Paint protection film is a simple concept that surprisingly wasn't thought of sooner. The chemical technology necessary for this product has existed for many years and similar products are in use all around us on a daily basis. The most common of these products is the ordinary window tinting film that you see on many automobiles and even residential windows.
Paint protection film, like its window tint cousin, is made from a thermoplastic, urethane material, and formed into thin sheets. These sheets are applied to the paint with the attached pressure sensitive adhesive, just like window tinting.
Once the paint protection film is applied, the paint is protected from flying road debris, bugs, scratches, etc. It also provides some protection against more severe physical damage such as hail, minor dings, etc. Though the film isn't armor plating, it is surprisingly resilient to damage.
Protecting a car's paint job in this dangerous world is a tough job. Unfortunately, even highly durable products become damaged. Eventually the paint protection film will need to be removed from the vehicle and replaced with fresh film. Fortunately this is easier than it would at first seem. With a few tools and products, the film can be quickly removed and the car made ready for a fresh application.
When the film is applied it is usually wrapped around to the back side of the auto's body. This makes removal easier.
First a heat gun of some sort is required. A powerful hair dryer that gets really hot will usually suffice. A razor blade or exacto knife might be needed to begin the removal process. Take the heat gun and apply heat to the edge of the film. After a few moments the film will begin to contract slightly causing wrinkles. Place the blade under one of these wrinkles to start lifting the film from the car. Continue to apply heat as you remove the film. The paint protection film should come off easily if proper heat is applied.
After removing the film, often there will be some adhesive residue remaining. this is easily removed using a gentle solvent. A solvent used for removing road tar and grime should do the job with no problem. As always it is a good job to test the solvent on an unnoticeable area of the paint to make sure it won't harm the paint.
Paint protection film, like its window tint cousin, is made from a thermoplastic, urethane material, and formed into thin sheets. These sheets are applied to the paint with the attached pressure sensitive adhesive, just like window tinting.
Once the paint protection film is applied, the paint is protected from flying road debris, bugs, scratches, etc. It also provides some protection against more severe physical damage such as hail, minor dings, etc. Though the film isn't armor plating, it is surprisingly resilient to damage.
Protecting a car's paint job in this dangerous world is a tough job. Unfortunately, even highly durable products become damaged. Eventually the paint protection film will need to be removed from the vehicle and replaced with fresh film. Fortunately this is easier than it would at first seem. With a few tools and products, the film can be quickly removed and the car made ready for a fresh application.
When the film is applied it is usually wrapped around to the back side of the auto's body. This makes removal easier.
First a heat gun of some sort is required. A powerful hair dryer that gets really hot will usually suffice. A razor blade or exacto knife might be needed to begin the removal process. Take the heat gun and apply heat to the edge of the film. After a few moments the film will begin to contract slightly causing wrinkles. Place the blade under one of these wrinkles to start lifting the film from the car. Continue to apply heat as you remove the film. The paint protection film should come off easily if proper heat is applied.
After removing the film, often there will be some adhesive residue remaining. this is easily removed using a gentle solvent. A solvent used for removing road tar and grime should do the job with no problem. As always it is a good job to test the solvent on an unnoticeable area of the paint to make sure it won't harm the paint.