As a responsible vehicle owner, you would only do everything to protect and care your car. This includes taking your car to an auto shop for regular tune-ups and ensuring that your car is squeaky clean every time. Installing car window tinting is also important for every vehicle. In fact, there are a lot of window tint shops that offer a wide assortment of car window tint brands.

On the contrary, a car bodywork protection film is not as popular and commonly-used as car window tints. For starters, a car paint protection film is installed in specific areas of the vehicle that can be prone to scratches and nicks. Some apply these films on the car hood which is usually at higher risk of damage due to dirt and debris while on the road.

A guide on choosing the right car paint protection film

As mentioned, there are different brands that offer car paint protection film products. In choosing the right car paint protection film, you should consider the following factors:

• Ease of application – option to apply on your own or hire professional installers
• “Self-healing” properties – some will revert to its shape when it distorts by pouring hot water over the film
• Film thickness – standard thickness is 8 mils, but some can be thinner or thicker
• Film finish – either glossy or matte
• Stickiness/adhesion – it should be sticky enough to last for years without peeling off from the car’s surface
• Size options – usually come in roll form, while some can be sold in bulk as part of a business
• Availability – some brands such as 3M are available in most tinting stores and used by many clear car protection film installers
• Price – depends on your budget so choose one that is affordable yet high-quality

Some car paint protection film kits also come with add-ons for those who plan on applying the film by himself. Included in the kit are items such as cutter, retractable knife, a squeegee, and replacement cutting blades.

Other basic facts about car paint protection films

Car protective films are made to stick to metal and plastic materials. Hence, you can apply these films in different parts of your car such as the car hood, bumpers, headlights, and door sills among others. There are different types of protective films, so choose ones that are specially designed for automotive use. Aside from cars, protective films are also used in aircraft, marine vessels, and even for indoor surfaces.

While car paint protection films are meant to cover the car’s surface, experts do not suggest covering the entire vehicle with it. For one thing, most car paint protection films are only designed for specific car surface areas that are prone to damage and dirt accumulation such as the car hood and bumpers.

Also, covering the entire vehicle with a protective film can be time-consuming and costly. However, it is still possible to cover the entire vehicle with a protective film. For one, it would mostly involve using a vinyl wrap instead of roll films which are better installed by professional 3M paint protection film installers.

Car paint protection film installation

You can install the car paint protection film by yourself or hire professional clear car protection film installers in your area. For one thing, it may seem simple but can be challenging once you are already doing it especially if you are a first-timer.

Before installing the film, make sure to clean the vehicle surface first of any dirt and grime. Likewise, ensure that the surface is dry after washing by wiping it using a dry cloth. Spray the car surface area you are intending to cover using a mix of soap and water. Make sure to spray the back of the film as well.

Next, spray one side of the lifted film with a mixture of 25 percent isopropyl alcohol and 75 percent water solution. This will make the film stick better to the car’s surface, and then position the film to its intended position. Use a squeegee to remove air bubbles that come up in the film.

Car paint protection film care tips

Here are some tips to care for your installed car paint protection film.

• Use car wash soap formulated for clear car protection films.
• Use a microfiber cloth when wiping the car surface with the protection film.
• Use a blue clay bar to remove stubborn dirt and debris.
• As much as possible, avoid letting your car washed in commercial car wash shops as it can potentially damage the protective film.
• Remove stains such as bird droppings when it occurs. Letting it sit longer can leave unpleasant marks on the car surface
• Contact experienced personnel specializing in car bodywork protection film in Springfield VA.