Everything to Know About Paint Protection Film Cost For Your Car
Are you thinking about the paint protection film cost for your car? Learn more about the pricing for paint protection film.
After one year, your vehicle is likely to be worth approximately 20% less than what you paid for it. After five years, that new vehicle will have lost about 60% of its value. If you plan to buy a new car, you want to retain its appearance from the day you purchased it.
Your vehicle must be shielded from the forces of nature that wreak havoc on its appearance. You may have heard of protective coatings and wonder about the expenses. Fortunately, we are here to provide you with more information about the paint protection film cost.
What Is the Purpose of Paint Protection Film?
Paint protection film (PPF) is a thin but durable polyurethane film or polymer that serves as the last layer of defense. It protects the vehicle's exterior from UV exposure, chemicals, road debris, and acid rain. This protection can save you thousands of dollars in auto body repair.
Everything to Know About Car Paint Protection Film Cost
If you intend to have your vehicle professionally painted, the cost may range from $1,300 (for a clear bra) up to $7,000 for the whole car. You may choose a matte or glossy finish based on your vehicle's type of paint job, and some businesses even provide a guarantee.
Keep in mind that there are a variety of factors that can affect the cost of the clear paint protection film. Here are some things to look at:
What Is Your Vehicle's Condition?
Each PPF installation starts with prep work on the vehicle. The paint must be in perfect condition before applying any permanent protection.
The most common misconception is if the vehicle came from the dealership, it's in great shape. Unfortunately, dealerships are not always the greatest at maintaining the vehicle's paint. If your vehicle is in bad condition, then it will take a long time to prep the paint before applying any film, which can be pretty expensive.
How Much Coverage Are You Looking For?
The most critical element in determining the price is the level of coverage you want for your car. Some car owners want PPF on certain parts of their vehicle, like the hood, rear-wheel arch, front bumper, and rocker panels.
While other vehicle owners want to cover every exterior surface with a paint protection film.
The coverage you choose will determine the manpower needed to complete your PPF project. Various businesses have different pricing methods for labor. The typical approach is to take a percentage of the material prices and the amount of time required.
What Is Your Vehicle's Difficulty Rating?
A factor that may affect the cost is how difficult it is to apply the PPF to your vehicle. Vehicles with very dramatic design elements or sharp curves need extra time to apply the PPF. This element may contribute to the labor cost of your PPF work.
Do You Need Extra Protection?
Many paint protection film retailers provide other services or goods that you may want to combine with your PPF purchase. Window Tint and Ceramic Coating are the most often used, which can impact the cost.
The Benefits of Using Auto Paint Protection Film
If you're considering investing in a paint protection film to preserve your new car in immaculate condition, there are many benefits to consider.
Enhancements
PPFs can enhance your vehicle's appearance and value. If you opt for a high-gloss paint job, you can personalize the external appearance and appeal.
Protect the Car
PPF can reduce orange peel and eliminate adhesive marks. It can also protect the car from chemicals and corrosion. It also offers excellent stain protection and helps prevent paint damage caused by stone chips.
Minor Scratches Heal Quickly
PPF provides impressive self-healing properties. This implies that a detailer can repair minor scratches by applying direct heat or by using a blown heat gun.
Resistance to High Temperatures
PPF provides a heat shield that prevents UV and infrared rays from entering the vehicle's surface materials. This one-of-a-kind feature prevents fogging or fading of the headlights, ensuring optimal vision.
How Long Does Protective Film on Paint Last?
If PPF is implemented properly, it should last between 5 and 10 years. PPF comes with a guarantee if the installation business is certified to utilize its materials. As with any vehicle maintenance product, many factors affect the product's lifespan.
The most frequent variables affecting the life of a paint protection film are the following:
The Surface Preparation
While PPF is a protective layer, it is only as effective as the surface of the car. Surface preparation involves removing impurities from the paint before applying the PPF. This entails complete disinfection and multi-stage machine polishing.
If all the contaminations are not removed, it will increase the likelihood that it may collapse early.
The Installation Process
If there are bubbles under the film, the material will distort and will not cling to the surface. There is a clear connection between the duration of the PPF on your car and the manner in which it was applied.
In most cases, an air bubble develops as a result of a contaminant being trapped under the coating. This will reduce the duration of your PPF.
Environment
Excessive exposure to direct sunlight will actually shorten the lifetime of the PPF. Direct sunlight can degrade the glue that holds the PPF and surface together.
If the PPF is constantly exposed to other environmental pollutants, like trash, bird feces, acid rain, or other corrosive elements, it may deteriorate.
Is Paint Protection Film a Good Investment?
Is it worthwhile to put the PPF on an older vehicle with little value in the first place? Most likely not.
Is it worth putting PPF on a supercar that presumably costs $100,000 or more to purchase? Quite so. It may end up saving you money on the front-end respray, which may cost significantly more than the PPF.
How Long Do You Intend to Keep the Vehicle?
The paint protection film cost depends on various factors and what you are looking for in the film. You have the freedom to choose the PPF installation that is ideal for you.
Whether you choose a partial hood or clear bra installation or a whole vehicle cover backed by a ten-year or longer guarantee, there are various affordable options.
If you're interested in learning more about the cost to install a paint protection film, contact us today at MI Paint Protection for a quote. MI Paint Protection services all of West Michigan that include cities of Walker, Grand Rapids, Wyoming, Kentwood, Grandville, Rockford, Ada, Forest Hills, Traverse City, Cedar Springs, Cutlerville, Jenison, Georgetown Township, and Kent County.
