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Paint protection film was first developed by 3M™ at the request of the US military during the Vietnam War in order to help protect the rotor blades of helicopters taking off and landing in battle zones. Although not originally designed to protect the paint or finish of the blades but rather to protect their structural integrity, these films soon found their way onto the race track as drivers saw their ability to protect the exterior of their cars at high speeds. The first films were thicker and less pliable, because their purpose was to help keep helicopter blades from eroding in the harsh, sandy environments to which they were exposed. Because the blades were flatter and less complex than auto-motive surfaces, they didn’t demand a highly flexible, conformable film. However, as the films began to be adopted by race car teams and, later, luxury car makers, the film was reformulated to be thinner and easier to work with.
Today's Paint Protection Films (PPF) are thermoplastic, urethane films generally applied to the painted surfaces of a new or used car in order to protect the paint from stone chips, bug hits, minor abrasions and UV damage. Whether you buy Avery Dennison™'s cutting-edge Supreme Protection Film XI (SPF-XI), ORAFOL's Oraguard or Stoneguard Series PPF or prefer a 3M™ Protection Film, none of these wraps or kits will affect appearance or aerodynamics. In fact, they are specifically designed to be virtually invisible from just a few feet away. Best of all, with minimal maintenance, the film will last many years, keeping your paint protected while looking great. Although we have listed primarily automotive applications, you can use any of our PPF kits on airplanes, RVs, cell phones, electronics, screens, motorcycles and in a growing number of applications.
At Rvinyl, we make it job to bring you only the highest quality films which is why we currently carry paint protection films made by the top three manufacturers in the country: Avery Dennison™, 3M™, Hexis and ORAFOL. Although you can be sure of getting the highest perfromance and value if you buy a paint protection kit made with film from any of these brands we do have our own preferences and we will list them in order below.
Avery Dennison Supreme Protection Film XI (SPF-XI) improves and protects a vehicle’s appearance, while helping to retain its resale value. A high quality, top coated polyurethane film protects the paint from stone chips, road debris, insect stains, weathering and minor abrasions.
Know as the industry standard, its unique technology separates this product from its competitors. Pro Series can give you years of protection and performance without ongoing maintenance. Unlike your car’s paint, when this Pro Series Film gets scratched, the scratches virtually disappear, keeping your film looking newer longer. Almost nothing can protect your vehicle better from scratches, stains and chips than 3M™ Pro Series Protection Films.
BodyFence is a relative newcomer on the automotive protective film scene. With a 7 year life span, it comes in just under Avery Supreme Protection Film and 3M™ Scotchgard™ Pro Series which boast 10 year life spans. One notable difference of this Hexis film, however, is that it is self-cleaning (if not totally hydrophobic). BodyFence is a transparent adhesive-coated film, specially developed for protecting car bodywork. Its excellent shock-absorbing properties protect your bodywork against chips caused by stones, insects, car doors, washing brushes, etc.
This PPF provides medium-term paint protection for automotive fenders, rear bumpers, deck or side skirts and other outdoor applications. Intended for use on flat and slightly curved surfaces, it is an inexpensive alternative to 3M™ and Avery™ SPF-XI products that is thinner as well.
Yes, PPF can be removed without causing damage to your vehicle. However, reasonable care should be taken during removal to ensure that the vehicle's clear coat is not damaged. We offer instructions for removal in our Resources section.
Because the PPF films are made using optically clear adhesives the material is over 95% clear. It is hard to detect even from a few feet away although it will add a glossy sheen to your vehicle's paint.
Uncut film is available in a variety of widths and lengths and, depending on the manufacturer, can range from 4 mil in thickness to up to 15 mil. Professional or DIY installers can use uncut film to wrap and protect those areas of the vehicle for which pre-cut kits are not available. In general, pre-cut paint protection kits are made for the hood, fender, mirrors and front and rear bumpers. In addition, many companies offer pre-cut door cups and door panel strips as well. Although pre-cut kits can be easier to install they normally end about 1/16-inch to 1/8-inch from edges.
Yes. PPF films can be applied to plastic or polycarbonates. In fact, headlight lenses are the most common plastic component for which PPF is used.
At the time of writing, we are unaware of any PPF product that can be removed and reapplied. This s due to the nature of the adhesive and the physical properties of the film itself.
No. The recommended waiting time for a proper cure is 30 days. It is best to contact your body shop. Body shops use a wide range of suppliers for their paint materials. Tell your body shop to contact their paint supplier for information if they are unsure. The paint supplier or manufacturer will be the best source for the correct cure time.