When Should You Replace Your PPF?

Paint protection film (PPF) provides unmatched protection. This transparent urethane material is applied directly to your vehicle’s body panels and becomes a barrier between your paint and the outside world, mitigating scratches, rock chips, and fading.

While PPF is durable, it won’t last forever. You’ll eventually need to have your film replaced.

Here’s everything you need to know about replacing your paint protection film.

How Many Years Does PPF Last? 

Generally, most PPFs will last between seven to 10 years. Red Rocks Tint exclusively uses XPEL paint protection film. This film comes with a 10-year warranty, but with the proper care, it can last much longer.

Your film’s lifespan depends on how well you maintain it, how you use your vehicle, and the local weather conditions. PPF on a work truck that regularly drives long distances in bad weather won’t last as long as the film on a sedan driven short distances a few times a week. 

Does PPF Require Maintenance? 

Yes, paint protection film does require maintenance. You can’t just get it and then forget about it. You must know what to do and what to avoid. For instance, how you wash your PPF differs from how you’d clean your untreated auto paint. 

PPF Maintenance Tips 

Want to get the most from your paint protection film? If so, follow these care tips.

Immediately Following Installation

Your PPF is the most vulnerable right after installation. Don’t wash or wax your car for the first week after PPF installation. Additionally, try to minimize driving your vehicle as much as possible during this time. As the film cures, it’s not unusual to see bubbles. Never press them. 

Use the Two-Bucket Washing Method

Avoid taking your car to an automated car wash. And never pressure wash your vehicle. Instead, hand-wash your car using the two-bucket method every one to two weeks. Fill a bucket with suds (your wash bucket) and another with plain water (your rinse bucket). Dunk your mitt in the rinse bucket before using more solutions from your wash bucket. Never wash your PPF with harsh chemicals.

Install Ceramic Coating

Getting ceramic coating installed over your PPF can increase its longevity. This hydrophobic liquid polymer acts as a second layer of defense, preventing UV damage and oxidation. 

When Should I Replace My PPF? 

You should replace your paint protection film if it’s suffered significant damage or was installed incorrectly. A few signs that it’s time to replace your PPF include: 

• Extreme yellowing or discoloration

• Cracking

• The film is lifting at the edges

• You notice misalignments, stretch or razor marks, or dust and debris trapped under the film immediately following the installation 

Can I Remove PPF Myself? 

While removing paint protection film yourself is possible, that doesn’t mean you should. We strongly suggest taking your car to a team of professionals to have the PPF removed. DIY PPF removal can leave unsightly residue behind and damage your paint. 

Is It Important to Remove Damaged PPF? 

Absolutely. If the film is worn out, cracked, peeling, lifting, or torn, it can harm your car’s paint. Additionally, damaged PPF isn’t doing its job and protecting your paint from outdoor contaminants. 

Do PPF Bubbles Go Away? 

Many customers ask us if the air bubbles under their paint protection film will disappear. If you get a quality PPF installation, the bubbles will evaporate within several days after the film fully cures. If you still notice bubbles after this time, it might be a good idea to have the PPF replaced. This is a sign of a poor installation. 

Make Your PPF Last Longer 

Want your PPF to last as long as possible? It starts with quality film and installation. At Red Rocks Tint, our experts have almost 20 years of industry experience. We use the best products, advanced software, and time-tested techniques to ensure the PPF is always seamlessly installed.

We also specialize in ceramic coating, dent removal, and window tinting solutions. 

To learn more, contact us today by calling 303-261-7384. We’re excited to speak to you!