how to maintain ppf

Once your Paint Protection Film is applied, it needs time to settle and bond properly to the surface of your vehicle. During this settling period, you might notice some hazy patches, cloudiness, or small air or moisture bubbles under the film. These are completely normal and will gradually disappear as the film cures. The curing process depends on environmental conditions like heat and humidity but typically takes around 45 days to complete.

To allow the film to adhere fully, we recommend keeping your vehicle dry for at least 72 hours after installation. During this time, avoid washing the car or exposing it to rain, as moisture can interfere with the edges of the film.

Once the curing period has passed, it’s important to wash your vehicle regularly to maintain the film’s appearance and performance. We strongly suggest hand washing using a premium automotive soap, plenty of clean water, and a soft wash mitt. This is the safest approach to protect both your paint and the film. Automated car washes are not recommended, as they often use aggressive chemicals and high-pressure jets that can damage or lift the film, especially around the edges.

After each wash, applying a quality spray sealant, such as our Advanced PPF Finishing Spray, will add an extra layer of protection and help guard the film against staining and contaminants.

Contaminants like bird droppings, bug splatter, sap, or tar should be removed as soon as possible to avoid potential damage. To do this safely, generously apply a quick detailer or warm water to the area, let it soak for a moment, then gently wipe with a soft microfiber cloth. Stubborn spots may require repeating this process. If any faint stains or marks remain, exposure to sunlight often helps them fade over the next few days. It’s important to avoid excessive rubbing or using abrasive materials, as these can scratch or dull the film’s surface.

Never use products containing petroleum-based ingredients on the film. These substances, often found in certain waxes, polishes, and all-purpose cleaners, can cause discoloration, loss of gloss, or premature wear. If you’re unsure which products are safe, we’re happy to provide a list of recommended cleaners and sealants.

Following these care instructions is essential to keeping your film looking great and performing as intended. Neglecting proper maintenance may void your product warranty.

how to maintain vinyl

Now that your vinyl wrap has been installed, proper care is essential to maintain its appearance and longevity. Over time, with exposure to the elements, your wrap may naturally experience slight changes in finish or colour intensity, especially if not properly maintained. Following these guidelines will help keep your wrap looking its best for years to come.

For the first 72 hours, avoid washing your vehicle to allow the adhesive to fully set. This ensures the edges remain firmly secured and prevents lifting.

Once this period has passed, we recommend regular hand washing using high-quality automotive soap, clean water, and a soft wash mitt. This is the safest way to clean your vehicle and preserve the wrap’s finish, whether it’s gloss, satin, or matte. Automated car washes are not recommended, as harsh chemicals, stiff brushes, and high-pressure jets can damage the film, dull the finish, or cause edges to peel.

After each wash, you can apply a vinyl-safe spray sealant to help protect the film from UV rays, light contaminants, and surface staining. This adds an extra layer of defense and helps maintain the original look of your wrap.

Contaminants like bird droppings, tree sap, bug splatter, and road tar should be removed as soon as possible to avoid permanent staining. To do this safely, saturate the area with a vinyl-safe quick detailer or warm water to loosen the debris, then gently wipe with a soft microfiber cloth. Stubborn residues may require reapplication. In some cases, faint marks or stains may remain but tend to fade with sun exposure over several days. It’s important not to scrub aggressively or use excessive force, as this can scratch or damage the surface of the film.

Avoid using products that contain petroleum distillates, solvents, or abrasive chemicals, as these can cause the vinyl to discolour, dull, or break down prematurely. This includes certain waxes, polishes, and all-purpose cleaners that are not designed for vinyl film. If you’re unsure which products are safe to use, please contact us for a current list of recommended cleaning and maintenance products.

Proper maintenance is key to preserving the look and durability of your colour change wrap. Neglecting these care instructions may result in premature wear and could void any applicable warranties.

How to maintain ceramic

Following the application of your ceramic coating, it’s essential to allow the coating time to cure and harden properly. During this initial curing period, you may notice light water spotting or slight surface irregularities — this is normal and part of the bonding process. Full curing typically takes about 7 days, though this can vary depending on temperature and humidity.

For the first 7 days, avoid washing your vehicle or exposing it to rain, as water can interfere with the curing process. If your vehicle gets wet during this time, gently dry it with a clean microfiber towel, but avoid rubbing or applying pressure to the coated surfaces.

After the initial curing period, we recommend hand washing your vehicle regularly using high-quality, pH-neutral automotive soap, clean water, and a soft wash mitt. This is the safest method for maintaining both your vehicle’s finish and the integrity of the ceramic coating. Avoid automated car washes, as they often use harsh chemicals and abrasive brushes that can diminish the coating’s performance and gloss.

To maintain maximum protection and hydrophobic performance, we suggest applying a ceramic-safe topper or maintenance spray every few washes. This enhances the coating’s water-repelling properties, keeps the surface slick, and helps prevent contaminants from bonding to the paint.

Contaminants such as bird droppings, bug splatter, tree sap, and tar should be removed immediately to avoid etching the coating or damaging the surface. To clean these safely, saturate the area with a pH-neutral quick detailer or warm water to loosen the debris, then gently wipe with a soft microfiber cloth. You may need to repeat this process for stubborn spots. While the ceramic coating adds significant resistance to staining, these contaminants can still cause damage if left untreated.

Avoid using products that contain harsh solvents, abrasive polishes, or waxes with petroleum distillates, as these can reduce the effectiveness of the coating or cause streaking and dullness. If you are unsure which products are safe to use, please contact us for a recommended list of approved maintenance products.

Proper care and regular maintenance are essential to keeping your ceramic coating performing at its best. Neglecting these guidelines may reduce the lifespan of the coating and could void any applicable warranties.

faq

  • High-quality PPF, such as STEK, XPEL or 3M, can last between 7 to 10 years with proper care. It also comes with a manufacturer warranty for added peace of mind.

  • Not at all. PPF enhances your paint’s finish and is available in gloss, satin, or matte options. It’s designed to be virtually invisible once installed.

  • Yes, PPF can be safely removed by a professional without damaging your original paint, making it a great option for preserving your vehicle's value.

  • Yes, wherever possible, we wrap edges for a seamless, nearly invisible finish. Some areas may not allow for full edge wrapping due to panel design.

  • Vinyl wrap is a coloured or textured film used primarily to change the look of your vehicle. PPF is clear (or sometimes matte or coloured) and designed for paint protection. Vinyl wraps are more cosmetic, while PPF provides impact resistance.

  • With proper care, a high-quality vinyl wrap can last between 5 to 7 years. Factors like sun exposure, washing habits, and environmental conditions can affect longevity.

  • No, as long as the paint underneath is in good condition, a vinyl wrap will not damage your paint. In fact, it acts as a protective barrier. When removed properly, your paint should look as good as the day the wrap was installed.

  • We recommend hand washing only. Automated car washes can damage or lift the vinyl, especially at the edges.

  • The lifespan depends on the quality of the coating and maintenance. Our professional-grade coatings can last between 2 to 5 years or longer with proper care.

  • No, ceramic coatings provide chemical and UV protection, but they do not offer impact resistance like PPF does. For physical protection, we recommend combining ceramic coating with PPF.

  • Yes, regular washing is still necessary. The coating makes washing easier and reduces the likelihood of contaminants sticking, but it doesn’t make your vehicle maintenance-free.

  • Yes, ceramic coatings are a great addition to PPF or vinyl wrap. They help enhance gloss, improve water repellency, and make cleaning easier.