Car Paint Protection Film (PPF)

In simple terms, a car paint protection film is a clear or tinted urethane paint applied to your car's outer body that protects your car against external damage. Usually recommended for newer cars, it's a type of modification that you can opt for to preserve your car's outer coating.

Another term for PPF car coating is 'Anti-Stone Film'. This is because it also protects against road debris like gravel and rocks, which can cause minor damage to your car's outer body. It also offers additional protection against insects, limescale, and resin and has hydrophobic properties, which can protect against rain or hard water stains.

Other terms used to describe PPFs are clear bra, rock chip protection, and clear paint protection.

Based on PPF Coating Type:

There are many types of PPFs and car paint protection coatings, like ceramic, clear wrap, gloss PPF, matte PPF, etc., but at a broad level, they all mainly fall under two types:

- Single Coat: As the name suggests, this is a single coat, which is cheaper, but also more prone to peeling off in hot weather or when exposed to substances like gasoline or oil.

- Double Coat: A double coat is more durable and better suited for hot weather. However, it is slightly more expensive than a single coat.

- Based on Coating Base:

'Base' here refers to the type of base or substance used to make different car paint protection films to give a particular type of finish and protection.

- Water-Based: This type of paint protection is applied using a water-based adhesive. It does not need any additional solvents or chemicals during application allowing for easier installation. Water-based PPF coating can last up to 7 years and gives superior UV protection when compared to traditional car paint protection films.

- Solvent-Based: This uses an oil-based primer or paint as a base. The primer is first applied and allowed to dry; then, the top coat is applied. The solvent helps to create a strong bond between the coating and the car surface.

This is more durable and resistant to damage from road debris and UV rays. In addition, it is often thicker than other PPF car coating films, giving additional protection to your car's paint job.

- Hybrid-Based: This is a mixture of water and solvent bases, and since it offers the benefits of both, it is more expensive.

- Based on Application Mode:

The application mode will depend on the type of PPF or car paint protection coating you choose and your car's make and model. There are two main methods of application:

- Roll-On Spray Method: The roll-on spray method involves applying the coating on your car's outer body or chassis with an applicator brush and letting it dry before you wash your car. It is a cheaper alternative as it can be done at home without any special equipment.

- Liquid Method: This application method requires professional expertise and is more expensive. The PPF car coating is applied with a spray gun in a paint booth to prevent over-spraying your vehicle.

Yes, applying PPF on your car independently is possible, but it is advised that you seek professional help instead. While it may look easy on the surface, the PPF application process is an extremely detailed and time-consuming process.

Here are some problems you may face if you plan on doing this at home:

• Stretching the film properly and fitting it to the correct edges is the most crucial part, and it is also the hardest. If your PPF car coating isn't applied properly, it will leave stretch marks and air bubbles on the surface.

• Improper cuts when trimming the excess material after application can cause dust to settle on the edges, and an improper finish can also make your car look shoddy.

• Improper application can also compromise the amount of protection the PPF car coating can offer, which can defeat its purpose altogether.

• The environment must also be air-conditioned and dust free when applying the car paint protection film to avoid trapping any dust particles or contaminants on or in between the car surface and the coating.

• Your car must be properly prepped with degreasing and foaming washes, followed by claying, compounding, and a thorough polishing job. All of these processes need professional cleaning equipment, as your car must be squeaky clean before you start that application process.

• Once applied, re-applications with the same coating are not possible, so if the first application is improper, you will need to remove it and spend more money on a new coating.

PPF car coating prices aren't fixed amounts. The average cost of car paint protection film can be between ₹5,000 to ₹20,000 or more. While you might baulk at the car paint protection film price in India, it is almost always a one-time expense.

Properly cared for, it can last between 7 - 10 years. So you will not need to replace your PPF unless your vehicle encounters severe damage like a major collision, which can require more than just a PPF replacement.

In short, PPF car coatings are worth every cent as they provide many benefits that far outweigh the cons. They preserve your car's condition and last a long time, so you get great value for the money spent.

• Type of paint used for the PPF coating.

• Size or the amount of surface to be coated.

• The type and number of coats applied to the vehicle.

• Place of installation (done independently or professionally).

Here is the average cost of car paint protection film based on the type of PPF car coating.

- Clear Coating: This protects against scratches, water stains and paint damage. It is also used as a base coat for different car paints. Clear coating can cost between ₹1,500 - ₹2,500.

- Ceramic Coating: Ceramic coating is resistant to scratches and provides a glossy finish to your car. It can cost between ₹2,500 - ₹4,000.

- Metallic Coating: This coating is used for cars with metallic finishes and gives a mirror-like finish. It offers additional protection against weathering, rusting or corrosion. The metallic coating usually costs between ₹4,000 - ₹7,500.

If you are a new car owner, it can be a cost-effective investment as it can prevent superficial damage to your car's outer body. It can also be easily removed. However, once removed, you can not re-install the same PPF coating.

It is a great option if you plan on leasing a vehicle and don't want any paint damage or if you plan to keep the vehicle for an extended period. As stated, they are also a one-time expense.

While your car insurance policy may cover the costs for minor damages, it is usually advised that you don't file frequent claims for minor repairs as it can raise your premium on renewal and cancel your No Claim Bonus.

- Enhanced Finish: A car paint protection film can further enhance the look of your car's exterior, giving it a more polished look. This is especially true for cars with more metallic finishes, where a PPF car coating can give it an almost mirror-like finish.

- Protects Against Corrosion: In India, external factors like dust, acid rain, road debris and unsafe road conditions can all lead to your car's outer body losing its lustre, making it look older. A PPF car coating can help preserve the look of your car and protect it from minor damages like scratches.

- High-Temperature Resistance: Besides protection from external damage, PPF coatings can also withstand extreme weather temperatures like high heat or frost.

- Self-Healing: Car paint protection films are self-healing. Any minor scratches or abrasions can be repaired by applying heat to the outer coating. This can be done by leaving your car under the sun or washing it with warm water. Some PPF coatings also offer instant healing properties.

- Easy Repairs: This ties into the previous point. Your car can be taken to a professional car detailing expert for more severe scratches. Overall, PPF repairs are quick, inexpensive and require little to no effort.

- Higher Resale Value: Since car paint protection films preserve your car's outer body, they can help you maintain a higher resale value as your car would still look relatively new, despite years of use.

- Only Protects Against Minor Damages: PPFs are a thin, flexible outer coating that protects against superficial damage to your car. Unfortunately, this means it will not protect against high-impact collisions or severe road accidents.

- Expensive: PPF car coating is slightly more expensive than other car paint protection coatings like ceramic, sealants, or waxes

Typically, no, but this will depend on your insurance provider. Most providers do not offer coverage for PPF damage for four-wheeler insurance, nor will they offer reimbursement for its replacement costs.

Some insurance providers may offer some add-on benefits with their comprehensive car insurance plans that can cover for major damage repairing, but not many add-ons offer coverage focused at paint protection.

Your car is an important financial investment and a result of your hard-earned savings. Therefore, it deserves the best you can offer, and only the best paint protection film for cars can help you get there.

Similarly, a car insurance policy is just as important as it will determine the amount of financial coverage your car gets in case of accidents or mishaps. But make sure to use a car insurance calculator while buying car insurance. It will help you save a lot of money.