PPF VS VINYL WRAP: WHICH ONE DO YOU CHOOSE?
When it comes to customizing and protecting your car both in the exterior and interior, there are multiple options available. Whether it’s the protection you’re looking for or for an ideal aesthetic alteration, you’d have to make a choice between a Paint Protection Film (PPF) or a vinyl wrap.
So now the question comes, which is better? Which is more worth it? Which will be a better investment? Should you opt for the same one again?
Through this article, we hope to answer your questions regarding which one works best for you and your car and helps you in making an informed decision.
First, let us start with what PPF and Vinyl wraps actually are.
WHAT IS PPF?
Paint Protection Film, well known as PPF is a virtually invisible and self-healing film that is applied to your car and its appearance can be likened to that of a saran wrap.
It offers superior impact protection, keeping your car paint protected from scratches, scuffs and rocks chips and pebbles.
In addition, it also keeps your car protected from chemical splashes, oil spills, bird droppings as well as environmental elements like rain and extreme heat and cold. Lastly, it also keeps your car paint and its interior safe from UV rays and its impacts.
WHAT IS VINYL WRAP?
Vinyl wrap is a thin and flexible material made out of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and comes in many different shades, textures, colors and finishes. Its specially formulated adhesive allows it to take the shape of whatever it is applied to and it is mostly used for the purpose of altering the appearance of your car. Thanks, to the variety of colors and finishes available, your choices and options are pretty much limitless.
PURPOSE
PPF- As mentioned earlier, the main purpose of a PPF is to protect your car from impact and damage. Since, it’s clear (although, many different types and colors of PPF have entered the market now) it does not do much in terms of changing your vehicle’s appearance.
It is also thicker than a vinyl wrap since it’s designed to protect the surface.
Vinyl Wrap- Vinyl wraps on the other hand are designed with the purpose of customizing the appearance of your vehicle. The transformations that you can achieve with vinyl wraps are incredible. You can make your car go from black to white, glossy, to matte vice versa and more.
Also, since its main goal is not to protect the car, it is slightly thinner than PPF and also more flexible.
PROTECTION OFFERED
PPF- If you’re looking for extensive surface and interior protection, then PPF is the choice you should make. It is built to endure major external impact, environmental elements and UV effects. And best of all, it comes with a self-healing feature. So unless your PPF has torn off or slipped off, it can pretty much heal itself of any kind of minor scratches and scuffs.
Vinyl Wrap- Though vinyl wrapping doesn’t offer as much protection as PPF, it does serve a similar purpose. Since, it’s not as thick it cannot really protect your car from a deep scratch or scuff. But it does create a barrier between the original car paint and the exterior environment and can protect it from minor scratches and chips, UV rays and bird droppings.
CUSTOMIZATION
PPF- Since PPFs tend to be clear you can easily pick and choose where you wish to apply it unless you want your entire car covered.
Vinyl Wrap- On the other hand, vinyl wraps have to applied to the entire vehicle for a cohesive look. But you can always opt for accented pieces where only parts of the vehicle are covered or look for custom designs with vinyl as well.
INSTALLATION
PPF- It uses wet installation, that is, the film needs to be wet first before it can adhere to the surface of your car. Installers typically use a mix of soap and water or an installation gel for this purpose. Also, PPF installation requires a special cutting software and a plotter in order to specifically fit into the part it is applied to.
Vinyl Wrap- Vinyl wraps don’t need wet installation. In fact, any water during the installation can end up in failure since it does not stick to wet surfaces at all. Vinyl wraps are also cut by hand. First a big enough piece is cut off after which, the excess is trimmed off and the wrap is set in place.
PAINT CONDITIONS
PPF- For a PPF installation, it is important that your car paint is without blemish and in good condition before application. Since the film is clear, any imperfections or scratches on the original car pain will show through, so a paint correction is recommended prior to application, especially if the paint is in bad condition.
The ideal time to install PPF is immediately after purchasing a car. Going for a PPF application after your vehicle has spent some time on the road will not give you the same results. Sure, it can protect the car from future damage, but it cannot cover up the damage that has already been done.
Vinyl Wrap- Since vinyl wraps are not transparent, it can easily cover up any visual and surface imperfections. However, if your car has rock chips or missing paint on its surface then there’s a high chance for it to show through the paint. Any other textured imperfection will show through so make sure your car is well cleaned and washed down before installation.
LAST THOUGHTS
When properly cared for, both PPF and vinyl wraps can last you a long time. With proper maintenance, you can expect your vinyl wrap to last you for 5 years while PPF can endure more and last for about 10 years with the right care and maintenance.
In the end, there’s no conclusive way to decide which one is better. They’re both excellent in doing their job in their respective area.
If you’re looking for a car transformation with an aesthetic finish and won’t mind not having the guarantee of complete protection, then vinyl is your choice. But if you wish to have the best durable protection for your vehicle to last you through the years and possibly, a decade then PPF is for you.
Prices will of course differ between the two, with PPF costing you a bit more but rest assured, the investment will be worth it. If you still have questions regarding which one to go for then you can always consult some professionals like us at UltraKool and we can accompany you through your entire selection and application process with guaranteed consumer satisfaction and vehicle quality.
