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How to Choose the Right PPF Thickness for Your Car

  • by admin
  • Nov 14, 2024
Know the Right PPF Thickness That Best Suits Your Car

Paint Protection Films (PPFs) are the best methods of all to safeguard your car’s paint from UV damage, scratches, and stone chips. Alberta car owners usually buy the best sold paint protection films in Calgary including 3M Paint Protection Film and XPEL PPF. But for the best protection, it’s important to select the PPF with proper thickness.

To know how to get a PPF for your car, let us go over how to select the right PPF thickness for your car in this blog.

Understanding PPF Thickness

Before you are to select a PPF, you should understand what PPF thickness means. Paint protection films are commonly available in a variety of thicknesses, measured in mils (1 mil = 0.001 inch or 25.4 microns). Common thicknesses range from 6 to 12 mils. The thickness of a PPF mostly decides how well it will be able to protect your vehicle. However, thicker does not always equal better in all scenarios.

Factors to Consider When Choosing PPF Thickness

1. Type of Vehicle

The kind and use of your car are major factors in choosing the ideal PPF thickness.

  • Luxury and Exotic Cars: If you own a high-end or expensive vehicle, you’ll want maximum safety without sacrificing appearance. Choose thicker films, such as XPEL PPF (8-10 mil), for superior scratch and impact protection while keeping the original glossy look.
  • Daily Drivers: A 6-8 mil PPF like 3M Paint Protection Film may be adequate for standard vehicles that are used daily. It provides excellent defense against minimal abrasions and stone chip or road debris hits. This makes it ideal for cars that are driven in cities where there are fewer debris and chips hitting your automobile.

2. Driving Environment

The environment in which you drive also influences your choice of PPF thickness.

  • City Driving: Driving in an urban area exposes your car to pollution, small bumps, and road dust. Without being unduly thick or thin, a medium thickness (about 6–8 mils) like 3M paint protection film in Calgary is commonly sold. It offers sufficient protection against these city driving conditions.
  • Highway and Off-road Driving: If your vehicle is driven on country roads or rugged terrain, you’re more likely to come across debris such as stones and gravel. Without a PPF, these can cause serious damage to the car surface. Thicker PPF, around 9-12 mils, such as XPEL PPF, is more useful in these settings since it resists rock chips and scratches better.

3. Durability and Longevity

The longevity and resistant power of the film is also determined by its thickness. Better durability is possible with thicker films, although they could also cost more. A thicker alternative such as 3M PPF or XPEL PPF in the 8–12 mil range is recommended if you want long-term protection. This is also applicable if you wish to prevent regular reapplication.

Thicker layers also offer better protection against UV rays and chemical stains, which can damage your car’s paint over time. On the contrary, a thinner film (6-7 mils) may suffice if you’re more concerned with preserving vehicle aesthetics while also applying protective films.

Comparing 3M Paint Protection Film and XPEL PPF

Although both 3M PPF and XPEL in Calgary or any other place, are premium brands, there are several characteristics and performance distinctions between them. Understanding these differences are likely to assist you make a choice.

  • 3M Paint Protection Film: 3M PPF is well-known for its self-healing qualities, as well as its superior scratch resistance and glossy surface. It comes in a variety of thicknesses ranging from 6 to 10 mils and is suitable for both luxury and daily-use vehicles. The 3M Scotchgard Pro Series, for example, provides 8 mils of protection while balancing durability and visual appeal.
  • XPEL PPF: Reputable for its advanced technology, XPEL offers exceptional stain resistance and self-healing capabilities. With its thickness of 8-12 mils, the XPEL Ultimate Plus is perfect for severe protection, especially for cars that are subjected to more hostile circumstances. Its exceptional hydrophobic qualities also make cleaning and maintenance simpler.

Professional Installation

Whatever thickness you choose, the installation technique is important to get the most out of your PPF. Even high-quality films, such as 3M PPF and XPEL PPF, can fail to provide optimal protection if applied incorrectly and in wrong areas. To achieve perfect adherence and a best fit, the film should be applied by a skilled car detailing professional, particularly around the car’s contours and edges.

Conclusion

While selecting the thickness of top paint protection films in Calgary, consider the type of automobile, driving environment, and the level of durability you want. For optimal protection, a thicker PPF, such as XPEL PPF in the 8–10 mil range, is recommended for luxury or high-performance automobiles. A 6 to 8 mil 3M Paint Protection Film can offer enough protection for cars used on a daily basis or in urban areas.

Calgary Window Tinting offers you both of these PPF types for your vehicle, be it a luxury car or a daily-use van. Keep your vehicle safe while still looking like new with PPF installed by us choosing from the four different packages we have. Whether you choose 3M PPF or XPEL PPF, we recommend expert installation for best results.

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