Car paint protection films have become increasingly popular over the past few years due to their ability to protect car paint from damage from direct sunlight, rock chips, bug splatter, and other elements.
This film is a transparent thermoplastic urethane film that’s applied to the surface of your car to protect it against light scratches.
Like any other part of your vehicle, it requires regular maintenance to keep it looking and performing at its best.
We’ll provide you with tips on how to care for your paint protection film to maintain its maximum performance and protection.
Why paint protection film maintenance is important
Maintenance of your paint protection film is crucial to maintaining its maximum protection. Without proper care, your paint protection film can become cloudy, hazy, and lose its transparency.
Dirt, grime, and other abrasive materials can get trapped under the film’s edges, which can cause damage to your car’s painted surfaces over time.
Regular maintenance of your paint protection film will not only keep it looking great but also prolong its life, especially its stain resistance ability and, ultimately, the life of your car’s paint.
Although you can always check the warranty details and go directly to your PPF installer, As they always say, prevention is better than cure.
Tools and Materials Needed
You have to keep in mind that there are aggressive products that can further damage your car’s painted surfaces. So before you start cleaning your paint protection film, you’ll need to gather the correct tools and materials such as:
Microfiber towels
Car wash soap
Car washing mitt
Pressure washer (optional)
Soft-bristle brush (optional)
Cleaning Your Paint Protection Film
When it comes to cleaning your vehicle regularly with paint protection film, there are two methods: hand washing and pressure washing. Both methods are effective, but hand washing is the most recommended method.
How to Hand Wash Your Car with Paint Protection Film
To hand wash your vehicle with paint protection film, follow these steps:
Rinse your car with water to remove any loose dirt or debris.
Following the manufacturer’s recommendations, add car wash soap to a pail of water.
Using a car washing mitt, wash your vehicle one section at a time, starting from the top and working your way down.
Rinse each section with water before moving on to the next one.
After washing the entire vehicle, give it a good rinse with water to get rid of any soap residue.
Dry your vehicle with a microfiber towel, starting from the top and working your way down.
How to Use a Pressure Washer on Your Car with Paint Protection Film
Using a pressure washer on your car with paint protection film is safe, but you need to be careful not to damage the film or the car’s paint, especially the window tint. Here’s how you can use pressure washers on a car with PPF films:
Rinse your car with water to remove any loose dirt or debris.
Use a pressure washer with a wide fan nozzle to apply water to your car. Make sure to have a good distance from the car by holding the nozzle at least 2 feet away from the surface and avoid using a high-pressure setting.
In accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations, add car wash soap to a pail of water.
Using a soft-bristle brush, wash your car one section at a time, starting from the top and working your way down.
Rinse each section with water before moving on to the next one.
Once you’ve washed your entire car, rinse it thoroughly with water to remove all soap residue.
Dry your car with a microfiber towel, starting from the top and working your way down.
And for added protection and shine, you can also apply a premium sealant to the car’s surface.
Drying Your Paint Protection Film
After washing your car, you need to dry it thoroughly to avoid water spots. Here’s how to dry your car with the paint protection film curing process:
Use a clean microfiber towel to gently wipe down your car’s surface, starting from the top and working your way down.
Be sure to use a separate towel for drying the wheels and tires to avoid cross-contamination.
Continue drying until the surface is completely dry.
Maintaining Your Paint Protection Film
Apart from washing your vehicle regularly, your vehicle’s paint protection film may need additional maintenance to remove stubborn stains or contaminants. Here’s how to maintain your paint protection film:
How to Remove Water Spots
Water spots are caused by mineral deposits that are left behind when water evaporates. To remove water spots from your paint protection film, use a mixture of white vinegar and distilled water. This type of curing process is easy to do. Here’s how:
In a spray bottle, combine white vinegar and distilled water in equal parts.
Spray the mixture onto the affected area and let it sit for a few minutes.
Use a microfiber towel to wipe away the mixture, applying gentle pressure.
Rinse the area with water and dry it with a clean towel.
How to Remove Tree Sap
Tree sap can be challenging to remove and can cause damage to your paint protection film if left untreated. Here’s how to remove tree sap:
Apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol to a microfiber towel.
Gently rub the affected area with a towel until the tree sap is removed.
Rinse the area with water and dry it with a clean microfiber towel.
How to Remove Bird Droppings
Bird droppings can be corrosive and cause damage to your paint protection film if left for too long. Here’s how to remove bird droppings:
Soak the affected area with a mixture of water and car wash soap.
Let the mixture sit for a few minutes to loosen the bird droppings.
Use a microfiber towel to gently wipe away the droppings, applying gentle pressure.
Rinse the area with water and dry it with a clean towel.
How Often Should You Clean Your Paint Protection Film?
The frequency of cleaning paint protection films depends on your driving conditions. If you drive in a dusty or dirty environment, you may need to clean your car with protective products more frequently. As a general rule, it’s recommended to wash your car every two weeks with an automated car wash.
Installing PPF on a new car is one thing; maintaining it is another. Paint protection film maintenance is essential to keeping it looking and performing at its best. Although PPF has self-healing properties, regular washing, drying, and maintaining will help prolong the life of your paint protection film and, ultimately, the life of your car’s paint.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your paint protection film provides maximum protection for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does paint protection film last?
Paint protection film typically lasts between 5 and 10 years, depending on the brand and quality of the film as well as how well it’s maintained.
Can I wax my car with paint protection film?
Yes, you can wax your car with paint protection film. Make sure to use a wax that’s designed to be used as PPF.
Can I use a car wash brush on my car with paint protection film?
It’s not recommended to use a car wash brush on your car with paint protection film, as it can scratch or damage the film. Instead, use a soft-bristled brush or a microfiber towel.
Can the paint protection film be removed?
Yes, paint protection film can be removed. It’s best to have it removed by a professional to avoid damaging your car’s paint.
Can paint protection film be repaired?
Yes, paint protection film can be repaired. Small scratches or damage can be repaired using a touch-up kit, while larger damage may require professional repair.
