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Paint Protection Film (PPF) shelters your car’s paint from scratches, UV rays, and other damage. A proper aftercare is key to its longevity. From curing-time provisions to safe washing and a few best practices, this article will explain how to keep your PPF car looking and performing at its best.
Are you someone who has recently gotten a PPF installation on your car? If yes, then it’s quite normal to be distracted by a set of questions about the aftercare of your paint protection film. At InstaTints, we care for your vehicle as much as you do, and we understand how confusing it can be to gather information about the best ways to care for a PPF car.
For those who are unaware of the concept, let’s talk about what a PPF is briefly and why it requires aftercare.
Understanding PPF and Its Benefits?
In simple words, Paint Protection Film, or PPF, is a thermoplastic urethane film that protects your car from hazards, including scratches, heat rays, and other environmental damage. Your vehicle’s body is just as sensitive as yours; therefore, applying a protection cover is the ultimate key. It not only protects the vehicle from the above-mentioned risks but also maintains its original paint, finish, and gloss.
Furthermore, the PPF wrap has a self-healing property, which makes it durable, flexible, and efficient in terms of appearance and quality. Moreover, InstaTints uses premium PPF products with a 10-year warranty against yellowing, cracking, delamination, and peeling. Therefore, applying PPF on your car will not only help you maintain it, but also, due to its impressive appearance, benefit you in the long run for its resale value.
What Are the Ways to Care for Your Car Paint Protection?
All said and done, negligence can cause issues in a ppf-installed car if the care is inappropriate and unfitting. But worry not. There are a few after-care steps that will help you maintain your car and its PPF. There are three major things you must know about the PPF car.
Immediate Care After PPF Installation
Following proper aftercare involves crucial steps. As soon as the film is applied to your vehicle, it goes through approximately two weeks of curing, depending on the weather conditions. In simple words, the first step is all about caring for your vehicle after PPF installation. Shortly after the installation, you must avoid washing the car for at least 48–72 hours, i.e., 2–3 days. It is because the adhesive that bonds the PPF wrap onto the surface of your car needs a stipulated time to stick well.
Even after the lapse of days, you have to avoid pressure washing. Even high-speed driving is not permitted during the period. Try to keep your vehicle away from direct sunlight and rain, if applicable. You need to also avoid waxing or polishing your car during this time. If you see bubbles or moisture, do not panic and do not touch them; they are normal and will disappear eventually.
Washing Techniques of the PPF Car
After the curing period (48–72 hours) is over, the only method viable and recommended is hand-washing. Use a pH-neutral car shampoo, a soft microfiber towel, and the two-bucket method, which uses one bucket of soapy water (for the wash) and one bucket with plain water (for cleaning). Do not implement automatic car wash methods or any kind of harsh chemicals. Rest for the time being, you can wash your car once every two to three weeks.
Below is the table that details why the other types of washing methods need to be avoided:
| Method | Suggestion | Reason |
| Hand Wash | Highly recommended | It is a controlled method; therefore, due to normal or minimum pressure, the film is prevented from any kind of damage. |
| Automatic Car Wash | Try to avoid | In this method, garages/studios use many harsh chemicals and stiff brushes to clean the surface. This can leave marks or, in extreme cases, cause the PPF wrap to lift from the sides. |
| Pressure Wash | Proceed carefully | If you are using this method, it is advisable to keep the nozzle at least 3 feet or 1 meter away. Use a low-pressure setting under 1200 PSI with a wide-angle tip. Do not spray on the film’s edges. |
After Washing the Car
After washing your car, immediately dry the surface with a soft microfiber cloth. It helps the film to remain intact as new. Look out for the edges to see if the PPF wrap hasn’t been lifted or scratched. Once done, apply Sealant. This step is optional, but protects your car even more. If you are using one, necessarily and strictly go for a PPF-safe Sealant. You can use these products once every few months.
Final Thoughts: Protect Your Investment in the Best Way
By now, you might have understood about car paint protection and why the aftercare is necessary. PPF Wrap is a long-term solution in both technical and monetary ways to protect the car from the merest of hazards.
InstaTints offers a wide range of solutions, from consultation about your car. Everything depends on understanding the nature and the weight of the product. Surface preparation comes as the next step, followed by customizable cutting of the film, as per your needs. Lastly, after careful installation of the film, we also inspect the process till the end, till handing you the vehicle.
With caution and pertinent care, you can sign up for the process and flex your vehicle like it is brand new every day.
FAQs
[1] What’s the estimated time for the paint protection to fully cure?
Paint Protection Film typically takes 7–14 days to fully cure. This also heavily depends on the weather conditions and usage. The surface will bond within 48 to 72 hours, but one must take cautious steps to use the vehicle during this time.
[2] Can I drive my car immediately after PPF installation?
Yes, but remember to take cautious steps. Excessive wind pressure can cause a problem. The wrap can uproot, causing the bond to weaken and be damaged.
[3] Is it normal to see bubbles under the PPF wrap?
Yes, it is quite normal to see bubbles trapped between the surface and the wrap. Do not touch them. The bubbles will disappear by themselves as time goes by.
[4] How often is it recommended to wash the car after PPF installation?
Normally, you can wash your car once every 2–3 weeks. Use the hand wash method as it is easier and prevents any significant damage. Elsewhere, regular cleaning maintains the PPF’s gloss and clarity.
[5] If I sell my car after PPF, will it help monetarily?
Yes, PPF makes your car look so tidy and luxurious that you can easily profit after selling your vehicle. All you need to do is maintain your vehicle by heart, and you will see the results yourself.