In short, yes. The early days of paint protection film (PPF) were not without issue, and stories of film turning yellow and dull, or becoming highly visible on the car, were not uncommon. These days however things are wildly different, with the industry having evolved a tremendous amount over the years. With the right installer and one of the better products, such as XPEL, it is very hard to tell there is anything on the vehicle. PPF has the ability to heal scratches and swirls, as well as absorb impact and protect pain from stone chips. It is not completely impenetrable, and can be punctured if something very sharp or travelling at a very high speed hits the car. It will however take the brunt of the force, and in turn the damage will be far reduced than if there were no film at all.

The simplest way to correctly choose the best qualified installer for your PPF is to look at experience and reputation. PPF installation can be a tricky process to carry out correctly, so the more expertise your installer has, the better. Prices can vary wildly, but the higher costs often come down to pre-PPF-installation processes such as paint correction being included in the package. It is simply a false economy to try and pay less for a faster turnaround, as ultimately important steps will be missed, or the job will be rushed. The term “buy once, buy well” is definitely one to remember when selecting your PPF installer. Here at Max Protect we have over a decade’s worth of experience and will always take our time to do the best possible job. One of the key parts that differentiates us is our level of care and detail, such as protecting corners, which you can read about in this (*link to be inserted*) blog.

Warranties can range from three and five years, up to seven or even ten years. For the majority of applications at Max Protect we use XPEL PPF, which comes with a ten-year manufacturer guarantee. We also added a premium PPF to our range recently for special projects, which comes with a lifetime guarantee. Get in touch with us to learn more about these or any of our other products.

Many of the issues with PPF stem from insufficient preparation or incorrect installation. These include dirt or debris being trapped under the film, paint not being treated properly before application, and air bubbles appearing after application. A paint correction process will enhance and prepare the car surfaces in the right way before PPF is installed, and an installation using pre-prepared templates or trimming any excess material meticulously will ensure the desired finish is achieved. It is also important to remember that PPF is not a blanket solution to paint protection and maintenance, but should be considered as a key part of a wider car care regime.

The car washing process remains much the same as before any PPF application, with a few key points to note. Firstly, we advise waiting at least seven days after the film has been applied before washing. This is to allow the film to settle and ensures complete adhesion to the bodywork. 

Next, if using a power or jet washer it is advisable to remain at a minimum distance of two to three feet to protect any film edges and prevent them from lifting. Thirdly, try to wax the film once a month or use liquid wax after every wash, as this will help prevent tree sap and bug splatter from sticking to the surface. Lastly, consider using only PH neutral products and ensure harsh chemical agents such as kerosene, naphtha and petroleum are avoided.

We hope this helps. If you have other questions regarding any aspect of PPF or car care in general, or to treat your vehicle to the maximum level of protection, please don’t hesitate to contact us today by phone on 01923 519 682, email us at info@max-protect.co.uk or by using our online form.