How to Choose the best Paint Protection Film For Your Car ?
which is the best paint protection film for me?
Xpel Vs Kavaca Vs 3M Vs Suntek vs GSWF
Paint protection film (PPF) reviews:
In the past, it used to be very easy to choose a paint protection film as there were not many aftermarket choices available to end users. Today, the market has responded to the demand and there are many different brands available and each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
We will try to provide an inside review of the similarities and key differences between the leadings films on the market: Xpel Ultimate, 3M Scotchguard Pro series, SunTek (also known as Llumar), Ceramic Pro Kavaca, and GSWF Protection.
Xpel Ultimate PPF
Xpel can be seen as the industry leader as they have been leading the way in a lot of innovations to the paint protection film market. In 2011, Xpel introduced a film that doesn’t turn yellow over time and was light years ahead of other films available at the time. They are also known to introduce and perfect the “World’s first self healing film”.
To pair with the Xpel Ultimate Plus films, they have also developed a software with access to hundreds of templates for vehicles. By using a template for the vehicles, it allows installers to apply the film without any cutting on the paint surface.
If you’re in the market for paint protection film, you will undoubtedly come across the Xpel brand.
3M Scotchgard Pro PPF
3M is a household name and really the grandfather to the entire paint protection film industry. 3M developed a protective film in partnership with the US military during the Vietnam War to use on their helicopter rotor blades to prevent against damages from debris. Fast forward to the 1980’s, their film was using to protect racing skis and slowly making its way into the automotive industry.
Professional race teams saw advantages in protecting the front end of their vehicles with clear protective films for protection against track rubbers, road debris and close contact driving.
3M has developed their own software as well for pre-cut kits. 3M is one of the original pioneers of the industry and consistently produce high quality films.
SunTek Ultra (also known as Llumar Platinum) PPF
There seems to be a lot of confusion with this brand as Llumar and SunTek are essentially the same company just different distributing arms.
SunTek has received reviews for having a higher clarity and glossier finish than other ppf films in the market. Although this may be the case, it would still be hard to distinguish the finish with vehicles parked side by side in a parking lot.
However, one underlying distinction that sets this film apart is the hydrophobic properties inherent in their films. This hydrophobic top coat helps repel water similar to having a nice wax or coating on a painted surface.
This makes the film easier to clean as grime will have a more difficult time adhering to the surface. This is not to be confused with Ceramic Coating which is another product entirely and we will discuss this in another article.
Which film is right for me?
With the different reviews above, each film has its own inherent properties and advantages. As a consumer, you’ll need to consider the following:
- Do I require the film to have a topcoat layer with hydrophobic properties?
- Do I want a color on my paint protection film?
- Do I want a clear or matte finish?
- Is the brand name important to me?
Insider Tip:
Did you know that paint protection film (ppf) is insured by ICBC in the event of a collision or vandalism? Contact us today to learn more.
Click Here Check out a vehicle we recently wrapped in paint protection film!
Here, the Tesla has been wrapped in matte paint protection film (ppf) to fully protect the car paint and give it a different look at the same time.
Key attributes with all paint protection film
All the leading paint protection film manufacturers offer a thick clear vinyl to protect against rock chips, environment contaminants, UV damage and small scratches. Although all films will help protect against some resistance/impact, it is not to be confused that they are bullet-proof, and all damages will “self heal” or fully protect the vehicle paint condition. The best example to compare is that this product is similar in idea to a plastic screen protector on your cell phone.
Self healing is one of the main selling features for these films where light scratches will disappear on its own over time with heat from the sunlight. You can help expedite this chemical process by using warm water or a heat gun.
Technology and will this affect my paint condition or yellow over time?
With the recent advances in technology, so too has the technology behind paint protection film evolved. In the past, there were issues with the film yellowing over time or appearing uneven on the surface (also known as “orange peel effect”.
Previous generations of paint protection films were plagued with the issue of yellowing over time from UV light exposure. Since then, the industry has shown advancements and improved their material. The paint protection film material now goes on optically clear and blends in seamless to your existing paint. No longer is it necessary to protect the entire vehicle to have an even look.
Another product entirely and we will discuss this in another article.
Ceramic Pro Kavaca Ceramic Pro led the industry through their ceramic coatings that apply directly on the painted surface of vehicles. Unlike paint protection film, this is not a film that you apply on the vehicle. Instead this works on the molecular level with a coating that is applied and bonds directly on the paint surface. In recent years, Ceramic Pro developed their own paint protection film line known as Kavaca. This film fuses the Ceramic coating with the paint protection film industry by offering film with a layer on top that’s already been coated with Ceramic.
GSWF Protection GSWF Protection is the late coming to the market, but what they bring is something very interesting and certainly a first to claim. With the other brands they only come in clear and in matte or optically clear finishes. However, with GSWF, they offer colored paint protection film. At the moment they have a couple dozen colors. Gone are the days of deciding between a colored wrap and paint protection film or wrapping your vehicle first with a color and then added paint protection film on top. This fusion is similar in idea to how Ceramic Pro Kavaca combines ppf and ceramic coating. This film also has light or dark colors to protect your headlights or taillights while changing the look at the same time.
Another important item to consider is if you’re looking for the most precise precut for your vehicle or not. Although most films offer software to go with it, there are certain templates that are more precise than others from these manufacturers. Contact our team today to discuss with you to see which paint protection film would work best for your vehicle.
Previous generations of paint protection films were plagued with the issue of yellowing over time from UV light exposure. Since then, the industry has shown advancements and improved their material. The paint protection film material now goes on optically clear and blends in seamless to your existing paint. No longer is it necessary to protect the entire vehicle to have an even look.
Now, isn't it time you made a splash with a PPF wrap?
Vehicle PPF Wrapping starting from $499
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- 604-779-7792
- Jeremy.chan@twiistedmedia.com
- 2895 Simpson Rd, Richmond, BC
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