Is Paint Protection Film Worth It? The Pros and Cons

Owning a car is no longer a luxury and with your car, you have the responsibility to maintain it. Now, your vehicle’s paint is one of the most vulnerable areas you have the responsibility to keep. And car Paint protection films are recognized as one of the quickest and most common techniques to preserve its quality.

When it comes to Paint Protection Film, there are pros and cons to consider. On the one hand, a quality film can keep your car looking new for years. But on the other hand, it can be an added cost that some people aren’t prepared to pay.

In general, paint protection film can make a massive difference in the longevity of your vehicle’s paint job, however it also represents an additional cost during assembly. This is why you might find yourself asking, is it worth it? 

This blog post will take a closer look at the pros and cons of this essential automotive accessory.

What does a Paint Protection Film Do?

Use of Paint Protection Film

Automotive Protective Films generally keep your car looking better for a longer time. It is a complete form of defense you can establish between your car and all that can damage your car’s appearance.

It is usually referred to as a clear bra made of a thin layer of flexible material placed over a vehicle’s body panels to protect it. Moreover, it can also go by the names Clear Mask, Invisible Shield, Clear Wrap, Rock Chip Protection, Car Scratch Protective Film, etc.

To put it this way, the protective film can save your car’s Paint from any external cause of damage, whether it may be a light hail damage or low-speed scrapes that usually scratch your car’s Paint. Because of the Film’s high impact resistance, its application will protect your Paint from chips and scratches caused by rocks and road debris.

And while various forms of paint protection film have been around for more than two decades, the technology behind these films has evolved rapidly in recent years. Let’s dig deeper into what a paint protection film is made of.

Three Layers of a Car Paint Protection Film

To make a Car Paint Protection Film work at its fullest, it is composed of three layers: a Clear coat, Polyurethane, and Adhesive.

Clear Coat

The first layer of the film is called the clear coat.

The clear coat has a thickness of approximately 0.5 millimeters and is the one that is exposed to the environment. It’s made from specialized elastomeric polymers with a natural self-healing quality or the capacity to quickly return to its original form even after being deformed, stretched out, or scratched.

The clear coat has a shallow surface energy level which is why organic objects like pests and bird poops won’t cling to it.

Polyurethane

Polyurethane is a lightweight, transparent, versatile, and powerful substance that can be compared to plastic. The difference is that it has high resistance to abrasions, corrosions, and impacts while still being flexible. As such, it can also return to its natural shape each time it is scratched, stretched, or disfigured.

Aside from this, this film layer is also UV-resistant, which helps maintain the film’s transparency and integrity for a more extended period. In most cases, the Polyurethane used in Paint Protection Films has a thickness of about 200 microns.

Adhesive

The last layer of the film is the part that allows the film to cling to your car’s body. Due to the Adhesive’s continuous exposure to sunlight, car paint protection films turn yellow with time. To avoid this, manufacturers created an adhesive resistant to UV rays and oxidation.

Currently, most films already have an acrylic adhesive layer, which is flexible, durable, and invisible, and this won’t come off your vehicle after quite some time.

Now that we know the composition of a Paint Protection Film let’s take a look at some of its pros and cons.

Paint Protection Film Pros vs. Cons

Paint Protection Film Pros

So what does Paint Protection do for your car? To have a better understanding, here are the pros of having a paint protection film for your vehicle.

Undetectable 

Once the protection film is installed, you won’t be able to tell that there’s a film on your car’s Paint. Paint Protection Films are nearly invisible and do not alter your car’s color, design, or appearance.

Acts as a Sacrificial Layer 

Paint Protection Films can act as a sacrificial layer that will take the hits for your car’s Paint. Once applied, it will form a barrier between your Paint and any external damage caused.

Resistant to UV Rays 

Paint Protection Films are also resistant to UV rays, which helps maintain their transparency and integrity for a more extended period. Most films already have an acrylic adhesive layer that is flexible, durable, and invisible.

Customizable 

Paint Protection Films are available in various sizes, shapes, and colors. You can even have it customized to your liking. Ask your resident and reputable service provider to guide you on the best paint protection film for your car.

Self-healing

Minor scratches caused by day-to-day driving cannot be missed. These will eventually disappear on their own when you have a film installed.

Easy Application and Removal 

Paint Protection Films are easy to apply and can be easily removed by professionals anytime without damaging your car’s Paint. Aside from that, if you want it changed, you can do it without wasting a day.

Paint Protection Film Cons

Everything has two sides, so while Paint Protection Films offer many benefits, it also comes with some drawbacks that you should be aware of.

Yellowing Over Time 

One of the most significant disadvantages of Paint Protection Films is that it tends to yellow over. Although they contain an adhesive that is resistant to UV rays and oxidation, the adhesive will still yellow over time due to its exposure to sunlight.

Costly 

One of the most significant disadvantages of Paint Protection Films is their cost. The price will depend on the size and make of your car as well as the quality of the film.

Needs to be replaced regularly

Aside from the initial cost of installation, you also need to regularly replace Paint Protection Films as it wears out over time.

Usually, films are covered with warranties of 5 to 12 years. After this, the integrity of the film cannot be guaranteed which means you would have to replace them again and will have to use a huge amount of money. 

The car still needs Paint

You might think that you won’t need car paint if you get your car a protection film. But this isn’t the case. Paint Protection Films are not a replacement for your car paint, but they are an addition to it.

Now that we have discussed the pros and cons of having a Paint Protection film, have you decided to get one? Make sure you get them installed by a professional like Gilroy Blackout. You can check their reviews on the website to ease your mind and know what other customers think about them.

FAQs

Conclusion

Remember, having a protection film won’t always outweigh the disadvantages of a paint protection film. You should always consider your budget, the scope of your project, and your product’s expected operating conditions. But yes, they are a good choice when you want extra protection for your car. Nonetheless, consider all the pros and cons mentioned above before deciding if it is the right choice for you. Paint Protection Films are not a replacement for your car paint, but they are an addition to it. Get in touch with a reputable service provider today to find out more.