If you’ve recently had paint protection film installed on your vehicle and want to make it last longer, you may ask; can you polish and ceramic coat paint protection film?’
It’s perfectly fine to do both, e.g., polish and apply a ceramic coat paint over PPF, albeit more carefully and not on self-healing films. Here’s a short guide on how to apply ceramic coating on PPF, tips on polishing paint protection film, and more.
How to Apply Ceramic Coating on Paint Protection Film
Before you begin, it’s worth noting that you should do your research and buy a ceramic coating product that can bond with the paint protection film. Otherwise, the coating won’t stick to the surface and you’ll have wasted money for nothing.
Ceramic coating products often come in liquid form, and it’s applied using a sponge. After a certain number of hours, the ceramic coating dries and you can start enjoying the benefits it brings.
Products to Use to Polish Paint Protection Film
The ideal polishing product for PPF is one that doesn’t contain kerosene or naphtha at more than 5% concentration. You can check for products that are specially formulated to work with paint protection film and enhance its appearance and function. It’s worth noting that PPF can be polished the same way as paint, albeit a bit more slowly and carefully.
With machine polishing, you should always start with the least abrasive setting or pad, then work your way up until you achieve a desirable result. Pay attention to the polishing equipment and your car’s protective film so you’ll know which setting to use next time.
How Long Does Paint Protection Film Last?
You might be surprised to know that PPFs can actually last anywhere between five to seven years after application. The exact number of years will depend on several factors, including wear and tear, how you care for it, and driving conditions, among others.
Self-healing paint protection film will be less effective over time, and you may need to replace them after seven to ten years, give or take a year or so.
Adding a ceramic coat on top of the PPF will extend its lifespan to several more years, but it’s not recommended for self-healing films. Polishing the protective film really doesn’t add up to its longevity, but it’s more of an aesthetic effect and making your car look good. Nevertheless, if you have a car like a Tesla, then yes, as experts in the automotive field, we would recommend at least getting some from of paint protection given how soft the paintwork is.
The ideal polishing product for PPF is one that doesn’t contain kerosene or naphtha at more than 5% concentration. You can check for products that are specially formulated to work with paint protection film and enhance its appearance and function. It’s worth noting that PPF can be polished the same way as paint, albeit a bit more slowly and carefully.
With machine polishing, you should always start with the least abrasive setting or pad, then work your way up until you achieve a desirable result. Pay attention to the polishing equipment and your car’s protective film so you’ll know which setting to use next time.
Do's and Dont's of Paint Protection Film
DOs
Seek a professional when having PPF installed, a poorly installed film is counter-productive.
Remove natural contaminants as soon as you see them, do not let them bake on your car, eg. bird droppings, tree sap and so on.
DON’Ts
Press bubbles trapped under the film
Wash or wax in the first 7 days after application
Use paper products, terry cloths, or brushes to clean your car
Use any abrasive material eg. polishes, compounds or any form of buffing
Professional Tips to Maintain Paint Protection Film
Apply Wax Regularly
It’s recommended that you apply a wax and one that’s formulated to work with PPFs to prevent damage to the protective film. Once you have the right product, you should make it a point to give the PPF a nice and thorough waxing every 3-6 months.
Clean and Wipe Your Car in the Shade
The film can get really hot and soft when your car is exposed to high temperatures and direct sunlight. Sometimes being careless is all it takes to damage the PPF and lead to an unexpected replacement. You should always clean your car and wipe it in the shade to avoid this from happening.
Check the Product First Before Applying It
Abrasive solutions and cloths are not good for a paint protection film. Detergents are definite no-nos, as are sealants, resin-based and petroleum-based products. Check the label or packaging to see if it’s safe for your PPF, and consider investing in premium cleaning products that contain lube additives. The bottom line is that you should always read before you buy or use a product on your car’s PPF.
Consider Getting a Ceramic Coating
A ceramic coating on top of PPF is like an extra shield against the elements. The good news is that you can have this done without experiencing any detrimental effects in the long run. Proper care and maintenance should be given to the ceramic coating so it continues to protect the PPF and the paint job underneath. All cars must consider paint protection, both those with hard paint and soft paint like Tesla paint protection, which typically scratch easily, all the more reasons to install it.
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