User:FranklinGilliam571
From Santa Cruz Makers
Automotive Paint Protection Film
They say that a brand-new car loses significant value just by driving it off the lot. How much more so if you take your shiny new sports car on a road trip a week after having purchased it, only to find on your return that the paint on the grill and the hood has been chipped by stones and other debris? This is a scenario that plays out all too often on American highways. But you don't have to simply live with chipped paint; you can do something about it by installing paint protection film.
Paint protection film is a thermoplastic urethane product that adheres to the surface of the paint and acts as a barrier between it and debris. You've probably seen something similar with new cars being transported on trucks. Manufacturers add this type of film at the plant in order to protect cars during transport; you and I notice it as white plastic strips located in strategic locations around a vehicle. The only major difference between what the factory uses and what you would use at home is that paint protection film designed to be permanent is also transparent.
Not a New Idea
Paint protection film is not a new idea by any stretch of the imagination. In fact, if you've bought home electronics anytime in the last 10 years or so you are already familiar with this product. For example, manufacturers of flatscreen TVs often put this film across the front of a television in order to protect it from scratches as it moves from the factory to the distribution center, then to the store, and finally to your home. This type of film can be seen on everything from smart phones to hand-held calculators.
Installation Kits
You can have paint protection installed professionally, usually at a body shop or a window tint shop, but you can also do it yourself. Paint protection installation kits are available auto parts stores, department stores, and online as well. Each kit comes with the appropriate pieces of film cut specifically for your make and model to ensure you get a proper fit. As long as you follow the structures as written, and exercise a fair amount of patience, you should be able to install the film without too much trouble.
The key to installing paint protection film yourself is to not cut corners and not rush the job. The last thing you need are bubbles in the finished product. Not only do they look terrible, but they also compromise the integrity of the film because they can be easily pierced by flying debris. Make sure you follow all directions to the letter - including thoroughly cleaning the surface of the vehicle before you apply the film. As long as you do things correctly, you'll have more than adequate protection for your car's paint for years to come.
