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 G-Force 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 G-Force Films today. We can be reached at (912) 655-2888 and can’t wait to chat with you!
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