Is the film visible on the car?
The film is optically clear but is slightly visible depending on which kit you have applied. For example, a standard front kit which involves the film being applied to the front edge of the bonnet and guards will have a faint line which is slightly visible where the film ends.
This depends on what angle and distance you are looking at it from. If a full panel is covered then the film is virtually invisible.
In some cases (such as full kits) we will need to join or mesh the film together to overcome difficult angles on panels but we aim to get it as close as possible with a tolerance of no more than a couple millimetres gap. This is an area where the film can be slightly visible.
Is there any cutting done on the car?
The film is normally cut off the vehicle with a plotter with the use of digital templates that suit most makes and models.
However, in some cases where a template is not available and the film is bulk fitted to a panel we will need to do carry out cutting on the vehicle but we use specialised techniques which allows us to just score the film slightly without cutting all the way through so the blade does not touch any painted surfaces.
Is the film removable and will it damage the paint?
The film is removable but we highly recommend that it is carried out at the place of application or other PPF professionals. The film is removed by using a steamer or heat gun to soften the adhesive bond and gently lifted back.
Removing the film will not damage any OEM painted surfaces but if there are areas that have been touched up or repaired we cannot guarantee that it won’t affect these areas and do not carry the responsibility for this.
We encourage owners to inform us of any repairs so we can recommend whether it is worthwhile and safe to have PPF applied to these areas.
For touch ups we always recommend having a professional carry it out to ensure that the paint bonds to the surface properly.
Can the film be applied over stickers?
Yes, the paint protection film can be applied over stickers but because there is a raised surface around the sticker it will hold some moisture around it. Once all the moisture has dried from under the film you can run your finger along these areas to help press the film down onto the surface.
If applied over matte or satin film it will leave a glossy finish but we can trim around the stickers/decals but it will leave those areas unprotected.
How long should I wait if my car has had some paint work done?
We recommend a minimum 3 - 4 week wait to allow all the solvents to gas out of the paint before applying any paint protection product.
Does the film go all the way to the edge?
This varies for different vehicles as it comes down to how the digital template is cut. In most cases there will be a slight gap from the edge but no more than a few millimetres as we aim to cover up as much of the painted surface as possible to provide maximum protection.
There are also some areas where we may have to join or mesh up the film and we get it as close as possible with no more than a 2 millimetre gap.
Can the film be etched by bird droppings and contaminants?
Yes, the film can suffer etchings from contaminants such as bird droppings, tree sap and bug splatter. However, most modern day films now provide more resistant top coats and by maintaining the film regularly and removing these contaminants as soon as possible it will minimise the severity of it.
You need to remember that if the contaminants are etching the paint protection film and not the paint itself then it is doing the job that it's meant to.
How do I maintain the film?
It is recommended that you carry out regular washes on the vehicle with a ph neutral or a wash and wax type shampoo. To protect the film you can use a spray wax or a polymer based sealant. We have products available for purchase which are suitable for these applications.
What type of warranty if offered?
Depending on which film is used but most manufacturers offer a minimum 5-year limited warranty.
Please contact us or the film manufacturer for more details on warranties.
Does the colour of the paint/car affect the finish?
Yes, the colour of the car can affect the finish slightly.
White cars tend to show up ends of the film easier mainly if the film is not cared for or if there is some dirt build up at the edges of the film. Marks from bird droppings and bug splatter can be more visible on lighter cars as well but if the film is maintained properly it will reduce the chances of this.
Black or darker coloured cars can show up blemishes at the time of install such as drying spots under the film but these will generally clear up after a week or when all the moisture from the soapy water solution used during the application has dried up.
Black cars can also show up stretch marks which or stress marks which can be caused during application depending on how much stretch is involved to form it around to curved areas.
What can I expect from the film and finish?
Keep in mind that the film is originally designed to protect and not as a cosmetic upgrade. However most current films are top coated which provide additional gloss to the film and also offer self-healing, hydrophobic or scratch resistant abilities that actually give it a really nice finish.
We aim to get the best fitment and finish possible hence why we only carry out the applications from our workshop to allow us to work in a controlled environment.
Even though the environment is controlled air borne contaminants can still be an issue.
During time of application we aim to get it as defect free as possible and will remove any contaminants which we see at the time of fitment but sometimes it’s impossible to get it 100% (we are only human) but we aim for a 98% defect free fitment.
Paint protection films are also designed to be stretched to form around curves and edges but the films to have its limitations. For panels which may require a lot of stretch there may be a risk of minor tension marks being left behind from over stretching the film. We usually overcome this by applying it in 2 or more pieces and doing a join.
If this is the case we will notify the customer prior to application so you know what to expect and we can work to your requirements.