Are you looking at getting paint protection film installed on your car but don't know where to start? Well, you have come to the right place. We recently read a large number of questions about PPF and what to look for when choosing a paint protection film installer. Solar Shield Medford Oregon is here to share some knowledge on the matter. We have curated a comprehensive list of what you should be asking any paint protection film installer near Medford, Oregon, as well as the answers you should receive. PPF is an investment. That is why it's important that you are guided in the right direction. From start to finish, we organized what we feel are the most important questions in chronological order. Let’s get started….
What is paint protection film exactly, and why should I consider it?
Paint protection film is a self-healing thermoplastic urethane protection film that is applied on top of your vehicle's paint to protect it from abrasive elements your car encounters while driving, such as rock chips, debris, sun rays, and human interaction. No matter what type of driver you are, you can preserve your vehicle's paint with paint protection film. Most paint appears to be healthy on the outside until you see physical damage, such as oxidation, peeling, or chipping, but under a microscope, your paint endures a lot of damage every time you drive it. The advantage of using PPF is having peace of mind knowing that this film protects against harmful elements. Paint protection film is similar to how a security system protects a home from outside threats.
How do you prepare my car for paint protection film?
When purchasing a paint protection film package from any shop near Medford, Oregon, you should expect a thorough cleaning before any paint protection film is installed. This process usually includes a heavy decontamination step through a wash and clay bar application. A clay bar is a sticky, wax-like bar that picks up contaminants from your paint. After a detail has been completed, your car could go through several buffing and polishing stages to clean up any minor scratches or abrasions found on the surface of your paint. This is called paint correction. When considering a PPF installer, be sure to ask about the steps that go into the preparation phase; if unspoken or unclear, you could find your brand new clear bra sitting on top of a dirty car, leaving everything under the PPF visible to the eye. Preparation is one of the most important steps in the PPF process.
Do you use trusted PPF brands?
When purchasing a paint protection film package from any shop near Medford, Oregon, you should expect a thorough cleaning before any paint protection film is installed. This process usually includes a heavy decontamination step through a wash and clay bar application. A clay bar is a sticky, wax-like bar that picks up contaminants from your paint. After a detail has been completed, your car could go through several buffing and polishing stages to clean up any minor scratches or abrasions found on the surface of your paint. This is called paint correction. When considering a PPF installer, be sure to ask about the steps that go into the preparation phase; if unspoken or unclear, you could find your brand new clear bra sitting on top of a dirty car, leaving everything under the PPF visible to the eye. Preparation is one of the most important steps in the PPF process.
Is your PPF pre-cut or hand-cut?
This question could have an entire article dedicated to it, but we will break down the differences and let you decide which you would prefer. Both options are completely fine; they both have great pros and very few cons. Pre-cut paint protection film means the roll of film is put through a cutter or plotter to cut out the exact shape of your vehicle. Pre-cut PPF cuts down the preparation process, and it starts with these plotters and cutters. Precision is the benefit you're gaining with pre-cut PPF; these machines allow any vehicles shape to be cut and applied with maximum precision. Another great pro of pre-cutting is that it allows shops to avoid using a knife or cutter too close to or on your vehicle's paint, which reduces the possibility of self-imposed scratches. Hand-cut PPF is the original method of laying a large piece of clear bra over our car and hand-cutting the shapes of each panel, which is unique in that each piece is cut to fit the precise shape of your car.
What paint protection film packages do you offer?
Every paint protection film installer has their own way of offering PPF to the customer. Depending on the type of driver you are and the environment your vehicle is used in will help you choose which PPF package is right for you. Standard packages offered by PPF shops are usually broken down into sections. For a vehicle that is used every Sunday for errands, a front bumper and headlight PPF package would be a great match, offering protection for the small amount of time you're on the road. If you're the type of driver who puts long hours on your vehicle or enjoys driving off the beaten path, a full coverage PPF package might be best for you. A full PPF Package will protect every exposed panel from the elements such as road debris, rock chips, and sun rays. PPF installers tend to have packages to fit the needs of you and your vehicle.
Which paint protection package is right for me and my vehicle?
We can answer this question with another question: what type of driver are you? What does your vehicle endure? What are your goals with the vehicle? All of these questions will lead you to the correct package that fits your needs appropriately. If you only drive your car to the grocery store and back on Sundays, a full coverage paint protection film may not be appropriate for you and your budget. It's critical to talk to these PPF shops and explain how you and your vehicle interact with the world. Pay close attention to the shops that want to sell you packages that exceed your needs.
Does your PPF shop offer warranties?
Yes, a reputable paint protection film installer should always extend a second layer of security through a warranty policy. This means the shop not only wants the best for you, but they want you to be satisfied throughout your entire PPF ownership. Another great reason why we use Xpel Paint Protection Film at Solar Shield is the outstanding warranty Xpel offers from the factory. Without question, if there is a discrepancy in the films, Xpel offers a 10-year manufacturer's warranty on all products. Local clear bra installers should have their own warranties, but when you can double down on protection from the shops and manufacturers, shouldn't you take it? We think so.
Do you offer check-up appointments?
Absolutely. Like visiting the doctor for a professional opinion on your health, routine PPF check-up appointments offer the customer a way to see if their PPF is in the exact shape it needs to be in, and they also offer PPF installers a chance for feedback. A win-win situation for everybody involved. We recommend finding a clear bra installer that offers services like this. It takes the doubt out of your questions when you go right to the source.
Conclusion:
Consider these questions next time you call a paint protection film installer, and we are sure you will be guided to the right PPF installer that matches your needs. We hope this article answers your PPF questions; if you're in the market for more answers, feel free to contact us at Solar Shield Medford, Oregon; we would be happy to help.