Paint protection film is a highly effective and durable way to protect your car from small scratches, dings and swirl marks. But like any other product, not all paint protection film is created equal. Although some shops will claim that any brand of paint protection film is just as good as another, there are a few factors that will determine the quality of your installation. If you’re considering going with a particular brand or type of paint protection film for your vehicle, it’s important to understand how much it will cost to have it professionally installed so that you can make an informed decision about what’s best for your car.
What is a Paint Protection Film?
Paint protection film (PPF) is a thin, clear, polyurethane film that’s applied to the surface of your car. It serves two purposes: it protects the paint from scratches and other damage, and it also makes cars easier to wash. PPF can be applied in several ways–by hand or with a machine–but most people choose professional installation because it’s faster and saves you money in the long run.
The installation process is quite simple and only takes about 45 minutes. First, a technician will clean the surface of your car to remove any dirt or wax. Then the PPF film is applied using a squeegee, which spreads it evenly across your car’s paint job. Once that’s done, the technician uses a heat gun to smooth out any bubbles that may have formed during installation. Finally, the PPF is cured using UV light before being removed from your car and thrown away.
Why Choose Paint Protection Film?
Paint protection film is a clear, thin film that’s applied to the exterior of your vehicle. It protects your car from scratches, dents and chips by preventing damage to the paint. The film is invisible to the naked eye, so it doesn’t change how your car looks. And if you ever sell your car, removing it is easy and won’t leave any residue behind on either side of the vehicle (unlike waxes or polishes).
Paint protection films are made from acrylic polymers–the same material used in bulletproof glass–so they’re strong enough for use on vehicles traveling at high speeds on highways or city streets alike! They also have self-healing properties: if small scratches do occur over time due to normal wear-and-tear (or even bird droppings), these will disappear within several months as part of their self-healing process without any additional maintenance required by owners after installation has been completed successfully.
Paint Protection Film Cost
The cost of paint protection film installation depends on a number of factors. The size and shape of the vehicle, as well as the type and complexity of installation will all impact your bill. Additionally, there are many different options available when it comes to paint protection films themselves; some films are easier to install than others (and therefore cheaper). Finally, if you want an expert job done right with no mistakes or oversights then expect higher costs as well.
DIY Paint Protection Film Installation Cost
DIY paint protection film installation costs less than a professional job. You’ll save between $100 and $200 on each panel that you install yourself, depending on the complexity of the vehicle.
But there are several reasons why DIY film installation isn’t always cheaper:
- Time: You will spend more time installing your own PPI than having it done professionally by an installer who has done hundreds or even thousands of cars before yours. It could take several hours for someone with no experience, especially if they have never installed this type of product before (and most people haven’t). If you’ve never applied any type of vinyl wrap before, expect to spend at least an entire day just learning how to apply it correctly before moving onto any actual work on your car’s panels themselves.
- Skill level required: The skill level required for installing PPF is much higher than simply wrapping some sheets around a bumper cover or fender flares.
- Tools needed: Most DIYers won’t have access to all the tools needed during installation–like heat guns and high-pressure sprayers–so they’ll need additional purchases which add up quickly over multiple installs.
- Preparation time: When purchasing PPF kits online, you’re usually buying them pre-cut into pieces which fit specific areas like hoods, fenders etc.. But if there are extra pieces left over after cutting out these sections then it means more prep work will be necessary prior to applying them onto vehicles surfaces
Hiring a Professional PPF Installer Cost
The cost of hiring a professional paint protection film installer like ID Protection will vary based on your location and the quality of the installer you choose. In general, expect to pay anywhere between $3-$5 per square foot for installation (this includes labor).
If you’re looking to save money while still getting high-quality work done on your car, consider purchasing the film yourself and doing it yourself. You can find kits with everything needed for installation online at places like Amazon or eBay for as little as $200 per kit (which includes enough material for two vehicles). This option is generally cheaper than hiring a professional but does require some skill in order for results to be satisfactory–you should also factor in any additional tools that might be required during installation such as heat guns or chemical strippers if working on older vehicles with more delicate paint jobs.
Costs Difference
Paint protection costs from $2,500-$3,500 for an average car. The amount you pay will depend on the size of your vehicle and the number of panels you want protected. For example, if you have a small sedan with only a few windows in need of protection then the cost will be less than someone who has an SUV with windows all around it.
Conclusion
Paint protection film is a great investment for any car owner. It will protect your vehicle from scratches, dings and other damage that can occur from everyday use. Paint protection film is available in many different levels of protection, so you can choose the one that best fits your needs.
