vibrant and new.

A concern that some people have about PPF is regarding it cracking and fading in the sun, however good quality PPF will not do this. This is why it’s vital to get the PPF installed by an experienced professional who uses reputable paint protection film products.

DOES PPF AFFECT HOW MY CAR LOOKS?

Our PPF products boast a high-gloss finish which doesn’t lose its shine over time due to its chemical and abrasion resistant properties. The normal preparation process required prior to PPF installation also involves correcting and refining the paintwork via machine polishing to achieve a mirror-like finish, this is enhanced even further by the PPF.

We can also apply matte or colour change PPF, which not only protects your vehicle, but changes the appearance to give you a unique look. Many clients opt for this instead of a paying for a paint option from the dealership as it works out much cheaper.
The Tesla is an example of a car with a matte finish.

CAN PPF BE REMOVED?

Paint protection film can be removed safely using a heat source to help peel it off. A professional should be hired to remove old paint protection film to avoid damaging the paintwork underneath. If not careful, it is possible to peel the paint off!
It is also vital that the PPF is only left on the car for the recommended period of time, in most cases this is between 7 and 10 years. Leaving the PPF on for longer will make it difficult to remove and increases the risk of damaging the paintwork.
Once the PPF has been peeled off, it cannot be used again. However, it is fine to apply a fresh layer.
As long as an experienced professional performs the process properly, the PPF can be removed without causing any damage to the paintwork.

WHAT IS THE PROCESS TO APPLY PPF?

PPF is the gold-standard when it comes to protecting a vehicle’s exterior. However, the notable drawback is that it is difficult and time consuming to apply properly. The installation process typically takes 2-3 days to apply front-end PPF, and 3-5 days to install PPF to the entire car. It is also vital that it is performed in an ultra-clean, dust-free environment by trained professionals.
Here are the main steps involved:
  • The paintwork must be thoroughly washed, as well as chemically and physically decontaminated.
  • Machine polishing is performed to level the clear coat and remove imperfections where necessary (scratches and swirl marks).
  • The make and model of the car is matched to a database which provides the dimensions of each piece of PPF required.
  • The PPF is then printed and cut to the required dimensions.
  • The film is then applied panel by panel and edges are secured/wrapped/sealed where possible.
  • Following installation, a quality checking process is completed to ensure all edges are secured.
Porsche PPF Derby

IS IT SELF CLEANING?

If keeping your car cleaner between washes is something that is important to you, then applying PPF is a great option.

Our films come with a  hydrophobic topcoat. This means that it rejects foreign objects like mud, rain, dirt, bird droppings etc.  The result, is that the car will stay looking fresher for longer. However, the factory applied topcoat isn't as good as a ceramic coating and won't last as long as one either, so we do advise applying a ceramic coating over the top of the PPF.

It’s important to be realistic and understand that PPF will not keep the car clean indefinitely. To get the most out of the protection it’s still important to wash it fairly regularly to keep it in good condition, but it is useful for those who drive their cars frequently and struggle to keep it clean between washes.
Car PPF Derby

DOES PPF STOP CHEMICAL DAMAGE?

PPF is able to shield the paintwork underneath from potential stains and damage that can occur from exposure to chemicals. Although it may not be obvious at first, cars are actually subjected to numerous chemicals on a regular basis:
  • Bird dropping are VERY acidic and can etch clear coat paint.
  • Water spots where the sun has dried contaminated rain can also damage a car’s finish permanently.
  • Iron fallout gets embedded to the paintwork. It is produced by brake discs and can also be affect your car by parking the near train tracks or industrial plants.
  • Tar spots are flicked up onto the paint when driving on recently resurfaced roads or in hot weather.
  • Road salt is VERY corrosive.
  • Exhausts produce carbon fumes and unburnt fuel that binds to car paintwork.
It’s still advisable to clean the PPF frequently to avoid it getting damaged, but in all cases, it acts as a barrier between the paintwork and the above chemicals.

HOW LONG DOES PPF LAST FOR?

On average, paint protection film lasts for 10 years. All reputable PPF installers will offer a warranty to give the customer peace of mind. The film we use is guaranteed for 12 years.

The durability of the PPF will also depend on how it has been maintained. To achieve the maximum longevity, it is recommended to wash the vehicle frequently (every 2-4 weeks), using the appropriate chemicals, tools and techniques (more on this later).

It is also essential that the PPF is applied by a trained professional, as improper application technique and preparation will ultimately lead to a poor finish and disappointing durability.

HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN A CAR WITH PPF?

When you take your car to a professional PPF installer they will explain how the car should be maintained and give you some guidance that may be specific to the type of PPF that has been installed.
Looking after a car with PPF is an easy process as the film will help to make the paintwork easier to clean. However, there are some things to keep in mind that you may not already be aware of if you have never had a car with PPF:
  • Do not wash the car for at least 2 weeks following installation. In winter, we recommend to wait 4 weeks.
  • Wash the car regularly (at least every 4 weeks) using a high-quality pre-wash chemical (e.g., snow foam) and car shampoo.
  • Use microfiber mitts to wash the car and microfiber towels to dry it. Do not use sponges, brushes, bath towels, chamois leather or water blades.
  • Do not use polish, clay or any other abrasive on the PPF.
  • Avoid using aggressive or corrosive chemicals to wash the car.
  • Try to wash away contaminants like bird poo as soon as possible.
  • Avoid washing the car in direct sunlight.
  • Do not aim the pressure washer too close to the car, especially where the edges of the film will be.
  • Do not take the car to an automatic or  hand car wash.