Maintain Your New Film
1. Avoid touching the film after installation
"PPF" requires around 48 hours to settle. After installation, avoid touching the film for at least a week if possible. It is important to take into account that humid weather or high temperatures can also interfere with the settling process of the film. You might also detect a few spots that are foggy or smudgy. However, all of this is perfectly normal and after the film has completely settled and cured, it will complement your car's shiny finish.
Be sure the film edges are not lifting anywhere after installation. If there is a lifted spot, use the alcohol solution to activate the adhesive and hold the film down. Use a blow dryer for heat if needed.
2. Avoid washing your car for seven days after application
The paint protection film takes up to a week to fully adhere to the surface of the car. And when you wash the car during the first few days, either with water or any regular form of cleaning product, it could hinder the curing process of the film. We suggest you wait for seven days, only then start washing your car indoors or in a covered space regularly. Use clean soft fabric or a wash mitt, and dedicated car wash products (suggestions at bottom of page) to remove the stains & maintain the film.
Additional tip: Avoid automatic car washes if possible as the fast-moving brushes may cause deep scratches.
3. How to handle light scratches?
Preventing scratches on your car is one of the most crucial reasons why it needs paint protection. Hence, as one of the finest paint protection film companies in the USA, we recommend ArmorWrap Protection Films which has the ability to self-heal. Therefore, the paint protection film will not only keep your paint safe but also repair itself as and when necessary.
If you want to remove a scratch from your PPF simply pour some hot water on the affected area. Your PPF will self heal and revert to its natural finish with the heat. Also, leaving the car in the warm sunlight will have the same effect.
4. The ideal way to wash your car…
To begin with, make sure to use a dedicated car wash product which will be best suited for removing dirt on the car protection film. Moreover, make sure you remove as much debris as possible before cleaning the vehicle with a wash mitt or other wash media.
Additionally, using the two-bucket method will ensure smart cleaning and any unnecessary hindrance to the PPF quality. The two-bucket method is based on a relatively straightforward concept. You have two buckets in this setup: one holds your vehicle wash soap, and the other has just pure rinse water. The idea is to wash your mitt for both buckets separately while rinsing properly with clean water. Maintaining this rhythm will ensure the right maintenance for your PPF coating.
5. The Products We Recommend
Once you get your PPF installed on your vehicle, we highly recommend applying a 'spray on wax' every 3-6 months minimum. You will want to wait a week before using any of these products.
Below are a few of our favorites.
Additional Notes:
Don't wipe or clean it in direct sunlight or when the film is hot. Don't use dyed sealants as they'll make it dull, and try to avoid powder detergents. Try not to use petroleum or resin-based products as they will damage the PPF's surface. Always use PH neutral products on the Paint Protection Film.
