How Paint Protection Film Works
Wondering if paint protection film (PPF) is worth the investment? This advanced film offers powerful defense for your car’s exterior, with innovative self-healing properties that protect against scratches, road debris, and UV damage. Ghost Shield Film’s paint protection film combines durability with virtually invisible protection, extending the life of your car’s paint and keeping it looking new. Let’s dive into how paint protection film works, the science behind its self-healing technology, and why it’s a smart choice for preserving your vehicle’s value.
Is it Really Self-Healing?
Often one of the main selling points of paint protection film is companies saying that it is “self-healing”, which for many sounds like a scientific wonder that was recently discovered. So what is self-healing paint protection film?
Well, it is a film that when applied over the surface of your vehicle’s painted exterior, provides a sacrificial barrier between the car’s paint and external debris or contaminants. Once applied the film is virtually invisible and unless someone gets really close and knows what they are looking for, they won’t be able to tell that the film is there.
The film features a clear coat layer, which allows for some rearrangement of the surface particles that when heated goes back. So scratches are really just displacement of the surface particles of the film that can go back to their original spot when heated.
To heat the film you could use simple everyday options like a hair dryer, sitting the car out in the sun, or even pouring hot water over the spot to activate the “self-healing” functionality of the film.
How Else Does Paint Protection Film Help?
The polyurethane layer in paint protection film disperses energy to minimize paint damage from road debris and acts as a flexible shield that adapts to various road conditions, ensuring durability. A top clear coat layer enhances this durability by providing essential UV protection, preventing discoloration and etching from sun exposure and chemicals. When minor scratches occur, the clear coat’s “self-healing” property activates with heat—whether from sunlight or a simple heat source like a hair dryer—restoring the surface to a smooth, flawless finish.
Together, these layers form a protective shield that keeps your vehicle looking new while maintaining the paint’s original gloss or matte finish. With paint protection film, you gain an extra line of defense against daily wear and tear, along with enhanced longevity and visual appeal, making upkeep easier and your car’s finish more resilient.
So is Paint Protection Film Removable?
Yes, you can remove paint protection film, even if it’s damaged from an accident or road debris. The film’s acrylic adhesive bonds more strongly to the polyurethane layer than to your vehicle’s paint. This allows for safe removal without affecting the factory finish. Installers usually heat the film to soften the adhesive, making it easier to take off. To avoid any risk of damaging the paint, it’s best to have a professional installer handle the removal.