In a market that continues to be tarnished by so called “experts” it is imperative to make an informed decision when deciding on how and with what to protect you car. Not only from when it comes to the product you choose, but who does the install. 

There are many opinions on what and how PPF should be done, but the fact is the skill in application of PPF is very commonly underrated and one must be cautious to over simplify what is in fact a very specialized trade, just because many do it, not everyone are professionals, experts, have ever touched a piece of film or even received formal training (more on the about us page).

When choosing a Paint Protection Film for your specific needs, what should you consider or ask the installer:

In the past few months there has been many new entrants into the market, and dealers go for the cheaper option films that they have not necessarily thoroughly tested over time, nor has their fitment technicians been officially trained and up skilled over time, which raises the risk before, during and after a PPF install.

How thick is Paint Protection Film? The accepted norm is between 140 and 200 microns. XPEL’s range of Paint Protection Films are between 165 and 225 microns thick. OEM films fitted at the Factory on small key impact areas can be as thick as 300 Microns. Exterior body Protection film should not be less than 180 microns for optimal protection against not only road rash but scuffing as well.

We use XUP7, more for install on ie. piano black interiors as it does not require high level of impact resistance.

Always ask for the TDS (Technical Data Sheet) of the PPF being installed. Many Asian Companies claim a film to be “8mil” (200microns) but on closer inspection of the TDS and more often than not, you’ll find it to be 6-7mil (150-165microns).

Try and opt for an American Brand, which has due to their strict laws been tested and backed warranties are proven. American films are also more prone to sustain and endure harsh climates like we have in Africa and is less likely to yellow, fade, and become dull, which is what they are warranted to withstand and not do, unlike older generation or many cheap films.

Vinyl (is a PVC or Polyvinyl Chloride) and Paint Protection Film aka PPF (is a Thermoplastic Polyurethane) are two vastly different products, with distinctive different purpose for applications and function, yet both have their respective purpose.

Do not be fooled by people who sell you ‘Clear Vinyl’ or Lamination Vinyl, which is applied on top of normal Coloured Vinyl to preserve and prevent fading of the colour. These are NOT Polyurethane Paint Protection film. Vinyl is in essence a plastic and can be anything from 30 to 80 microns thick and will not:

• Protect your car against Stone Chips & scratches and will only last you 3 to 5 years;
• In fact, Vinyl is much softer and fragile than PPF, hence some clients opt to protect their Vinyl Wrap with PPF, to make it last longer;
• Vinyl is also installed completely different to PPF, and the adhesive is also far more aggressive in order to stay in place, because;
• Vinyl is applied as a cheaper option to colour change instead of having to repaint your car;
• Coloured Vinyl usually requires removal of badges, emblems, fittings, & parts to wrap in where possible to hide the original colour of a car.

This is not necessarily possible with PPF, due to its thickness, toughness and practical purpose.

PPF is basically a sacrificial layer of skin in the event of damage, though there are some aesthetic changes you can make with PPF, i.e. Gloss to Satin which have become extremely popular and vehicle manufacturers such as Land Rover offering it as a factory option. More recently XPEL Launched XPEL ULTIMATE BLACK, for re-styling (not intended for total Colour Changes), due to the slight limitations with the application of PPF (being thicker and slightly less conformable to Vinyl).

How elastic is the film? The more elastic the film feels the more it will be able to absorb impact, the harder the film, the more likely it is to peel when picking up debris. The thinner the film is, the more likely it can ‘tuck in’ around difficult areas, but you won’t necessarily have the optimal protection against damage.

Does the dealer provide you with true computer-generated pre-cut kits? Research the brand thoroughly, XPEL is an established international brand, and market innovator and leader of Pre-Cut Design patterns since 1997.

Why XPEL PPF computer wrapped edge pre-cut patterns instead of Hand-Cut (custom cut)?

1) Pre-Cut carries 100% less liability when it comes to Cut/Knife marks in a new paint job.

2) When a car is taken apart to wrap all edges for film to be installed, then all panels touching any ONE panel that needs to be fixed or replaced for any reason, will need to be removed and reinstalled instead of just the ONE that has the damage. It will also leave bigger panel gaps due to the thickness of the PPF.

3) An inexperienced installer will tend to overstretch when hand cutting where through proper training on the installation of pre-cut patterns yield more long-term adhesion because the XPEL DAP patterns are made to work within the limits of the film.

4) A good pre-cut pattern database like DAP offers the ability to manipulate patterns to wrap any available edges without needing a knife!

5) Supercars are made to a very high tolerance accurate. If you attempt to get two panels on a car like a Nissan GTR closer together by 17 mils (the film is 8.5 thick so two sides are getting closer by twice that amount), and the car won’t move/shift between panels like intended by the manufacturer causing the film to rub and potentially lift due to constant friction.

No 2 Paint protection films are the same, nor do they apply the same and therefore key questions such as chemical resistance, self-healing ability, yellowing, texture in both the short term and long term comes into play.

What method of application does the installer use? A Heat Gun is generally used with Vinyl (plastic) wrap applications but NOT recommended on Polyurethane Paint Protection films, except for drying edges. If an installer tells you they use a heat gun, stay away, as incorrect usage can also bond the glue to the paint work, which will cause a massive issue when you one day decide to remove the film. It will also damage the topcoat at those ‘scorn’ areas. The topcoat plays a key role on protecting the Polyurethane layer of the film from discolouration, you might end up with yellow spots or medium term lifting of said spots. In the worst-case scenario when removing the film, there can be a risk of paint being pulled. 

Do not be fooled by ‘Lifetime Warranties’ this is generally 5 to 7 years when you read the fine print.

XPEL Ultimate PLUS and XPEL STEALTH range of films carries a 10 Year Product Warranty in SA.

Cheaper Polyurethane Paint Protection films are developed and manufactured in the far east, where the climate conditions are either, colder, more humid and not as dusty, South Africa’s Climate is very unique in that we tend to have warm day and cold night temperatures in parts, and this is where a good, great or poor Paint Protection Film will either withstand fading & yellowing or not.

Paint Protection films consist out of our 3 key elements, the adhesive (glue) layer, the Polyurethane Layer (which will protect your car or not) and the top layer (which protects the TPU from elements, contaminations and gives the film it’s self-healing and chemical resistance characteristics.

The top layer typically protects the Polyurethane from contracting/absorbing contamination, prevents discolouration and will also give a film its Self-healing or determine its scratch resistance. All three of these elements make for a poor, good or great PPF.