How Paint Protection Film Saved a Tesla Model S: A Case for Paint Protection
Tesla owners know their vehicles are more than just cars—they’re investments in cutting-edge technology and sustainability. However, with California’s stringent environmental paint regulations, Tesla’s water-based paint, while eco-friendly, can be vulnerable to chips and scratches. This has raised questions about how to best protect the sleek exteriors of these high-performance vehicles.
In this article, we explore how Paint Protection Film (PPF) serves as a robust shield for Tesla’s water-based paint, ensuring your car’s finish remains pristine. From understanding the unique challenges of waterborne paint to discussing the advantages of PPF and ceramic coatings, we’ll dive into why investing in paint protection is essential for Tesla owners. Read on to discover how one Model S was saved—and why PPF might just be the ultimate defense for your Tesla.
Tesla Model S Paint Protection Film Proof it works
Currently Tesla produces, and paints, their vehicles in Fremont, California. Meaning they must comply with California’s paint rules, including reduced VOC emissions. Making water-based paint a necessity. So every Tesla manufactured in California has water-based paint to comply with these regulations.
Does Tesla Paint Have Issues? Spoiler Alert: NO
The regulations are standard across the board so this is not exclusively a Tesla’s issue. This is the way the world is headed in terms of paint compliance.
Why does water-based paint seem to chip easier?
Water-based paint requires fewer layers of color and even a thinner clear coat than solvent-based paint. Solvent-based paints usually require three to four coats of paint. Versus one to two coats of waterborne paints. The thinner the paint the easier it will be to have a chip go through it, for a scratch to go all the way through the paint, and for the clear coat to become damaged.
Another factor to the quality and durability of the paint is the formula that companies use. Each company and brand uses its own specific formulas, offering its own chemical composition and performance characteristics. Some waterborne paints will be more durable, or even thicker depending on the mixture being used.
What can you do to protect Water-based paint jobs on your Tesla?
There are a couple options when it comes to protecting water based paint. For the highest impact areas of the vehicle, like your front bumper, paint protection film is the best protection available. It is durable and long lasting, with top brands carrying a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty. We use XPEL film. XPEL offers film that is both hydrophobic and offers a self-healing top coat to prevent swirl marks or small/light scratches.
For the non-high impact areas of the vehicle ceramic coatings are a perfect solution to strengthen the clear coat and help prevent damage to thin, water-based paint jobs typically found on Tesla vehicles. Depending on how you maintain your vehicle ceramic coatings offer 3-4 years of protection. Using a silica based spray can maintain the coatings hydrophobic quality over the years.
Read our other blog post: What you should about Ceramic Coat for Tesla.
Ceramic Coat Benefits for Tesla Vehicles
Ceramic Coat Thousand Oaks Calabasas Westlake Village Agoura Hills Camarillo
Protect Your Tesla for the Long Haul
Investing in Paint Protection Film or ceramic coatings is more than just preserving the aesthetic appeal of your Tesla—it’s about safeguarding your vehicle’s value and longevity. With California’s water-based paint regulations leading to thinner paint layers, proactive protection becomes a necessity, not a luxury. Whether it’s shielding high-impact areas with durable PPF or reinforcing the clear coat with ceramic coatings, these solutions ensure your Tesla remains as stunning as the day you drove it off the lot. Don’t let chips and scratches take away from your investment—protect your Tesla, and enjoy peace of mind on every drive.