When buying a brand new car, some people consider paint protection to maintain the car's glossy finish and protect the body paint. In addition to keeping your car looking good as new, paint protection will protect your vehicle from external factors and natural occurrences that may damage it. Such factors include UV rays, tree sap, and bird droppings, among other things.
You may receive offers to have your car's paint protected at the car dealership as an additional option but at a fee. It is wise to get a quote from the dealer about how much the paint protection offered will cost you and the dealer options available to you, then compare it with the choices you will get from a professional detailer. This way, you can make a wiser decision regarding which paint protection service best suits you.
Factors to Consider while Thinking of Car Paint Protection
Several types of paint protection options include ceramic coating, car paint protection film, waxing, and paint sealant. The decision on which option best suits your goals may vary depending on your budget, available time, car usage, and car maintenance.
Reason for Buying a New Car
Regular paint protection might not be necessary if you buy a new farm truck. The assumption is that while on the farm, you will expose the car to the harsh conditions of a farm. In this case, keeping the car looking glossy might not be your priority. We recommend regular washing and occasional paint job and protection to keep the truck looking presentable. This way, your car will enjoy the best of both worlds; functional and, at the same time, aesthetically pleasing when not being used for farm work.
The paint protection option you choose should protect your vehicle's paintwork and offer a glossy finish similar to that of new cars. The result will have your whole vehicle protected from light scratches and swirl marks that may make your paint job look dull and damaged. On the other hand, if you intend to use your car regularly for your daily errands and commute to the office or work, then your options should skew more towards aesthetics. In this case, you can choose among the paint protection options available that suit your budget.
Budget and Durability
The money you wish to spend on specific paint protection options is probably the most crucial factor when choosing a paint protection option. It is essential to know that while it may feel like you will save money going for cheaper options, they may not be so cheap in the long run.
Traditional car wax is probably the most affordable car paint treatment. It provides a protective coating over your car's paint and clear coat. This paint protection leaves your car shiny and is great for a new vehicle or one that has recently undergone some paintwork. While considering this option, note that car wax is not engineered to bond to your car's paint and will not last long. After several visits to the car wash, you will need to re-apply the car wax.
If you want an option that lasts longer than traditional car wax and are willing to spend some extra money, then polymer paint sealants are your next best option. The paint sealant is similar to car waxes but this artificial paint protection compound bonds to the car paint and forms a longer-lasting solution than traditional wax. Paint sealants will last four to six months once applied but are a bit expensive compared to car wax.
Ceramic coatings offer a longer-lasting option for car paint when you compare them with other paint protection products. The composition of this compound consists of strong chemicals that enable it to bind strongly to car paint and provide paint protection and stain resistance for longer. Usually, a professionally applied ceramic coat layer will last between three to four years, especially if you follow the recommended maintenance practices. It costs slightly higher than other paint protection options, but its durability and paint protection properties outmatch its nearest substitutes by far.
The paint protection film is another option, commonly referred to as ppf film. This film provides a protective layer that shields your car paint from external damage, especially from loose chippings and other physical debris. Most companies that produce ppf films say that well-maintained ppf films should last between five and seven years. This longevity is affected by different factors like maintenance, wear and tear, driving conditions, and installation method. The installation prices may vary but may not be as expensive as a ceramic coating.
Duration of Car Ownership
When deciding which car to buy, you must consider how long you wish to own it before purchasing another one. This decision will make it easier for you to decide which car paint protection option to select. If you intend to keep the car for a long time, go for a ppf film or ceramic coating. If you don't intend to own the vehicle for longer, then a simple paint protection procedure like waxing or using polymer paint sealant will suffice.
Looking for Paint Protection Experts? Talk to Us
Most car owners and buyers don't understand the importance of paint protection and consider it an optional treatment. Once they take the vehicle home, they believe a regular car wash will suffice and not paint protection because their car is new. That's not true. Whether new or used, your car needs protection from external factors that may harm its body paint.
At Detail Solutions, our trained professionals understand the importance of protecting your paint from external elements that damage your car's paint. We have the experience to help you choose the most effective paint protection option and take you through the detailed process of applying paint protection to your car. Feel free to call us at (419) 238-3000 to book an appointment with us or get a quote on your paint protection project.
