When you invest money into PPF (Paint Protection Film), you want to make sure that it lasts. Most TPU films are engineered to last 7 to 10 years, but to reach that decade mark, you want to make sure that you’re doing all the right things to keep it lasting. Here are a few ways to preserve your PPF to get full use out of it.
What should you do within the first 72 hours?
These first 72 hours are very important to make sure that you start off on the right track. You want to make sure that you don’t wash it so you can let the PPF out gas and fully adhere to the paint surface. If possible, try to stay out of the rain and avoid pressing down on any of the edges or really just any of the film to make sure it doesn’t move.
Why should you avoid automatic car washes?
I know what a pain it can be to just want to go through an automatic car wash, but we highly advise against this—even if it is a touchless. Even in touchless washes, there are harsh or heavy chemicals that can over time affect the PPF and keep it from lasting the decade. It goes without saying that regular automatic car washes with the bristles can damage your film and have you replacing it sooner than you would like.
We recommend the good old handwashing. It will save you a lot of money if you just take the time to do it.
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Use pH neutral soaps: Use anything that does not have harsh chemicals; it’s a plus if it’s biodegradable and environmentally friendly.
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Avoid acidic cleaners: No harsh detergents or acidic cleaners that could strip the UV inhibitors.
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Pressure washer safety: If you use one, stay at least a foot away. Never spray directly at edges, though the flat surfaces are fair game.
| Maintenance Factor | Recommended | Avoid |
| Washing Method | Hand Washing | Automatic / Brush / Touchless |
| Chemicals | pH Neutral / Biodegradable | Harsh Detergents / Acidic Cleaners |
| Pressure Washer | 1 Foot Distance (Flat areas) | Direct Spray at Edges |
| Daily Parking | Garages / Shaded areas | Constant Direct Sunlight |
What can you do daily to help preserve your film?
If you get bird droppings, tree sap, or bugs on the front while driving, immediately wash those out within the first few days. PPF is notoriously easier to clean than regular paint, so you can just use a wash-and-go spray and wipe it down. The sooner you get those things out of the film, the easier it is to clean and the longer you’re going to preserve it.
Also, park in the shade if you can. This will increase the lifespan of the film. Use parking garages or your own garage to keep it out of the sun as much as possible. Even if you have to walk 10 feet further at the grocery store to park in a shaded spot, we recommend doing that.
Should you add a ceramic coating or wax?
You can ceramic coat it for a “double layer stacking” effect. A ceramic coating designed for PPF adds an extra hydrophobic layer so stuff just slides off, and it acts as a barrier against UV rays. You can also use a waterless wash spray with a wax to wipe down the PPF.
PPF is meant to preserve your paint, but you want to preserve the PPF as well because you paid a lot of money for it. Taking these steps ensures you get the most out of your investment.
