Paint Protection Film: Is it Worth It?

Do you know that the value of your new vehicle drops by 9 to 11% the moment you drive it off the lot? Nonetheless, any minor damage — even minor scratches on the paint — would cause the new car's value to plummet even further.

While keeping your car clean and applying high-quality wax can help, it is insufficient. Adding paint protection films, vinyl wraps, or ceramic coatings to your vehicle will keep it looking good and maintain its value. However, with installation costs ranging from a few hundred dollars to $7,000, the question of "is paint protection film worth it?" arises.

This article will explain why it is worthwhile to get paint protection film for your vehicle.

What is Paint Protection Film?

To begin, Paint Protection Film, or PPF, is known by many different names. Invisible shield, car scratch protective film, rock chip protection, clear bra, mask, or wrap are some other names for it. We'll be using the names interchangeably throughout this review, so keep that in mind.

A PPF is a thin layer of flexible material, usually a thermoplastic urethane film, that is applied to the body panels of a vehicle as a vehicle protection cover. The primary function of this cover is to protect your vehicle from minor scratches and low-speed scrapes caused by road debris or rock chips, which could damage the finish and paint of your vehicle.

A PPF can protect your vehicle from UV exposure, chemical staining from bug splatter, and acidic contaminants, in addition to its high impact resistance and self-healing properties.

Does Car Paint Protection Film Work?

Yes, absolutely. A professionally applied PPF job will not only improve the appearance of your vehicle, but will also protect it from chemical corrosion and staining, block UV and IR radiation from sun exposure, and absorb impact from rock chips.

It is important to note that applying PPF to your vehicle's surfaces does not make it bulletproof. If you want to keep your car looking good for longer, we recommend installing one.

Different Stages of Paint Protection Film

Consultation

At Chow's Paint Protection Film Installation, we value a job well done. We begin by meeting with our clients to discuss their requirements and expectations. This consultation period ensures that you and our client are on the same page in terms of results. When our client agrees to proceed, we begin preparing the chosen vehicle for the PPF installation.

Prepping

The prepping procedure entails removing all badges from the areas receiving the film in order to avoid visible edges and provide a smooth appearance. We then wash and disinfect the car's exterior to prepare it for a paint job, regardless of the original paint's condition.

Paint Correction

Our unique approach of repainting the car before applying film ensures that the paint is in excellent condition. We perform an entire vehicle inspection, which allows us to highlight the extent of paint damage in a specific area. The goal is to correct flaws in the surface paint and promote proper film bonding to the painted surface.

Vehicle Re-wash

Our dedication to prep work is unrivaled, and it is the key to the high quality of work we provide to our clients. We'll give the vehicle another wash after the repainting stage to remove any leftover polishing oils and dust before installing the PPF.

Install PPF

The paint protection films are then applied. We begin by cutting out the film required to cover the entire car or specific areas specified by the client during the consultation stage. Instead of bulk measuring and hand-cutting thicker film, we use patterns from software using a plotter to save time and ensure accuracy.

We spend extra time auto detailing and modifying software elements to stretch the edges, eliminate sensor holes, and delete badge cutouts to tuck and cover all film edges once fitted so that the film is nearly completely invisible. When the film has hardened, we reassemble any badges or parts that were disassembled.

Inspecting The Paint Protection Film

Finally, before delivering the finished product to our client, each vehicle goes through a rigorous quality control process in which we inspect all film edges. This procedure allows us to ensure that no film has lifted or moved during the drying process.

How Long Does Paint Protection Film Last?

Based on our years of experience applying paint protection films, we believe a typical installed paint protection film should have a realistic lifespan of 5 to 7 years (PPF).

Why is Paint Protection Film Worth It For Your Car

If you want your vehicle to be flawless and have bright paint, you should have a paint protection film (PPF) installed. If you want to keep your vehicle's resale value as high as possible, you should also consider a PPF job. The protective coating reduces the scars left by rock chips, pits, scrapes, and scratches, preserving the value of your vehicle.

Why Choose Chow's Paint Protection Film Installation in Houston, TX?

Best PPF Installer in Texas

We provide unrivaled expertise to each clear bra installation by paying close attention to the regulations of each PPF installation. Quality installer for new PPF installation or replacement of paint protection film.

We Treat All Vehicles

From a daily driver to a priceless exotic car, we have solutions to fit every use case for your vehicle. We cater to the most discerning car owners in Houston, TX, looking for the highest possible quality installation of the best paint protection film on the market.

Your Vehicle is in Experts' hands

Our team is committed to installing your paint protection film, ceramic coating, or vinyl wrap with the best materials and techniques available. We purchase paint protection film from reputable brands that come with a manufacturer's warranty.

Schedule a Consultation With Chow's Detailing Today!

Have you recently purchased a new vehicle? Want to keep your car's paint looking as good as the day you bought it? Do you need a trustworthy, manufacturer-trained, and knowledgeable clear bra and ceramic coating contractor in Texas for your next clear bra installation? Chow's Detailing is the one you're looking for! To discuss availability, call us at  (281) 705-3482