If you have a car enthusiast in your life and are wondering what to get them this holiday season, consider the gift of paint protection film. This nearly invisible urethane film shields a vehicle’s paint from scratches, chips, UV rays, dirt, grime, and more. Paint protection film is one of the best gifts you can give to preserve and protect a car lover’s prized possession.
What is Paint Protection Film?
Paint protection film (PPF), also known as clear bra, is a thermoplastic urethane film that is professionally installed on the exterior painted surfaces of vehicles. It was originally developed to protect helicopter blades from abrasions, but has become popular in the automotive world as a way to defend paint from damage.
PPF is available in a gloss or matte finish to match the existing paint. It’s optically clear and nearly indestructible against chips, scratches, bug splatter, bird droppings, road debris, minor impacts, chemical stains, UV exposure, and more. The film has a thickness that ranges from 6 to 12 mils to provide enhanced protection.
Once professionally installed on the vehicle’s front end, sides, hood, trunk, door edges, side mirrors, and other vulnerable areas, PPF becomes nearly invisible. It seamlessly integrates with the vehicle for a clean, sleek look. But underneath its transparency, PPF gives painted surfaces an impenetrable barrier against paint damage and staining.
Why PPF Makes the Best Gift for Car Lovers
There are many reasons why paint protection film makes one of the best gifts you can give any car aficionado:
Preserves the Vehicle’s Factory Finish: PPF preserves a car’s flawless factory finish by preventing paint damage from occurring in the first place. The film sacrifices itself so the paint doesn’t have to, keeping the car looking pristine.
Saves Time & Money: Paint protection film saves car enthusiasts precious time and money by eliminating the need to constantly touch up paint chips and other flaws. The costs of repainting body panels or entire vehicles can truly add up.
Adds Resale Value: Vehicles with PPF typically have higher resale values because their exteriors remain in excellent shape. This gives car lovers an extra buffer when they eventually sell or trade-in their rides.
Customizable Coverage: Paint protection kits can cover as little or as much exterior surface area as desired, with the full front end being the most popular. But the film can be installed on mirrors, door edges, rocker panels, and virtually any painted exterior surface.
A Lasting Gift: Unlike candles, gift baskets, or gift cards that quickly get used up, a PPF application is a lasting gift. Its protective qualities provide ongoing value for years as it keeps paint pristine.
Peace of Mind: Paint damage from road debris, scrapes, staining, and more can be extremely aggravating for car fanatics. PPF gives them peace of mind that their paint is shielded.
Easier Cleaning: Vinyl vehicle wraps are known to attract dirt, grime, and contaminants if not cared for properly. But PPF actually makes washing and detailing easier since it protects the underlying paint. Dirt and debris stay on PPF’s surface rather than bonding to or staining paint. A simple wash removes particles without hassle or swirling paint.
Paint Protection Film Myths & Truths
Despite its many benefits, common myths and misconceptions about paint protection film still abound. Let’s set the record straight:
Myth: PPF is too thick and looks like vinyl wrap.
Truth: The latest tech PPF films have a thickness of 6 to 12 mils to offer protection while remaining nearly invisible on paint. At those microscopic measurements, PPF has no visible impact on paint hues, depth, or glossiness.
Myth: The film will eventually bubble, peel, and turn yellow.
Truth: When professionally installed by experienced PPF technicians using a medical-grade application fluid, the film will not bubble, peel away from paint, or turn yellow. Avoid amateur installations.
Myth: PPF shields against everything imaginable.
Truth: While incredibly protective, PPF cannot prevent all types of damage in extreme incidents. But it will sacrifice itself in many cases to keep underlying paint in perfect condition.
Myth: Do-it-yourself installation kits make professional installation unnecessary.
Truth: The intricate surfaces of automotive exteriors make professional PPF installation a must for perfectly clear, smooth finishes. DIY films often bubble or lift.
Gift Ideas: Paint Protection Film Kits
Rather than guessing what paint protection products to buy, gift a professional PPF installation service for a car lover’s ride. But complete film kits also make terrific gift ideas:
Limited Front Bumper Kit: For tighter budgets, an 8-inch strip of hydrophobic urethane film across the front bumper protects this impact-prone area from chips and bugs. Prices start around $69.
Full Front End Kit: The best all-around starter kit, a full front end paint protection package covers bumpers, hood, side mirror caps, headlights, and potentially fenders. From $129 and up.
Full Car Body Kit: The ultimate paint preservation gift, opt for a complete car body paint protection kit. Prices range from $899 to $1,800+ depending on the vehicle make and percentage of paint coverage desired. Let car fanatics choose precise coverage areas.
Additional Paint Protection Products
For supplementary protection from the elements, include these extra defensive measures in a gift package:
Ceramic Coating: This liquid polymer or quartz shield adds an ultra-thin transparent coating to car paint for a glossy, hydrophobic finish that repeals moisture, contaminants and UV rays. Luxury car ceramic coating kits available.
Detail Spray: After washing, a ceramic detail spray adds further water repellency and gloss while layering over existing protection films and coatings between full detailing sessions. Prices from $20.
Window Tint: Motorists can’t enjoy pristine paint if it bakes under the sun. Window visibility tints block UV rays while lowering temperature buildup inside the cabin. From $129.
Consider paint protection film or ceramic coatings to preserve paint along with express detailing subscriptions and other car care essentials as gifts this holiday season. With your help, car lovers can have spotless, scratch-less automotive exteriors all year long!