Perhaps better than any other nation of motorists, Aussie car and ute owners understand just how unforgiving the environment can be on paint finishes. Whether it’s the searing heat and UV bombardment from persistent sunlight exposure, or the dulling abrasion from sandy shores and dust storms, paint breakdown is virtually unavoidable. That makes placing a protective film barrier between a vehicle’s finish and the elements the best way to mitigate, if not outright prevent irreversible paint damage.
Where waxes, clear coats and polymers all provide varying degrees of protection against fading and oxidation, only self-healing protective films combine all of these qualities into a durable finish shield. They’re engineered to be applied to any painted surface, and are the perfect choice for vehicle owners who love and want to preserve their paint’s delicate lustre.
Lightweight PPF Coatings Offer Unbeatable Topcoat Protection
Although the origins of thermoplastic paint protective films (PPFs) can be traced to the need for shielding military helicopter rotor blades from debris damage, the adaptation of lightweight polyurethane PPF top coatings for commercial use has been anything but a military secret. Starting with their acceptance in competitive motorsports in the 80s, PPF coatings are now used everywhere from commercial aviation to consumer electronics. It’s their widespread use as a clear top coating for the aftermarket automotive industry, however, that has brought them the most attention.
Professional PPF service installers are experienced at applying PPF coatings on all types of cars, utes, RVs and trailers. And with their ability to absorb the energy from impacts that could ruin an otherwise perfect paint finish, they’re recognised for a core protective features that include:
- Exceptional tensile strength. With an average tensile strength of 2900PSI, PPFs are sold in a range of thicknesses, and are ideal for deflecting stones, gravel and other road-borne debris that could cost thousands in paint chip repairs.
- Superior hydrophobic resistance. The thermoplastic polymers used in PPFs are naturally water repellent and are central to the film’s ability to resist dust and grime, as well as making washdowns more efficient.
- Phenomenal environmental resistance. Modern PPFs are engineered to withstand both rapid and wide temperature swings and extremes from -40°C to 100°C without becoming soft or brittle, or losing strength.
- High abrasion resistance. Not only do PPFs excel at resisting abrasion from sand and dust, their self healing properties allow them to absorb light scratches and return to their natural texture with only light heat from a handheld source, or from the sun.
- Extraordinary chemical resistance. PPFs offer unbeatable protection against airborne chemicals and pollutants, road-borne oils and distillates and naturally acidic substances like bird droppings, bug splatter and tree sap.
And unlike previous generations of commercial paint protection film polymers, modern high-performance PPFs are 100% transparent, and won’t fade or discolour after extensive UV exposure. Ideally, with a regular schedule of washing with a pH-neutral car wash and judicious care, today’s PPF car films can be expected to maintain their premium protection and appearance for years.
PPF Attributes That Set the Benchmark for Paint Protection
From the high tensile elongation that allows them to wrap around body panels like a glove, to their ability to reflect the harshest sun rays under the most extreme temperatures, the specially formulated thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) layers that make up a single sheet of PPF coating film are nothing short of incredible.
It’s the combination of all their attributes, however, that gives them the highly elastic, self-healing attributes that they’re best known for. With sheet thicknesses between 6mil and 10mil, TPU-based PPF top layers are based on the same chemical composition as laminated glass, giving them an array of enhanced, real-world capabilities that include:
- Unmatched durability. When applied only to bonnets and doors, the self-healing capabilities of PPF films allows them to effortlessly withstand and recover from common impacts from road debris, runaway shopping trolleys and over-zealous bike riders.
- Uncommon effectiveness. The adhesives in PPF films makes it easy for them to fill minor scratches and paint chips, proving that they’re just as effective at concealing imperfections as they are at preventing them.
- Universal applicability. As PPFs are formulated to adhere to painted surfaces, they’re suitable for use on a wide range of textured surfaces and panels, such as metal, fibreglass or plastic.
Make no mistake: it’s the superior self-healing and adhesive characteristics of PPF film that have made it the benchmark for all other types of automotive finish protection. It takes professional installation to get the fullest benefit from these high quality films, though. That’s because a proper installation goes beyond just basic paint coverage: it’s a commitment to future cost savings that can make a real difference in a vehicle’s resale value.
Professional PPF Installation Delivers Premium Results
Experts agree that when it comes to a high quality installation, a professional application is the best way to go. Not only are the tools and techniques needed to apply PPFs considerably more specialised than the applicators and buffers used with other waxes and coatings, they also involve greater diligence before and during application, to include:
- Properly prepping and cleaning panels, including removing surface swirl marks and trim accessories that could prevent a clean install;
- Performing all necessary paint touch-ups and dent removals before application; and,
- Anticipating areas like corners, curves and louvers where excess material could cause problems.
Professional installers have the equipment and know-how to perform a proper PPF film application, and can also advise how best to care for it once it’s cured and to get the best results afterward. That includes their use in conjunction with supplemental topcoats like ceramic coatings to increase the advantages that both mediums offer, including:
- An added layer of protection against UV exposure and discolouration;
- Increased durability and chemical resistance against substances that can etch the PPF; and,
- Enhanced hydrophobic properties, allowing grime and residue to rinse off even easier.
Owners will see an immediate and lasting difference that a dual-layered ceramic/PPF coating can make. It’s a combined boost in high gloss shine and premium protection that’s worth every dollar.
The Final Word
At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter if it’s a 1.2l micro car, or a 13l mega-RV, the paint needs to be protected. Up to 30% of a vehicle’s value is tied directly to the condition of its finish, which is why preserving it is one of the most critical actions that any vehicle owner can take. Applying a lightweight polyurethane PPF top coating has everything that’s needed to protect a vehicle’s valuable paint finish. It’s an investment in aesthetics and durability that’ll pay a dividend through the life of the vehicle.
