Does Paint Protection Film Really Work? The Honest Truth
It's a valid question. You're about to spend $1,500+ on a thin layer of plastic. Does it actually do anything, or is it just snake oil?
In Calgary, where they use gravel instead of salt for winter traction, the answer is usually visible on the front of any 3-year-old car without PPF: it looks like it was shot with a shotgun.
The 4 Core Functions of Material Science
1. Impact Absorption
Paint is hard and brittle. PPF is soft and elastic. When a rock hits paint, it chips. When it hits PPF, it bounces off.
2. Self Healing
The top clear coat of XPEL PPF is elastomeric memory polymer. If you scratch it, just add heat (sun or hot water) and it flows back to smooth.
3. UV Filtration
PPF allows visible light through (so paint fades evenly) but blocks harmful UV peaks that cause clear coat delamination (peeling).
4. Chemical Defense
Bird droppings contain uric acid which etches paint in minutes. PPF is chemically resistant and buys you days to clean it off.
The Financial Reality in Calgary
Let's look at the numbers for a typical car ownership cycle of 5 years.
Total Cost of Ownership (5 Years)
*Resale loss calculated based on "Fair" vs "Excellent" condition on Black Book.
Does it Last in Calgary Winters?
The Pros
- 10 Year Warranty with XPEL
- Won't yellow (non-yellowing adhesive)
- Won't peel if wrapped correctly
The Cons
- Can still be damaged by massive rocks
- Edges can collect dirt if not maintained
See It To Believe It
Come by our studio. We have a test hood where you can take a wire brush to the PPF and watch it heal instantly.
Book a Demo / QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
Experience The Best.
Don't let another commute compromise your vehicle. Get a quote from Calgary's Consumer Choice Award winner today.
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