Common Myths about Paint Protection Coating

Your vehicle isn't simply a method of transportation; it's more of an investment vehicle. You wouldn't want that preferred gloss to fall below the sunlight in the right direction. Paint protection coating has garnered maximum attention from car enthusiasts and even the common man, who want to protect their cars from nature's harshness. Despite this, continuous misconceptions still surround paint protection coating. These confusions often mislead vehicle owners from making informed decisions about protecting their cars. Let's discuss some of those misconceptions and clarify the facts regarding paint protection coating and ppf car protection.

What Is Paint Protection Coating? 

Before debunking the myths, we should clearly know what paint protection coating really is. It's a liquid polymer which applied on the vehicle exterior surfaces; once cured, it forms a protective layer which is bonded with the factory paint and provides a hydrophobic surface that repels water, dirt, and contaminants. Unlike traditional wax on the top of the paint: it penetrates into the clear coat and provides long-lasting protection against UV rays, bird waste, tree sap, and light scratches. 

All Protection Coatings Are Same 

The most common myth says that all paint protection coatings are equal in sample benefits. This could not be farther from the truth. There is a tremendous variation between protection coatings, be it quality, durability, or performance. Some very, very basic coatings can go as short as a few months, while other premier coatings might boast all-year long protection. Different chemical compositions and application processes as well as the technology behind their formulation signify the differences.

Professional-grade coatings are directed towards much higher concentrations of silicon dioxide (SiO2) or titanium dioxide (TiO2), which do much in making coatings harsh and chemical resistant. For consumer-grade products, such concentrations are most likely fewer in comparison to the professional grades and therefore lead to less durability in wear. So, before making any prejudgments that all paint protection products will be the same and thus perform equally, research coating specifications and desired durations. 

Protection Coating Is Only For New Cars

Paint protection coating is a belief for only brand-new cars. While applying protection to a new car indeed offers the most ideal foundation, older cars also have much to gain from such coatings. The application procedure may involve additional preparatory work for older cars, like paint correction to erase any current swirl marks and light scratches, but otherwise, the protective effects are still the same.

In reality, older cars with paint already weathered will often require protection more so than fresh ones. The coating can stop the degradation from going further and keep the paint in its present state, keeping it going for much longer. If your vehicle drove off the dealership floor yesterday or has been devoutly working for you for years, paint protection coating is an investment to consider.

DIY Application Is Equally Good As Professional

The popularization of DIY car care products has prompted many to think they can get professional-grade results at home. Though DIY kits do exist and do offer some form of protection, they usually do not come close to the performance or longevity of professional-grade coatings applied by a professional. Professional installers also have access to higher-quality products that are not on the market, specialized equipment for its correct application, and controlled environments that eliminate dust and contamination during curing.

Also, professional application involves heavy preparation—comprehensive washing, clay baring, and in many cases, paint correction—that is essential to the bonding and longevity of the coating. Trained technicians' expertise guarantees uniform application and curing, which greatly contribute to the effectiveness of the coating. Professional application generally yields better results if you're serious about preserving your investment.

No Maintenance Is Needed Once Applied

The most hazardous myth is likely that paint protection coating makes a surface permanently maintenance-free. Though these coatings significantly lower the amount of maintenance needed over unprotected paint, they do not make it completely unnecessary. The coating itself requires proper maintenance to function best and reach its maximum lifespan.

Regular cleaning using pH-neutral soap is still required to wash away impurities that might otherwise accumulate on the surface. Based on the coating in question, occasional use of a "topper" or maintenance spray might be necessary to restore the hydrophobic qualities. Adhering to the manufacturer's maintenance instructions will keep your protection coating functioning as it should for the duration of its lifespan.

Protection Coating Will Prevent All Scratches

Though paint protection coating places an extra layer of protection against light scratches and swirl marks, it's not a force field. The coating will take minor abrasions that would be injurious to clear coat, but it has some limitations. Heavy scratches from keys, branches, or other hard sharp objects can penetrate to the paint despite the coating.

Protection Coating Is Too Expensive To Be Worth It

The upfront expense of professional paint protection coating may give sticker shock to some car owners. But this viewpoint tends to overlook the long-term value. If you include the minimized frequency of regular waxing, lower chances of environmental damage that would necessitate expensive paint correction, and the maintained resale value of a well-preserved vehicle, the investment is more justifiable.

The Results Aren't Noticeably Different From Regular Waxing

Others have dismissed these innovations as mere hype, claiming that the visual and protective distinction between old-fashioned waxing and new-fangled protection coatings is negligible. In fact, the differences are rather significant. While wax provides a short-term barrier that rests on the surface of the paint and usually lasts for weeks to months, protection coatings chemically bond with the clear coat, which offers far longer-lasting protection.

Conclusion

Paint protection coating is the latest innovation in car care technology, providing value that far outstrips historical paint preservation methodologies. By revealing these popular misconceptions, vehicle owners can gain a better appreciation for protecting the finish of their cars. Using the correct protection coating, professionally applied and sustained, can retain your car at showroom condition for years while eliminating maintenance time and effort.

For individuals who want top-tier protection solutions, Fortify Car Care provides superior paint protection treatments with the latest coating technology. Their expert application process guarantees optimum adhesion and durability, while their aftercare assistance ensures that customers can protect their investment in the long run. In the matter of retaining your car's appearance and worth, selecting the right protection partner is what counts.