Top 8 Maintenance Tips to Follow After Installing XPEL PPF
For car enthusiasts, a pristine paint job is a thing of beauty. But the reality of everyday driving throws stones, scratches, and the sun’s harsh rays at that showroom shine. As a result, maintaining that coveted showroom shine on your car can feel like an endless battle. This is where an XPEL paint protection film steps in. It acts as an invisible shield to keep your car looking its best. How so? Well, an XPEL PPF is crafted from a high-quality urethane material. This translates to superior impact resistance, shielding your car’s paint from rock chips, debris, and everyday wear and tear.
Having said that, just like any car care product, a PPF requires proper maintenance to ensure it performs optimally and keeps your car looking showroom-new. Here are some key tips to follow after getting an XPEL PPF installed:
Maintenance Tips You Need to Follow After Installing an XPEL PPF
Let’s take a look at some maintenance tips to follow after installing an XPEL paint protection film on your car.
#1 Allow Proper Curing Time
It is essential that PPF be given enough time to cure after installation. Depending on the film and the surroundings, this drying time can change, but it usually takes 48 hours. Don’t wash the car or expose it to adverse weather during this time, such as intense heat or rain. Letting the film cure ensures a strong bond to the paint surface.
Are you planning to install a PPF? Want to know how long a PPF in Calgary lasts? Well, check out our blog now!
#2 Buy Premium Cleaning Supplies
With XPEL paint protection film, you can wash the car less frequently, but you still need to take good care of it and clean it carefully. Steer clear of high PSI pressure washers and automated car washes in the vicinity of the film. This is important because the harsh chemicals in car wash soap can fade or harm the film. Rather, invest in premium cleaning products that have lubricating ingredients.
#3 Preserve High Gloss with Sealant
To uphold the exquisite lustre of XPEL PPF, it is imperative to have a skilled professional apply a liquid sealant at regular intervals, preferably every few months. While it is possible to undertake this task independently, entrusting it to a professional may yield superior results. Improperly administered sealants may accumulate within the crevices amidst PPF sections, thus enticing the accumulation of grime. Furthermore, inadvertent harm inflicted upon the film may potentially render the warranty null and void. Kindly seek our guidance for further enlightenment regarding the suitable products to employ on an XPEL paint protection film, and we shall gladly engage in a discussion on the matter.
#4 Avoid Abrasive Materials
Don’t use harsh materials like hard brushes, coarse sponges, or strong chemicals on the PPF. They could scratch or damage the film. Prefer soft and non-abrasive tools as well as mild cleaning agents specifically created for car surfaces.
Also, read Reasons to Choose XPEL PPF for Protecting a Car’s Exterior.
#5 Regularly Inspect and Clean
Check the PPF for damage, like peeling or bubbling. If there are any problems with it, fix them quickly to stop more deterioration from happening. Regular cleaning of film assists in removing dirt, grime, and pollutants that can affect its look and function over a period of time.
#6 Use Proper Drying Methods
Once you have washed your vehicle, dry it with a gentle microfiber cloth. Pat the exterior to make it dry, do not scrub because this lessens the chances of causing scratches on the film. You can also use a leaf blower or compressed air to remove water from areas that are difficult to reach.
#7 Avoid Harsh Chemicals and Solvents
Avoid the use of abrasive chemicals, solvents, or petroleum-derived substances on the PPF, as they possess the potential to undermine the adhesive of the film and induce discoloration or harm. Adhere to products exclusively designed for application on paint protection films and automotive finishes.
#8 Remove Bird Droppings & Other Natural Contaminants Immediately
Immediately removing contaminants, such as bird droppings, oil splatter, and mud, is a swift action that ensures the preservation and aesthetic appeal of your paint protection film, preventing unsightly stains or degradation. If contaminants do not readily come off with a customary wipedown, employ the paint protection film cleaner provided by XPEL.
The Bottom Line
An XPEL PPF is a fantastic investment for safeguarding your car’s paint job from scratches, nicks, and the elements. However, to maximize the benefits and longevity of the film, proper maintenance is essential. By following these simple maintenance tips, you can ensure your PPF remains in pristine condition for years to come, keeping your car looking showroom-new for longer. Should you want to install an XPEL paint protection film, visit Calgary Car Detailing. As the leading XPEL authorized installer, we employ top-tier films to preserve the original vibrancy of your car’s paint job.