Did you know that the cost of a paint job for your vehicle can run all the way up to $3,500 or more? This is far more than most people are willing to pay, especially during the resale of their vehicle.
Car protection film provides an economical means of protecting the exterior of your car over the long term. Automotive protective film and protective car wrap options have been available for decades. Large manufacturers also use vehicle transport wrap or car shipping protection film when moving vehicles across the country.
But what about your car? Does it make sense to add additional protection to the exterior of your car?
In this article, we will walk you through everything you need to know about plastic wrap for cars and whether or not a paint protection film is right for you.
What Is Paint Protection Film?
Paint protection films are designed to help protect the exterior of your car from the effects of the sun. Over time, exposure to the sun can oxidize the paint. This will lead to things that you probably don’t want on the outside of your vehicle like fading or yellowing of the paint.
The way the film works is to prevent that from happening by providing protection from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Even though the film will wear over time, it can do a great job of keeping your paint protected on your vehicle for a while.
What Are the Different Types of Paint Protection Films?
Many people get confused in the discussion between paint protection films and vinyl. Both of these can be used to help protect the paint job of the car over time. However, paint protection films are much thinner and are generally a much more lightweight solution to keeping your car fresh.
Many people also talk about the self-healing properties of paint protection films. Whenever the car paint deteriorates from direct trauma or sun erosion, the paint protection films can fill in the defects. Vinyl is not able to achieve this level of protection.
Is a Paint Protection Coating Worth It?
You might wonder whether or not adding a paint protection coating to your vehicle will be worth it in the end. After all, you’ve spent all this money getting your car ready for the road.
The last thing you want is to have to think about protection systems. However, any car enthusiast will tell you that this is a no-brainer.
Paint protection coating systems are almost always worth it because of the money they can potentially save you later on. Think about trying to resell the car. If your car already has paint protection, you will need to have it repainted before the sale, which can get quite expensive.
What Makes a Good Film?
There is a major difference between a good paint protection film and a bad one. There are certain qualities you want to look for at a bare minimum, and those that you might spring for as a luxury film. The best films will provide the best barrier against ultraviolet light damage.
Better films also protect against other negatives like oil, bugs, scratches, and more. They also keep out dirt and flying debris that your car comes in contact with while driving down the road. Look for a film that has a thickness of at least six mils so you can gain maximum protection.
How Much Does a Paint Protection Film Cost?
There is some variability in the amount you will pay for a paint protection system. Most of this will depend on how many panels you plan to cover over in your vehicle as well as its overall condition. Of course, you also pay more for a luxury protection film.
As a ballpark estimate, you can expect to pay between approximately $1,000 and $2,500 for a basic paint protection system. If you’re looking to protect your entire vehicle, this can jump up to $7,000.
How Long Does Paint Protection Film Last?
Paint protection film systems have exceptional longevity compared to alternatives like vinyl. You can expect your film to last for years depending on the type of driving conditions you typically drive in. Basic wear and tear and how well you maintain it will also affect the overall condition of the film.
However, you can expect your film to last for approximately 5 to 7 years. Of course, the self-healing ability of the film to repair defects will decrease over time. Besides careful driving and keeping your film out of the sun when possible, there’s no way to slow this decay process.
Who Makes the Best Paint Protection Films?
You can find a good paint protection film system from any reputable provider. You’ll find that there are a wide variety of options on the market, depending on how you want to protect your vehicle. Ultimately, your dealership or car mechanic may be able to point you in the right direction.
We feel that our films at Armordillo are the best in the business. They are designed to last for years on your vehicle with maximum protection from exterior insults. Feel free to browse our catalog to see how our products might work with your vehicle.
Choosing the Right Car Protection Film for You
At the end of the day, car protection film provides an exceptional means of keeping the paint on your car intact over the long term. If you’re only planning on keeping your car for 5 to 7 years, it can be a great way to prevent having to repaint the car before a resale. Our protection systems at Armordillo are the best in the industry and provide top-tier protection at an affordable price.
If you enjoyed this article about car paint protection films, please check out the other articles on our blog!