Category: Paint Protection Film

The Ultimate Guide to Paint Protection Film: Benefits, Options, and Installation

Posted on by GForce Films

With over 20 years of experience and a specialization in paint protection film (PPF), GForce Films has established itself as the go-to destination for car owners looking to preserve the pristine condition of their vehicles.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the benefits of paint protection film, the available options, and the installation process, with a particular focus on the exclusive XPEL PPF types offered by GForce Films.

The Importance of Paint Protection Film

Your vehicle’s paint is constantly exposed to various threats on the road, such as rocks, pebbles, road debris, bugs, and sand. These elements can cause unsightly scratches, chips, and damage to the paintwork. Paint protection film acts as a barrier, shielding your vehicle’s most vulnerable areas, including the hood, bumpers, door edges, side-view mirrors, and more. By investing in paint protection film, you can effectively protect your vehicle from these hazards and maintain its pristine appearance.

Benefits of Paint Protection Film

Paint protection film offers a range of benefits beyond just protection. Let’s explore some of the key advantages:

1. Preserves Factory Paint

Paint protection film helps maintain the original factory paint, preventing it from fading or losing its luster over time. By acting as a sacrificial layer, it takes the brunt of environmental and road damage, keeping your vehicle looking new.

2. Virtually Invisible

Modern paint protection films are designed to be nearly invisible, ensuring that the film does not affect the aesthetics of your vehicle. It seamlessly blends with the paint, allowing the original color and shine to take center stage.

3. Protection Against Abrasions

The film provides an additional layer of protection against miscellaneous abrasions, such as key scratches, parking lot dings, and minor impacts. It acts as a shield, preserving the integrity of your vehicle’s paintwork.

4. UV Inhibitors and Clarity

Paint protection film incorporates UV inhibitors, preventing yellowing and maintaining clarity for years to come. It acts as a barrier against harmful UV rays, which can cause fading and discoloration of the paint.

5. Self-Healing and Durability

One of the remarkable features of paint protection film is its self-healing properties. Minor scratches and swirl marks disappear when exposed to heat, thanks to the film’s elastomeric properties. Additionally, it is highly durable, with excellent resistance to cracking, staining, and impact.

6. Warranty Coverage

GForce Films offers a manufacturer’s warranty for their paint protection film, providing peace of mind for customers in case of any manufacturer or material-related defects. This warranty ensures that you receive a high-quality product and reliable protection for your vehicle.

Available XPEL PPF Types

As an exclusive dealer, GForce Films partners with XPEL, the industry leader in paint protection films, to offer a range of high-quality options. Let’s take a closer look at the XPEL PPF types available:

1. ULTIMATE FUSION™

ULTIMATE FUSION™ is a high-gloss, optically clear topcoat that provides outstanding protection while enhancing the appearance of your vehicle. This advanced PPF is not only hydrophobic, allowing water to bead up and roll off, but it also features self-healing properties. Fine scratches and swirl marks magically disappear when exposed to heat, ensuring a flawless finish. The film is designed with individualized patterns, providing a customized look for your vehicle.

2. ULTIMATE PLUS™

ULTIMATE PLUS™ offers virtually invisible protection for your vehicle’s finish. It provides a transparent layer of urethane that safeguards against everyday damage such as scuffs, scratches, and chips. With ULTIMATE PLUS™, you can have peace of mind knowing that your paint is protected from various hazards on the road.

3. ULTIMATE PLUS 7™

Building upon the success of ULTIMATE PLUS™, ULTIMATE PLUS 7™ offers slightly thinner construction while retaining the same self-healing technology. This versatile film can be used on both interior and exterior surfaces, providing superior protection and maintaining the aesthetics of your vehicle. It is heat-activated, non-yellowing, and stain-resistant, ensuring long-lasting durability.

4. ULTIMATE PLUS 10™

Designed for off-road enthusiasts and adventurous vehicles, ULTIMATE PLUS 10™ is XPEL’s thickest paint protection film. It combines the self-healing, heat-activated topcoat of the ULTIMATE PLUS™ line with maximum durability. This film offers exceptional protection against the harshest elements, making it ideal for those who enjoy off-road excursions without compromising the appearance of their vehicle.

5. ULTIMATE PLUS BLACK™

ULTIMATE PLUS BLACK™ is a unique paint protection film that features a completely opaque, gloss black finish. While retaining the key features of the ULTIMATE PLUS™ line, it offers a stylish and distinct appearance. This film is perfect for car enthusiasts who want to add a touch of elegance and protection to their vehicle’s paintwork.

6. STEALTH™

STEALTH™ paint protection film is specifically formulated to preserve and protect flat factory finishes. Whether you have chosen a matte, magno, frozen, or frosted finish, STEALTH™ ensures your vehicle maintains its desired appearance while offering superior protection. It can also be used to transform a glossy paint job into a unique matte finish, providing endless customization possibilities.

Installation Process

The installation process of paint protection film involves several key steps:

1. Surface Preparation

The vehicle’s surface is thoroughly cleaned and prepared to ensure proper adhesion of the paint protection film. Any existing imperfections are addressed to create a smooth surface.

2. Film Customization

The paint protection film is precisely cut and shaped to fit each panel of the vehicle. GForce Films’ technicians meticulously work to match the film to the unique curves and contours of your vehicle, ensuring a seamless and invisible installation.

3. Application

The film is carefully applied to the designated areas, such as the hood, bumpers, door edges, side-view mirrors, and more. GForce Films’ technicians use specialized tools and techniques to achieve a bubble-free, smooth application.

4. Finishing Touches

Once the film is applied, it is trimmed, edges are sealed, and any remaining bubbles or imperfections are smoothed out. The result is a flawless, invisible finish that seamlessly integrates with the vehicle’s paintwork.

Maintenance and Care

After the paint protection film is installed, it is essential to follow proper maintenance practices to ensure its longevity and effectiveness. GForce Films recommends regular washing using standard car wash techniques. The film is designed to be low-maintenance, and there is no need for waxing or buffing. For enhanced maintenance, GForce Films offers their PRO-TECT Polish, a simple spray-on and wipe-off polish that can be used to keep your vehicle looking like the day of installation.

Warranty Coverage

GForce Films stands behind the quality and performance of their paint protection film installations. They provide a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty that covers any cracks, bubbling, or yellowing caused solely by manufacturer or material-related defects. 

GForce Films: Your Source for Ultimate Paint Protection

Paint protection film is a game-changer when it comes to preserving the appearance and value of your vehicle. With its exceptional protection against various hazards, self-healing properties, and virtually invisible finish, paint protection film is a must-have for car owners who want to keep their vehicles looking new. By partnering with XPEL, GForce Films ensures that their customers have access to the highest quality and most advanced paint protection film options available. 

Contact GForce Films today and experience the ultimate protection for your vehicle’s paintwork.

3 Reasons You Should Never Attempt a DIY Paint Protection Film Installation

Posted on by GForce Films

Whether your car is fresh off the showroom floor or has racked up 30,000 miles on the odometer, you take pride in your ride. That’s why you take the time to thoroughly wash, wax, and detail every inch of your vehicle to make it shine like new. But daily driving can take a toll on your car’s pristine paint, leaving unsightly scratches, scrapes, and swirl-marks.

Paint protection film (PPF) is an effective way to preserve your vehicle’s integrity for the long-haul. Also known as a clear bra, PPF is a flexible, invisible thermoplastic-urethane film that seamlessly adheres to any painted surface of your car’s exterior.

There are numerous advantages of clear wrapping a car, including protecting it from damage caused by bird bombs, UV rays, and watermarks. A clear bra provides up to seven years of supreme paint protection.

If you’ve ever detailed your car before, you might be tempted to try a DIY PPF installation right in your driveway. While this can save you some money up front, a DIY paint protection film installation can actually do more harm than good.

Here are three reasons why you shouldn’t attempt to install PPF yourself.

1. You Need the Perfect Environment

Your garage or driveway may seem like a great place to install PPF. However, you need an enclosed, controlled environment to effectively perform a paint protection film installation. Professional technicians use large rooms that are specially designed to help the chemicals to bond flawlessly with your car and prevent dust and dirt from sneaking under the film.

If you try a DIY clear bra installation in your dirty driveway or dusty garage, it can ruin the entire process.

2. The Right Tools and Techniques

Installing paint protection film isn’t as simple as buying a kit and slathering your car’s exterior with chemicals. You must be using the right tools and techniques to achieve the best results possible.

For example, do you know how to use a polisher? Do you even own one?

Furthermore, you need to precisely cut PPF before you apply it to your car. Experienced technicians typically use computer generated precut films to guarantee the perfect fit. If you try cutting the clear bra with a razor, you could end up damaging the film or your vehicle’s paint.

3. The Proper Amount of Time

Installing paint protection film on your vehicle cannot be done in one afternoon. It can’t even be accomplished in a day. PPF installations require tremendous amounts of time and effort. It takes professionals at least three or four days to complete the job.

If you want to do a DIY clear bra installation, you’re going to need at least a week. The process will take even longer if you plan on doing it during the winter months, as the film will take longer to cure.

During this time, you shouldn’t drive your car. If you drive your car regularly, this could be a huge inconvenience.

Pros and Cons of DIY Paint Protection Film Installation

If you’re still thinking about attempting to do a DIY paint protection film installation, it’s a smart idea to weigh the pros and cons.

The biggest benefit of doing a PPF installation yourself is that it’s more affordable. However, if the process goes wrong, you could end up spending even more money to fix the damage.

The disadvantages of DIY paint protection film applications are that it requires the right environment, tools, and techniques. If the process is lacking any of these components, you’re setting yourself up for failure.

Trust Your Car to the GForce Films Team

If you want to protect your car for years to come, you need to have a PPF installation done by a team of seasoned professionals.

The experienced technicians at GForce Films have been providing quality detailing services to our customers for over 10 years. We have the tools, techniques, and training to complete a perfect PPF installation on the first try.

To learn more, call us today at (912) 655-2888. We’ll keep your car looking great for years to come!

Paint Protection Film and Vinyl Wrap: What’s the Difference?

Posted on by GForce Films

When it comes to preserving your car’s integrity for the long-haul, there are many options available, including paint protection film (PPF) and vinyl wrap. But how are they different and which one is best for you?

Luckily, the experienced and approachable technicians at GForce Films are more than happy to help.

Here is everything you need to know about PPF vs. vinyl wrap.

What is Paint Protection Film?

Also known as a clear bra, PPF is an invisible, urethane film with self-healing properties that is applied directly to the surface of your car. It offers supreme protection against most outdoor elements, including UV rays, bird bombs, and water marks. Furthermore, PPF will safeguard your vehicle’s paint from scratches, scuffs, and rock chips. When self-healing PPF comes into contact with heat, it will return to its base energy state, appearing seamlessly smooth. This allows it to “heal” any small dings or surface-level scrapes.

What is Vinyl Wrap?

Made from PVC, vinyl wrap is a flexible and thin material that comes in a wide array of colors, textures, and finishes. It features a specially formulated adhesive on the back which is safe to apply directly to your car’s surface. Most people choose vinyl wrap to customize their car. They can add images, colors, and patterns to their ride without having to completely repaint it. And despite being not as thick as PPF, vinyl wrap can still protect your car from scuffs and scrapes.

What’s the Differences Between PPF and Vinyl Wrap?

Now that you know what PPF and vinyl wrap are, let’s explore the differences between them.

Materials: PPF must be durable, flexible, and clear. Due to these requirements, the best PPF is made from polyurethane. Vinyl wraps are made from polyvinyl chloride, allowing them to be dyed and have different finishes.

Durability and Thickness: PPF is a lot thicker than vinyl wrap. In the automotive wrap and film industry, we use “mil” as the unit to measure the thickness of the material. One mil is one-thousandth of an inch. Your debit card is about 30 mil thick, while a piece of paper is 3 mil. PPF is typically eight to 12 mil, while vinyl wrap is about four mil.

Customization: No matter what type of PPF you choose, the outcome will always be clear. With vinyl wrap, you can customize your entire car to your heart’s content.

PPF vs. Vinyl Wrap: Which One is Right for You?

So, which one is right for you? This all depends on your intentions, your budget, and your paint condition.

If you’re simply looking to preserve your car’s paint, PPF could be the best option for you. PPF will last for about 10 years and can be applied much more quickly than vinyl wrap. While it does offer amazing protection for a variety of finishes, PPF is not customizable. Since it is clear, PPF will also show any paint imperfections your vehicle already has. We always recommend getting PPF as soon as you buy a brand-new car, or getting a paint correction before applying PPF.

Vinyl wrap is more forgiving since it is not transparent. It can also be used to completely transform your car’s look. Vinyl wrap lasts for about five years and takes much longer to install than PPF.

If you are interested in learning more, contact the friendly and knowledgeable experts at GForce Films today. We can be reached at (912) 655-2888 and can’t wait to chat with you!