PPF for automobiles: advantages and disadvantages

Automotive PPF, or paint protection films, are the best way to keep your car’s body paint in excellent condition for years to come. They not only help prevent scratches and damage caused by the elements, but they also feature self-healing properties.

Groupe Irenode, with a distribution centre in Victoriaville and a network of installers across Quebec, offers more information on these advantageous products!

What is PPF?

PPF is an acronym for Paint Protection Film. It acts as a shield, protecting your car’s body against road debris (including gravel, branches, insects, and more) and weather conditions (as well as UV rays on sunny days!).

Thanks to this invisible layer of protection, the original paint will remain in optimal condition for years to come. Minor scratches will stay on the film’s surface without affecting the body, and they even benefit from self-repairing properties that allow them to fade over time, thanks to engine heat and sunlight.

What are the Benefits of a PPF Film?

If you own a new car, a luxury or classic vehicle, you certainly want to preserve its exterior in mink condition for as long as possible and maintain that showroom shine from day one. The same applies if you are simply a car enthusiast and have decided on a new body colour for your ride!

Once applied, the film acts as a barrier between your car and all sorts of external aggressions. It can also enhance your vehicle’s style with a variety of finishes, ranging from matte to high gloss.

Yes, the film functions as automotive paint protection, safeguarding it against damage caused by UV rays and chemicals, as well as acid rain and oxidation, for example.

That said, to ensure it works at maximum capacity, it is recommended to have it professionally installed.

One of the best features of high-quality automotive PPF is undoubtedly its resistance to scratches and how well it protects your paint. However, it is not infallible! That’s why its second most innovative property is how it can self-heal.

In fact, when high-quality films ‒such as those we offer‒ incur minor scratches, they remain on the surface. Moreover, these scratches can even disappear on their own, fading away thanks to the warmth of the engine and sunlight, leaving a smooth and impeccable finish.

Several protective films, like our PPTape (Suntek PPF), for example, can be installed on various surfaces of your car, including the headlights. In fact, all our packages (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Titanium) include application on the headlamps in addition to other strategic surfaces, or full-vehicle coverage.

Absolutely. Adding a ceramic coating to a paint protection film is a great way to keep the film in excellent condition longer while maximizing the benefits of both products. However, this does come with additional costs.

Alternatively, you can opt for our PPF Reaction, which combines the best of both worlds by offering the benefits of a film and those of a ceramic coating in a single product. Moreover, it comes with a limited warranty of 12 years.

What are the Disadvantages of a PPF Film?

There are no disadvantages with a paint protection film if it is of high quality. By investigating further, you can ensure that you opt for a product that’s worth the investment and that isn’t of low quality. Lower quality films could yellow, peel off or lift prematurely while also providing your paint with little protection.

To avoid any risks and to maximize the lifespan of your film, it is best to have it installed by experts.

Do PPF Films Damage the Paint on a New Car?

High-quality automotive PPF poses no risk to your new car’s paint. On the contrary, the sooner the film is applied, the better protected your paint will be!

What Maintenance is Needed After Installing Paint Protection Film?

Paint protection film requires little maintenance but does need to be washed from time to time to preserve its aesthetics, which is also true for body paint in general, even without protection. In other words, maintenance is minimal for maximum durability. You can also wax it to maintain its shine but be careful to choose a wax that is suitable for PPF.

After applying PPF to your car, you can wash it as often as you normally would. It is important to do so if you notice stains such as bird droppings, sap, or insect debris.

As with any standard body wash, you can begin by rinsing your car thoroughly with water before washing. This will remove any existing dirt or debris, and thus help you avoid scratching the paint or the film while washing.

It is recommended to avoid automatic car washes and high-pressure washes (e.g., with a pressure washer) to prevent the film from peeling off. Water, mild soap, and a microfibre cloth are sufficient.

Also, allow the film to dry fully after installation. Wait at least 3 days before washing your vehicle.

Aside from using mild soap, you can also find other products specially designed for paint protection films. Do not hesitate to contact us to learn more.

Avoid harsh chemical products, abrasive substances, or products containing strong solvents or acids. The same goes for rough cloths and brushes, especially those with hard bristles.

A high-quality PPF does not yellow; on the contrary, it protects your paint against yellowing and premature ageing.

In terms of the film’s premature wear, following the recommended washing guidelines and avoiding unsuitable products is the best way to maintain its appearance over time.

A quality film can last for many years. In fact, our Suntek PPF comes with a limited warranty ranging from 5 to 12 years, depending on the product.

This means that your investment will be well worth it!

What is the difference between a protection film, a ceramic coating and a vinyl wrap?

Paint Protection Film

A paint protection film offers the best protection against chips, debris, minor scratches, UV rays, weather conditions, yellowing, and premature paint ageing.

Additionally, since you can choose to apply it only on strategic areas or have it installed on the entire vehicle, you can target your precise needs and easily work within your budget.

And don’t forget its self-healing properties!

Ceramic Coating

Ceramic coating is another way to protect your car’s body, but this protection is generally less robust than that offered by a quality film. However, ceramic coating does feature hydrophobic properties that cause water to bead on the surface, limiting the accumulation of dirt.

Several films do not have these hydrophobic properties, but our Suntek PPF Reaction offers the best of both worlds by combining all of the advantages of a ceramic coating along with the superior protection of paint protection films.

Vinyl Wrap

A vinyl wrap is primarily an aesthetic choice, allowing you to change your vehicle’s colour without the high costs of traditional paintwork. However, it offers little protection compared to a high-quality paint protection film.

The PPF brands on the market

If you are looking for the best PPF brands on the market, you are probably wondering about the advantages of Suntek PPF vs Xpel, or Suntek vs 3M PPF.

Groupe Irenode chooses Suntek products for the many advantages they offer compared to the competition, as you will see in the table below:

	Suntek	3M	Xpel
Clearest and most transparent finish
Easiest installation process
Warranty	10 years	7 years	10 years
Prevention against yellowing
Hydrophobic properties
Several available finishes

Verdict: is PPF Worth It?

Absolutely. Paint Protection Film (PPF) is a smart investment for any vehicle owner who wants to maintain their car’s appearance and value over time. Whether you drive daily, own a luxury vehicle, or are simply passionate about your car, PPF offers everyday peace of mind and long-term protection.

Keep your car looking brand-new for years, with minimal maintenance or polishing required.
Avoid costly paint repairs caused by stone chips, minor scratches, and daily wear.
Say goodbye to small surface scratches – the film’s self-healing properties allow it to smooth itself out with heat.
Increase your car’s resale value by keeping the body in pristine condition.
Save time and money on long-term cosmetic upkeep.

Moreover, since you can opt for different levels of protection, you can choose a package that perfectly meets your needs and your budget. For a car that you plan on keeping for only a few years, automotive PPF applied to strategic areas (such as the Bronze, Silver, or Gold package) can help maximize your vehicle’s resale value.

And if you plan on keeping your car for many years, you should consider investing in a full installation, such as the Titanium package, for example. Contact our specialists at Irenode, who will be happy to discuss it with you!