Projections show that the global paint protection film market will reach a size of $869 million by 2030.
Whenever someone buys a car, it’s natural to want it to last for as long as possible. There’s a range of things you can do to keep your car looking brand new, and using paint protection film is one of the most effective. But you might be wondering “how do I find the best paint protection film installers near me?”
Choosing paint protection film can seem tricky, but in this guide, we’ll go through some of the key things you should think about when making your choice. Keep reading for more.
What Is Paint Protection Film?
Paint protection film is a type of coating that you can apply to the surface of a vehicle. The main purpose is to prevent the paint from damage and general wear and tear. This keeps the paint looking brand new for longer.
When properly used, paint protection film can make a paint job look fresh even after several years. Even if you take very good care of your car, general use and weathering will diminish a paint job, but with paint protection film, you can avoid this.
Find the Right Installer
There’s a range of auto paint protection film installers out there, but it’s crucial that you find one that’s reliable. The film itself can vary in terms of quality, but no matter how good a film is, it could be ruined if it’s installed by someone who doesn’t know what they’re doing.
You should look at different installers in your area so that you can compare several options. Make sure you go with one that has plenty of experience and works with the type of film you’re after. It can be a good idea to look at reviews to see how past customers have felt about the service.
If you have any friends or relatives who’ve had paint protection film applied to their cars, it may be a good idea to ask them. Anyone you know who has a keen interest in auto maintenance (or better yet, has worked in the industry) may be able to give you some paint protection film tips regarding your local installers.
Ask the Right Questions
When you’ve found an installer that you like the look of, there are still some things that you should confirm before committing to the installation. One of the key things to ask is if the installation will be done entirely in-house, or if any of it will be subcontracted.
If they will subcontract any of it, then the information, reviews, etc. you’ve found about the installer may not be valid. In this case, you want to ensure the subcontractor is also reliable. Check to make sure they’re fully certified and that they’re using suitable products.
It’s natural to want to keep the cost to a minimum, but be wary if the price seems too good to be true. If an installer offers a much lower price than their competitors, ask why this is.
You should also ask about the experience of the installers – the more experience they have, the better. You might want to be cautious if you think the business won’t outlive the manufacturer’s warranty of the paint protection film, which is generally 7-10 years but may vary.
Consider the Characteristics of the Film
When you choose paint protection film, one of the main considerations is how well it will protect your vehicle. In general, thicker films will offer better protection. This generally means things like marks and scratches, but there are other ways it can protect your paint.
UV protection is a big factor. Over the years, the sun will cause your paint to fade, so a paint protection film that offers good UV protection will keep your car looking shiny and new. A film that prevents beading can also stop water spots from appearing on your car after it gets wet.
Transparency is also important – the clearer it is, the better your paint job will show through. Lower-quality films can obscure paint jobs, and may even fade to a yellowish color over time.
Another consideration is the lifespan of a film. Longer-lasting films won’t need to be replaced as often. Look for one with a long warranty, as you can be confident it will stay in a good state for longer.
Something else that some films will offer is self-healing. These films can heal damage simply with the application of heat, providing a brand-new-looking surface even after it’s been damaged.
Ask About Aftercare
Aftercare is crucial – if you don’t take care of your paint protection film once it’s been installed, you might have some issues with it. As paint protection films vary, the best way to look after your film will depend on the one you choose.
You should ask the installer about the best practices. Any reputable installer will be able to tell you how to take care of your film once it’s installed, as well as the best products to use. Make sure you stick to what they tell you to ensure your film properly adheres to the surface and doesn’t end up with things like permanent air bubbles or raised edges.
Paint Protection Film Installers Near Me
When looking for paint protection film installers near me, don’t just go with the first option available. Take the time to compare different installers so that you can find the most suitable option for you. Look at the products they use, the experience they have, and reviews from past customers to get an idea of how good they are.
For more auto articles, check out some of our other blog posts.
