Your beloved car deserves to be protected from all forms of aggressors, that could bring down its rich colour and gloss. A Paint Protection Film (PPF) is the best shield your car can get to safeguard its original paint from scratches and environmental damage.
But, with various types of PPFs available in the market, each claiming to be the best of the lot, which one should you choose? This comprehensive guide by the car paint protection experts of CarzSpa Detailing Studios will help you understand the various types of PPFs, their use cases and offerings, while educating you on how to choose the right one for you.
Table of contents
Not all PPFs are the same
With countless brands and options, choosing the right PPF for cars can be overwhelming. Understanding the various types and their unique characteristics is essential to make an informed decision.
From glossy finishes that enhance your car’s shine to matte options that give a sophisticated appeal, PPFs offer a spectrum of styles to suit your taste. But, there are many other important factors, like thickness, warranty and self-healing properties, that play a crucial role in determining the ideal PPF for your vehicle.
Let’s explore the different types of PPFs in detail to help you identify the perfect match for your car’s protection and aesthetic.
Types of PPF by Material
TPU-Based PPF
TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) is a premium material renowned for its exceptional properties. Its combination of strength, flexibility and durability makes it the ideal choice for high-quality paint protection films.
TPU-based PPFs offer exceptional resistance to scratches, chips and environmental factors. Their flexibility allows for easy application and conforms to your car’s contours seamlessly. Minor scratches can virtually disappear with exposure to heat, preserving your car’s finish.
TPH Films
A hybrid of TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) and PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), TPH films have their origins in Chinese factories. They typically contain a high amount of plasticizer to achieve transparency and softness. However, long-term use can lead to plasticizer leakage, potentially damaging your car’s paint. It has a tendency to yellow within months and may leave glue residue upon removal. It further cracks over time, making removal more difficult and labour-intensive.
Polycarbonate TPU PPF
Building upon the strengths of TPU, Aegis PPF by CarzSpa has pioneered a new generation of PPFs by incorporating Polycarbonate into the material. This innovative blend creates the toughest, most flexible PPF available globally.
Through a rigorous triple extrusion process, Polycarbonate PPFs achieve exceptional clarity, gloss and durability. This cutting-edge technology delivers superior scratch resistance, hydrophobicity and self-healing properties, setting a new standard for paint protection.
Types of PPF by Appearance
Gloss PPF
Gloss PPF is a popular choice for car owners in India seeking to protect their vehicle’s paint while maintaining a showroom-like shine. This type of PPF for cars is designed to prevent everyday wear and tear, shielding it from scratches, dirt, tree sap and bird droppings.
With a thickness of typically 185-190 microns, glossy PPFs provide a durable layer of protection without compromising the vehicle’s aesthetic appeal. It enhances the colour depth of your car’s paint, giving it a more vibrant and luxurious appearance.
Glossy PPF is suitable for a wide range of cars in India, from compact hatchbacks to sedans. Whether you’re a daily commuter or drive occasionally on weekends, this type of PPF can help preserve your car’s paint and keep it looking its best for years to come. The clear PPFs from Aegis by CarzSpa are the glossiest in the market.
Matte PPF
Matte PPF is a popular choice for car owners in India who prefer a more understated and sophisticated look. Unlike glossy PPF, matte PPF provides a velvety, non-reflective finish that adds a touch of elegance to your vehicle.
This type of PPF on cars is an excellent, durable option that shields it from dust, swirl marks and minor scratches. It offers a practical and stylish solution for those who value both protection and aesthetics.
A matte-finish PPF typically has a thickness of 190 to 250 microns, providing a robust layer of protection without compromising the vehicle’s appearance. It’s suitable for a wide range of cars in India, from compact hatchbacks to luxury sedans.
If you’re looking to give your car a unique and stylish look while also protecting its paint, matte PPF is an excellent choice. Aegis by CarzSpa has devised the perfect product for this range, called Aegis Matt, which adds to the luxurious look of the car.
Coloured PPF
Coloured PPF is an innovative and versatile paint protection product for car lovers who want to flaunt their personality and style through the colours and shades on their cars, while protecting its factory paint. Unlike vinyl wraps, which can be prone to tearing, coloured PPF is a specially engineered film that adheres directly to the paint, providing a seamless and durable layer of protection.
In case you’re wondering, YES, it shields your car’s original paint from scratches, stains and harmful UV rays, helping to preserve its shine and vibrancy. Coloured PPF comes in many variants, like solid colours, bright shades and darker tones. In fact, the latest innovation in coloured PPF also includes variants like Colour-Changing PPFs and even Glow-in-the-Dark PPFs. Yeah, no kidding!
A coloured PPF typically has a thickness of 190 microns, offering a robust layer of protection without compromising the vehicle’s aesthetics. It’s suitable for a wide range of cars in India, from compact hatchbacks to luxury sedans. To cater to this vibrant community of car lovers, Aegis by CarzSpa has PRISM, the brand’s landmark coloured PPF with 50+ colour options.
Sunroof
Sunroofs add a touch of luxury and open-air enjoyment to your car, but they also require special attention when it comes to protection. Sunroof films offer a range of benefits, including:
- Heat Reduction: They can significantly reduce the amount of heat that enters your car through the sunroof, keeping you cool and comfortable.
- UV Protection: Sunroof films shield your skin and the interior of your car from harmful UV rays, preventing fading and premature ageing.
- Privacy: Certain sunroof films can enhance privacy by making it difficult for others to see inside your car.
By investing in a quality sunroof film, you can protect your sunroof from scratches, chips and fading, while also enjoying the benefits of reduced heat and UV exposure. Aegis by CarzSpa also has a specially engineered product called Aegis Sunroof, which offers up to 93% of the Infrared Rejection Rate.
Types of PPF by Thickness
PPFs are available in various thicknesses, ranging from 150 microns (6 mil) to 400 microns (16 mil). A thicker PPF generally provides greater impact protection.
Key Components and Their Thickness:
- Self-Healing Top Coat: Typically 15-20 microns thick, this layer is responsible for self-healing minor scratches. Scratches deeper than this layer may not heal completely.
- TPU or TPH Base Layer: The primary protective layer, ranges from 100 to 350 microns and determines the overall PPF thickness.
- Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive: This layer, usually 25-35 microns thick, activates with pressure to bond the PPF to your car’s paint.
Types of PPF by Warranty
PPF warranties vary significantly depending on the quality of the TPU material used. Higher-grade TPU offers superior resistance to yellowing and cracking, resulting in longer-lasting protection.
Remember, even with the same thickness, PPFs can have different warranties due to variations in TPU source and quality. It’s essential to choose a brand that offers a warranty aligned with your expectations and vehicle’s needs.
Instant Self Healing vs Delayed Self Healing
Many PPFs feature self-healing properties, allowing minor scratches to disappear with exposure to heat. However, self-healing technology can vary in its speed and effectiveness.
Soft Self-Healing Coat
- Instant Repair: Minor scratches heal quickly, often within minutes.
- Scratch Susceptibility: May be more prone to scratches due to the softer material.
- Faster Oxidation: This can oxidise more rapidly, leading to a yellowish appearance over time.
Hard Self-Healing Coat
- Delayed Repair: Requires heat (hot water or heat gun) to activate the self-healing process.
- Scratch Resistance: Offers greater resistance to scratches due to the harder material.
- Slower Oxidation: Maintains a clearer appearance for a longer period, reducing the risk of yellowing
When it comes to countries like India, where the summers can get extremely hot outside, the hard top coat with delayed self-healing is better. This is why all of Aegis PPF by CarzSpa come with a hard top coat, tailored specially for the subcontinent’s harsh weather and hot conditions.
Which PPF should you choose?
Now that you are aware of the various types of PPF for cars and how they protect your cars from various elements causing damage to their original paint, let’s understand the various factors to consider while choosing the right type of PPF for your car.
- Driving Behaviour: Frequent off-roading or city driving with heavy traffic may require a thicker, more durable PPF like the Ultra 250 or Eternal 300.
- Parking Location: Outdoor parking in harsh weather conditions may necessitate a PPF with superior UV protection.
- Vehicle Type: Luxury vehicles or sports cars may benefit from a higher-end PPF to preserve their premium appearance.
- Ownership Duration: If you plan to keep your car for an extended period, investing in a high-quality PPF with a long warranty can be worthwhile. But if you’re someone who plans to switch to a newer model, it is advised to go for a TPU+PVC film, like Aegis Hybrid
- Aesthetic Preferences: If you’re someone who has bought your dream car, but is not so happy with the colour made available to you, you could choose a coloured PPF like Aegis PRISM with its 50+ colour options.
- Budget: PPFs vary in price based on thickness, features and brand. Consider your budget when making a selection.
Aegis Paint Protection Film (PPF) by CarzSpa has got them all
Aegis Paint Protection Films (PPF) by CarzSpa has something for everyone. The XG Series consists of the most advanced PPFs in the world and is made with triple extrusion technology. It also has the thickest PPFs of 300 and 400 microns, offering superior scratch resistance and self-healing. Aegis PRISM, the coloured PPFs by CarzSpa offers 50+ colour options for car lovers to choose from.
There’s also the Aegis MATT, the standard matte-finish PPF made especially for cars that want a sophisticated and luxurious look.
- Wide Range of Options: We offer a comprehensive selection of PPF films, including various types, finishes and colours to suit your preferences and needs.
- Expert Installation: Our skilled technicians have years of experience in PPF installation, ensuring a flawless and precise application.
- Premium Quality Products: We source only the finest quality PPF films from reputable manufacturers, guaranteeing durability and performance.
- Comprehensive Warranty: We offer a comprehensive warranty on our PPF installations, providing you with peace of mind and protection against defects.
- Personalised Service: Our customer-centric approach ensures that you receive personalised attention and expert advice throughout the process.
| Product | Type | Warranty | Thickness (Microns) | Tensile Strength(MPa) | Elongation @ Break (%) | ΔE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Eternal 400 | Gloss PPF | Lifetime | 400 | 30 | 300 | <0.7 |
Eternal 300 | Gloss PPF | Lifetime | 300 | 30 | 300 | <0.7 |
Ultra 250 | Gloss PPF | 10 Years | 250 | 30 | 300 | <0.7 |
Xceed | Gloss | 10 Years | 190 | 30 | 300 | <0.7 |
SPX | Gloss | 7 Years | 185 | 27 | 300 | <1.0 |
Armor | Gloss | 5 Years | 185 | 25 | 300 | <1.2 |
Matt (TPU) | Matte PPF | 5 Years | 185 | 30 | 300 | <1.0 |
Prism | Coloured PPF | 7 Years | 180-190 | 27 | 300 | <1.0 |
Choose Aegis by CarzSpa for the ultimate in PPF protection and experience the difference.
Concluding thoughts
In the world of car care, paint protection film (PPF) is a game-changer. By investing in a high-quality PPF, you’re safeguarding your car’s paint, preserving its value and enjoying the peace of mind that comes with knowing your investment is protected.
At Aegis by CarzSpa, we’re committed to providing the best PPF solutions tailored to your specific needs. Our team of experts is dedicated to delivering exceptional service and ensuring your complete satisfaction.
Don’t let the elements take a toll on your car’s paint. Choose Aegis by CarzSpa for the ultimate in PPF protection and experience the difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, PPF is worth it! It protects your luxury car from scratches and rock chips and keeps it looking brand new. Just ensure it’s suited for Indian weather for long-lasting protection.Aliphatic TPU-based PPF is generally considered the best type due to its superior durability, scratch resistance and UV protection.
2. Which is better PPF or TPU?
TPU is one of the components, using which PPFs are made and not a separate film applied on the car’s body. Aliphatic TPU-based PPFs are considered to be the best of the lot.
3. Which is better PPF or Teflon?
PPF is generally considered superior to Teflon coatings in terms of durability, scratch resistance and UV protection. PPF forms a protective layer that can withstand harsh conditions and maintain the original finish of the paint.
4. Which is better, ceramic or PPF?
PPF is generally considered a better choice than ceramic coatings for paint protection. PPF acts as a sacrificial layer, protecting the car’s paint against scratches and door dings apart from the usual gloss and UV protection, which ceramic coatings can’t.
5. What is the best paint protection film brand?
Aegis by CarzSpa is often considered one of the best PPF brands. Their XG Series, created using triple extrusion technology, offers exceptional durability, self-healing properties and a high-gloss finish.
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