Tips for Maintaining Your Paint Protection Film in Portland, OR

If you’ve just had paint protection film installed on your vehicle, congratulations! You’ve just made a fantastic investment in maintaining your vehicle’s resale value. Paint protection film (PPF) can offer great protection from the elements to preserve your vehicle’s paint job and keep it looking like new. However, it is important to follow some key tips for PPF maintenance to get the most out of your investment.

PPF Care: Immediate Aftercare Tips

PPF maintenance is important over the life of the coating, but the first seven days after the film is applied are the most critical. During this time, it is ideal if you can avoid driving your vehicle entirely and keep it parked in a garage, carport, or other protected area. If you must drive, avoid touching the coating as much as possible and consider paying to park in a garage at your destination. Try to park far away from other vehicles to avoid any accidental dings from car doors or stray shopping carts. You should also avoid washing your car for the first week after paint protection film installation.

Washing Your Vehicle With PPF

Washing your car is a key part of PPF care and maintenance, but you’ll want to skip commercial car washes. Either wash your car by hand at home or seek out a luxury car wash where all the work is done by hand. You should wash your car at least once per month, but washing once every two weeks is ideal, even if your vehicle doesn’t appear dirty.

Use a high-quality, pH-neutral car shampoo with added lubricants and scrub the vehicle with a clean microfiber mitt. Use a separate mitt for the body of your vehicle and the vehicle’s tires and rims. Tires pick up plenty of contaminants that may scratch the PPF. Pay extra attention to the edges of the film where dirt builds up, and soak any difficult-to-clean spots with soap for several minutes before scrubbing. Stubborn stains can be treated with isopropyl alcohol. Rinse the car shampoo thoroughly with water and then dry with a clean microfiber towel.

When you do wash the car, do so out of direct sunlight. Heat paired with car wash soap can damage the coating.

Waxing and Coating Over PPF

You can—and should—wax your vehicle when you have paint protection film installed. Just be sure to look for a vehicle wax that is designed for use with clear bras or PPF. Check the label to make sure the wax does not contain any dyes and doesn’t have naphtha or kerosene in concentrations over 5%. Always opt for reputable brands of car care products, as these will offer the best protection with the fewest risks for your vehicle coating.

What to Avoid With PPF Maintenance

While PPF is designed to offer your car protection from the elements, it is helpful to avoid UV exposure when you can. Keep your car parked in a shaded or covered area when possible. You should also avoid high-pressure washing in commercial car washes and any abrasive materials on the vehicle’s surface, like paper towels or plastic brushes.

Spot Cleaning & Stain Prevention

To avoid stains on your PPF, spot-clean any dead bugs, bird droppings, and dirt buildup right away. You can use car shampoo or isopropyl alcohol and a clean microfiber cloth to address these types of stains.

When to Inspect or Replace Your Film

PPF can last up to 10 years with the right care and maintenance, but you should inspect it often. If the film is beginning to warp, peel, or has stubborn stains that won’t respond to regular cleaning, it may be time to replace the film. The quality of the film you have installed will also affect its lifespan.

Choose Elite Solar Control LLC for Superior Paint Protection Film

If you want to protect your vehicle and keep it looking great for years to come, start with the high-quality 3M paint protection film available at Elite Solar Control LLC in Portland, OR. Schedule an appointment with us today to get a quote for PPF installation.