6 Common Misconceptions About Paint Protection Film Debunked

Does installing paint protection film damage your vehicle's paint? It's not true. Discover some misconceptions about protective paint film here.

Having your vehicle repainted can cost as much as $1,000 to $4,500 depending on the job. This is a huge investment, especially if your vehicle is a bit older.

If you want to avoid this expense, you should invest in protective paint film. The paint protection film is applied to the outside of the vehicle as a protective coating over the paint job.

This is often UV resistant and helps the paint to stay like new for longer. There are also different options, such as ceramic coating, depending on the look you want.



Keep reading to find out the most common misconceptions about protective paint film. 

1. They Can't be Waxed

Many people incorrectly assume that you can't wax paint protection film or PPF for short. The reality is that you can wax these films without experiencing issues.

Rumors have spread around about PPFs becoming damaged if wax is applied. This's confused with vinyl car wraps, which can become damaged by waxing.

Car wraps are more delicate and can become damaged from the roughness of waxing. But when it comes to PPFs, waxing can actually be a good thing.

A layer of wax over the surface of the car provides another layer of protection. This is a great option if you have a tendency to damage the surface of your vehicle.

Keep in mind that you should do a little research beforehand. You should look at the installer or manufacturer's instructions to make sure this won’t do any damage.

2. The Film Yellows Over Time

Many people are afraid to get PPF installation because of yellowing. This is a very common myth about PPF that is not rooted in facts.

In the early days of protective films, yellowing was a problem. This was often because the films were PVC-based, which yellowed over time.

The reality is that PPFs are much better designed now than they used to be. They are made from TPU, which is able to hold up against the elements over time.

As long as the protective paint film is high-quality, you won’t experience any yellowing. It also often comes with a 10-year warranty to cover you if it does yellow.

3. Protective Paint Film Damages Paint

Something you may have heard is that paint protection film damages the existing paint. This is a myth that does a lot of damage to this industry as it scares people away.

The reality is that PPFs do not cause any damage to your vehicle's paint. They are designed to do the exact opposite, protecting your paint from any scratches or dings.

This film can even be removed if you change your mind later on. It will not do any damage to your vehicle as long as you go to the professionals to have this done.

4. It's Only Necessary for Off-Road Vehicles

Some people automatically assume that PPFs are only suitable for certain things. Many people think that they are only necessary for vehicles that go off-road driving.

Vehicles that go off-roading are much more likely to end up with damaged paint. Off-roading is very rough on vehicles and results in all kinds of scratches and dings.

But PPFs are not only used for off-road vehicles. Any vehicle used for any purpose is vulnerable to a variety of wear and tear.

The sun may start to damage your paint, or a pebble may scratch it when you are driving on the highway. Anything can happen at any time, causing paint damage.

5. Film Can Only be Used on New Vehicles

People also assume that this film is only suitable for new vehicles. This is a relatively understandable myth since it makes sense to protect the new paint.

The good news for vehicle owners is that PPFs can be applied to older vehicles as well. It still provides protection and helps to keep the paint looking better for longer.

It is a good idea to have any paint damage repaired before doing this. This way, the repairs will be protected to prevent further damage from occurring.

Keep in mind that it is important to consider how old your vehicle is. If your vehicle is on its last leg, this may not be a worthwhile investment until you purchase another vehicle.

6. It Makes Washing Your Car Harder

Some people assume that paint protection film is harder to maintain. This is a myth that can scare you away from making this decision.



The good news is that PPF is not difficult to maintain at all. This is not going to change how you wash your vehicle or what products you use.

In fact, PPFs help to better protect your vehicle when you wash it. This will protect the paint from any minor scratches from abrasive sponges that you may be using.

This allows you to clean your vehicle thoroughly without the risk of being too rough on the paint.

Protective Paint Film: What Is and Isn't True 

If you want to protect your vehicle's paint, you may have considered protective paint film. This is a great option that is applied to the surface of your vehicle as a protective coating.

There are many myths about PPFs that are not true, making this decision easier to make. Some myths include PPF yellowing or damaging the paint, which does not happen.

Are you interested in having protective paint film applied to your vehicle? Contact us today at Ultimate Film Solutions to get a free estimate for your vehicle.