PAINT PROTECTION
From Waxes & Sealants to Ceramic Coatings & Paint Protection Film - the options can be overwhelming when it comes to protecting your vehicle's paintwork. You may have heard these terms being thrown around in the detailing industry, but what do they really mean and why is it so important to invest in paint protection? In today's post, we are going to focus on the two most popular options for long-term paint protection - Ceramic Coatings & Paint Protection Film.
Protecting your vehicle's paintwork is crucial if your aim is to keep your vehicle looking good and to make it easier to maintain long-term. Over the years we have had so many enquiries from client's that have a 2+ year old car and are upset because the paintwork is already looking 'dull and faded'. Or enquiries where our client's main concerns are having scratches 'buffed out' (spoiler alert - it's often not a simple task to do). After a lengthy discussion, more often then not, we find out that the client was sceptical about investing in paint protection when purchasing their new vehicle, or they didn't know there were options available to them and now years down the track their vehicle is suffering.. So what is available to you when it comes to long-term paint protection?
CERAMIC COATINGS
Ceramic Coatings are one of the most popular options worldwide when it comes to Paint Protection. When applied correctly, a ceramic coating will chemically bond to the surface of your vehicle's factory paint, creating a far more durable and longer-lasting sacrificial layer of protection than a generic wax or sealant would. A Ceramic Coating is designed to help protect against environmental aggressors such as UV damage which causes paint fading and oxidisation, chemical etching caused by bird/bat droppings & water-spotting and other environmental factors that can very easily stain and etch your unprotected and vulnerable paintwork if left untreated. The thickness of a ceramic coating also helps to provide a deep gloss and 'wet-look' to the paintwork which can be hard to achieve and maintain with other products. Most ceramic coatings also offer the added benefit of "Hydrophobic" or "Hydrophilic" properties, helping water to bead or sheet off the vehicle and making your vehicle easier to clean and maintain.
Ceramic Coatings range in quality and price so it is so important to do your research. Don't be afraid to ask your detailer for the brand of ceramic coating they use and what process they take when applying their coatings. Check out reviews on the product & service and ask as many questions as you like so that you can make an informed decision. This is very important, as if the coating isn't a high-quality coating, if thorough preparation prior to application isn't carried out or if the coating is not applied very carefully and in a controlled setting, this can lead to an uneven application and appearance or even worse, could lead to the coating failing prematurely.
The downside of a ceramic coating is that they are not designed to protect against physical or external aggressors such as scratches, stone chips or other physical impact/damages to the paintwork. If that is your main concern, we'd highly recommend reading about Paint Protection Film below. Also, despite what some may think (or sell it to you as), having a ceramic coating applied doesn't mean that you never have to wash your car again (sorry to break it to you). After having a ceramic coating applied, it's still very important to use correct wash techniques and high-quality products to maintain your protectant and the paint itself.
Overall, Ceramic Coatings are a great option for people wanting the best quality finish for their vehicle or the everyday person who wants a lower maintenance application to protect their vehicle for several years. Instead of thinking of a professional quality & long-term ceramic coating being a costly investment upfront, think of it as a more cost-effective option when compared to the time and money associated with frequent re-applications that waxes and sealants require. Given our harsh North Qld weather conditions, it's also worth considering the cost of having to get a panel re-sprayed when the untreated paintwork fails from UV damage.
PAINT PROTECTION FILM
Paint Protection Film, also referred to as PPF is the best option when it comes to protecting your vehicle's paintwork. It's a transparent, adhesive film which is available in a variety of different finishes, however the most common is usually a gloss or matte/satin finish. Paint Protection Film is known for its superior protection against stone chips, light surface scratches, road debris and other environmental contaminants that pose the risk of causing permanent damage to your vehicle. Although it's called Paint Protection Film, it can also be applied to other areas such as headlights, exterior trims and areas that you'd like to have the same level of protection applied. For example, applying PPF to your vehicle's headlights will not only help to prevent stone chips or damage from insect impact ,but will also help to prevent oxidisation and that haziness they get over time. Paint Protection Film is transparent and isn't designed to change the appearance of your vehicle. For instance, a matte or satin finish PPF does have the advantage of converting gloss finish paintwork to a luxurious & chic matte finish, however it isn't intended to be used for finish conversions and it won't necessarily achieve a 100% matte conversion. PPF is also transparent, so it's not going to fully disguise imperfections or swirls already in the paintwork prior to application. If your vehicle has these types of defects, we'd recommend a thorough decontamination detail and paint enhancement/correction prior to the application of Paint Protection Film.
There are so many different brands of Paint Protection Film on the market. In fact, anybody can purchase a PPF kit online and attempt to install it themselves. That said, application can be a very tedious and time-consuming process and if not done correctly, there is a risk of damaging your paint. If you are considering PPF, we'd highly recommend seeking the advice of a reputable and experienced installer. Most accredited installers will also be able to offer you a warranty on the PPF installed.
We aren't going to beat around the bush - good quality Paint Protection Film and professional application is not cheap. It certainly is an investment, but in our opinion, it's one that is definitely worth it. There are also so many different options available when it comes to surface application - you may decide to have Paint Protection Film applied to all painted surfaces of your vehicle for ultimate protection. Or you may opt to have it applied to the front impact areas only and have a ceramic coating applied to the remaining surfaces. It's entirely up to you and the budget you're working with. Have a chat to your trusted applicator and they will be able to talk you through different package options they have available.
INTERIOR PROTECTION
Did you know that there are options available to help to protect the interior surfaces of your vehicle as well? Just like the exterior painted surfaces, some interior surfaces of your beloved pride and joy are at risk of UV damage and discolouration, among other things. There are some fantastic products available these days that can offer effective protection for the interior surfaces of your vehicle as well. Whether it's UV protection for your dash, plastics and vinyl surfaces, Leather coatings offering protection against UV rays, friction, dye transfer and other discolouration or Fabric coatings helping to repel any water or oil based liquids spilt in your car - there are plenty of options to consider. Speak with your trusted detailer to see what they have available to keep your interior looking and feeling fresh.
HOW CAN TOWNSVILLE ELITE DETAILING HELP YOU?
We have a variety of packages available and a wide range of protection solutions to customise a package to suit your main concerns and budget. We've included some links below to some of the services we have available when it comes to protecting your vehicle long-term, as well as some information on the products we utilise and truly believe in here at Townsville Elite Detailing.
If you have any questions about the different types of protection options we have available, or if you would like some advice and recommendations on what options would be best for you, please do not hesitate to send us an email, or contact our friendly team via the details below. We're more than happy to assist.
info@tsvelitedetailing.com.au
Ph. 0499 013 057
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