How Long To Wait After Painting To Apply Paint Protection Film On Car?
One of the best ways to protect a car's paint from damage is to apply paint protection film. Minor scratches, rock chips, and other blemishes are protected by the protective film.
Because they are unaware of the benefits, many car owners consider the application of paint protection film to be an unnecessary luxury. However, most people are starting to subscribe to various auto paint protection options, particularly after purchasing a new car.
Applying paint protection film to a blemished vehicle's exterior, on the other hand, does not correct paint defects. Because the primary function of PPF is to protect automotive paint, you may need to have a new paint job before applying automotive paint protection film.
If you're thinking about repainting your car and want to know how long you should wait before applying a protective film to a freshly painted surface, this article has the answers and relevant information you're looking for.
What is Paint Protection Film?
A paint protection film is a transparent, protective layer installed on a vehicle's exterior to preserve the quality and condition of the car's paint by reducing the risk of damage, including:
- Swirl marks created while washing
- Chemical etch marks and stains
- Oxidation from UV exposure
- Minor chips and scratches caused by road debris
- Hard water stains
How Long After Painting Should I Apply PPF to My Car's Paint?
It's best to wait at least 30 days after a paint job before applying car paint protection film. Allow enough time for the paint to cure and dry, whether you baked the vehicle's panel or not.
Waiting allows the solvent to be released from the paint and clear coat. If you drive the car, a 30-day waiting period is sufficient, but if it is kept in a garage, you should wait 60 to 90 days before installing PPF.
How Long Do Paint Protection Films Last?
The longevity of paint protection films is arguably their most notable feature. A professionally installed PPF has a lifespan of 5 to 10 years, depending on sunlight exposure and other critical factors. In short, the longevity of your PPF is primarily determined by the installation.
Will the Protective Film Damage My New Paint Job?
PPF can cause paint to peel during removal, particularly on plastic parts such as front bumper covers. However, paint peeling may occur only if you do not allow the paint job to cure properly before applying for paint protection.
The strong adhesive of the protection film adheres exceptionally well to vehicle panels. As a result, installing PPF on a new paint job may result in peeling paint upon removal.
What Are the Similarities Between Paint Protection Films and Ceramic Coatings?
Both products protect the exterior of your vehicle. Furthermore, these products have overlapping performance characteristics, such as UV damage reduction.
Finally, your choice of paint protection product may come down to price, as the ceramic coating is frequently more expensive than PPF.
Can I Remove Paint Protection Film?
Yes, you can easily remove PPF from the surface of your vehicle, but once removed, you cannot use the same film on your car or another vehicle.
How Much Will Paint Protection Film Installation Cost Me?
Many people ask us how much it would cost to install PPF, and our answer has remained consistent over time: it depends. A quality PPF installation service can range in price from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars, depending on several factors.
Factors Influencing the Cost of PPF Installation
Vehicle Condition
A typical PPF installation service begins with vehicle prep work, as the paint must be flawless before applying PPF. "My car is straight from the dealership; the paint is in excellent condition," you may think.
The truth is that not every car sold by a dealership has flawless paintwork. Furthermore, contaminants that are not visible to the naked eye are frequently present in paint jobs. As a result, the amount of prep work required for your vehicle will influence the service charge.
The Amount of Coverage You Want
The amount of coverage you want is another important factor that influences cost. Some people only want paint protection film on the vehicle's most vulnerable parts, such as the hood, front bumper, and rocker panels.
Others, on the other hand, prefer to cover the entire vehicle's exterior with paint protection film. Because coverage affects material and labor costs, the prices for both options will vary significantly.
Your Vehicle's Difficulty Rating
The application difficulty is another factor that influences the cost of installing paint protection film. A protection film is a two-dimensional material that must be altered in order to adhere to a three-dimensional object.
As a result, cars with dramatic or significant external features will take longer to install.
Advantages of Installing Paint Protection Film on Your Car
Self-Healing Properties
The multiple layers of paint protection films shield the car paint and heal surface-level scratches. The self-healing layer returns to a low-energy state when heated.
Saves Money
Installing PPF on your vehicle is a significant investment that will pay off in the long run. Repainting a vehicle or performing minor paint corrections can be costly, in addition to the inconvenience and cost of not having your vehicle for an extended period of time.
Paint protection film installation is cheaper than regular repairs on your car's exterior.
Maintains Your Car's Resale Value
Maintaining the resale value of your car is critical if you intend to sell it later. Putting paint protection film on the outside of your car can help keep it in good shape.
Need Your Car's Paint Protected? Contact Detailing Solutions Today!
Paint protection films are excellent products for protecting the paint on your car, but proper installation is critical. If you live in Baltimore and need a professional detailer to install your car's PPF, please contact us at 410-238-3000.
In addition to PPF installation, we provide general vehicle detailing, ceramic coatings, window tinting, and Tesla services. Please do not hesitate to contact us; we use the best paint protection film and are experts in our field.
