How To Polish Your Car’s Paint Protection Film
— March 30, 2021A paint protection film is the ultimate level of detail. Individuals with expensive and unique cars all over the world opt for applying car bodywork protection films to protect the paint and most importantly the investment. It is an expensive procedure that requires a lot of time and effort. Plus, it requires some regular maintenance as well. So, let’s discuss how to polish your car’s paint protection film.
What Is Paint Protection Film?
Paint or automotive protection films go by different names in the industry today such as the Invisible shield, Clear Mask or Clear Bra, etc. Automotive paint protection films are made from a type of plastic that is adhered to the body of the vehicle to protect it against scratches and damage. Since it is an elastic item, you can bend it around corners and edges, etc. Furthermore, most paint protection films are self-healing as well. This means that if there are any light scratches, the film will repair itself once it gets exposed to sunlight.
How Long Does Paint Protection Film Last?
Manufacturers claim that paint protection films last anywhere from a year to 10 years. However, that mostly depends on the maintenance. A paint protection film required maintenance like the application of polishes etc. to keep it smooth and healthy. If you ignore it, which means that if you were to use incorrect washing techniques, you will end up damaging it way before its time. Therefore, if you are planning to install PPF on your vehicle, make sure to only use the recommended products when it comes to maintenance.
How To Polish Paint Protection Film?
Polishing your paint protection film might seem easy from the outside but it requires a lot of time, effort, and patience. Plus, polishing the paint protection film involves using the right detailing products and tools. If you have a paint protection film installed by a particular manufacturer, you need to consult what products and tools to use so that you do not end up damaging it while polishing. The purpose of polishing the paint protection film is to remove contaminants that accumulate over time. If left ignored, the PPF will give up way before its intended lifetime.
Step 1: Wash The Car
The first step of polishing your paint protection film is washing the car. Depending on the area where you live, you might want to wash the car twice before the polishing procedure. It might be that the dust on your vehicle is stubborn and you will need to clear the vehicle off the contaminants by washing it twice.
Step 2: Dry The Vehicle
Once the vehicle has been washed, it is time to dry it. Make sure that you use the proper clothes intended for drying so that the paint protection film is not damaged during the process. Gently move the cloth over the wet areas and ensure that the edges and corners are dry as well.
Step 3: Examine The Vehicle
Now that the vehicle is dry, you need to examine it thoroughly to see what type of polishing it needs. If you observe that there are light scratches, you can do away with light polishing. However, if you notice that the scratches are hard and there are several other paint complications as well, you might want to use comparatively aggressive polishes.
Step 4: Apply The Polish
Following the instructions of the manufacturer, begin applying the polish. Make sure that you use the right buffing pad and technique of using the buffing machine. You should have a clear view of the process and remove anything that might break the rhythm of the process. Use detailing lights that will allow you to focus on the swirls and other marks on car’s paint.
Step 5: Remove The Polish And Buff
Once the vehicle has been polished, remove it by using a dry microfiber cloth. Make sure that the cloth is neither wet nor dirty. The cloth needs to be clean so that it does not leave any marks behind or damages the film. After removing the polish, use another dry microfiber cloth to give a final buff to the vehicle, ensuring that no polish remnants are left behind.
Final Word
Polishing your paint protection film can be easy if you were to follow the steps mentioned above. If you are still confused about certain products or steps, feel free to consult the manufacturer. Make sure that you give the film some time to cure before applying wax or any other product if necessary. If your PPF is old, get it replaced by a 3m paint protection film installer Springfield.
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