Paint protection film (PPF), also known as clear bra, has become very popular among car owners in Bangalore seeking to guard their vehicle’s exterior from damage. PPF is a clear, thin urethane film that is professionally installed onto your car’s paint to provide an invisible barrier against scratches, chips, fading, and more. However, there are certain steps you should take to ensure you get the maximum performance and longevity out of your car paint protection film in Bangalore.
- Opt for full-front PPF coverage
For optimal protection, you want to get PPF applied to your entire front end, including the bumper, hood, fenders, side mirror caps, headlights, and potentially part of the A-pillars. Partial PPF just on the hood leaves many areas still vulnerable. Full front coverage shields the zones most prone to damage from road debris, insects, and more. Don’t try to save money by limiting the coverage area. Full-front is best.
- Consider adding PPF in problem spots
In addition to full-front PPF, you may want to add protection film in certain troublesome areas prone to chipping. Rocker panels along the doors often get kicked and scratched when exiting the car. The area behind the rear wheels tends to collect flying gravel. Lower-side cladding gets scuffed over time. Identify any painted zones on your car that seem to attract more scratches and have PPF added to shield them.
- Give New PPF Time to Cure
Right after installation, PPF will not look or perform at its best. The adhesive underneath takes several days to fully cure and bond to your paint. Small blemishes and a clouded appearance often diminish after the first week as it finishes bonding. Avoid waxing or washing with harsh cleaners during this period. Let the PPF cure properly before judging its appearance. Proper curing ensures longevity.
- Maintain PPF properly
While durable, PPF still requires proper, regular maintenance. Use only a mild soap and water mix or specialist PPF cleaners. Avoid wax, polishes, or cleaners with alcohol, which can cause hazing. Inspect your PPF every few months for any lifting edges, bubbles, or damage. Re-apply adhesive promoter to lifted sections to keep the PPF held down. Proper maintenance is key to getting the most life from your clear bra.
- Address PPF damage quickly
Even strong PPF can’t withstand all punishment and will eventually show scratches, chips, or tears with time. When damage occurs, address it promptly to avoid the underlying paint becoming impacted. Re-apply PPF to damaged sections after touch-up painting to remove any exposed chips in the paint itself. Leaving damaged PPF areas unfixed leads to further paint degradation. Stay vigilant when inspecting for defects.
- Prepare for Slight Visual Changes
Well-installed PPF is nearly invisible, but it does alter the paint’s appearance somewhat. In certain light, you may notice very minor orange peel texture or waviness in the film. Some metallic paints look slightly less glossy. Water beads a little differently on PPF versus exposed paint. Manage expectations that PPF will change the surface very slightly. But the protection benefits make it worthwhile.
- Seek multi-year warranties
Quality PPF shops will guarantee their workmanship for many years after installation. Most offer warranties of around 10 years against defects like bubbling, cracking, or discoloration of the film. This ensures that if any flaws emerge down the road, they will address them at no cost by replacing the affected PPF sections. Extended warranties give you peace of mind on your investment.
- Keep your car out of the sun when possible
While PPF is UV-resistant, prolonged sun exposure will degrade and discolour it over time, reducing its longevity. Whenever possible, park your car in a covered garage to minimize UV damage. Using a car cover if parked outside also helps. Seek shade whenever parking for extended periods. Reducing sun exposure keeps your PPF looking its best for longer.
- Wash your car frequently
While PPF protects your paint, it can still collect dirt, grime, pollution, and contamination that you want to wash off regularly. Build frequent washing into your maintenance routine. This prevents buildup that could stain PPF or abrade the surface during removal. Washing also gives you regular opportunities to inspect your PPF for any new damage. Keep it clean.
- Don’t use automated car washes
The brushes, chemical sprays, and wax applications in automated car washes can damage PPF over time, leading to clouding, scratching, and reduced performance. Stick to hand-washing your car yourself using the two-bucket method and microfiber cloths to avoid abrasion issues from automation. Hand washing also allows you to be gentler on your PPF.
- Apply a ceramic coating
For an added layer of protection, consider applying a professional-grade ceramic coating on top of your existing PPF. The ultra-thin glass coating bonds to the PPF surface to provide enhanced resistance to contaminants, water spots, UV damage, and even minor scratches. The combo of PPF and ceramic coating offers the ultimate paint protection package.
- Avoid following other cars too closely
Maintain safe following distances from other vehicles to reduce your risk of damage from flying gravel, dust, and road debris. While PPF protects from paint chips, constant exposure to spray from following too closely will still degrade the film over time. Leave adequate room to maneuver to minimize debris strikes while driving.
- Touch up paint chips promptly
If your PPF gets deeply scratched or damaged enough to expose the underlying paint, address this promptly. Use a paint touch-up pen or professional touch-up spray to cover any paint chips as soon as feasible. This helps prevent further paint degradation before you can get the PPF replaced in that spot. Quick action protects your paint.
In summary, taking the right steps allows you to gain maximum durability and protection from your ppf coating service in Bangalore. Choosing reputable installers, opting for full coverage, properly maintaining the film, and addressing any damage quickly ensures your PPF keeps your car’s exterior in great shape for years to come. Follow these tips to get the most return on your investment.
