Rating of films on the thresholds of the car
Content
The film is characterized by high strength and elasticity, designed to protect parts that are most susceptible to mechanical stress.
The transparent film on thresholds of a car protects a surface from the mechanical influences leading to emergence of a rust. Let's figure out how to choose it correctly.
Functions of the film on the thresholds of the car
In the course of everyday operation of the car, the paint layer from its thresholds is erased from mechanical influences and the influence of chemical reagents. Scratches and chips appear, in their place there are pockets of corrosion, which gradually spread to other areas. The outer side also suffers from particles of sand or gravel flying from the road.
Made of transparent material, the sticker is completely invisible even on a black surface, it only gives it a glossy or matte finish.
Varieties
Auto shops offer a wide range of protective films, which differ:
- the composition of the plastic;
- layering, on which the thickness depends;
- color;
- appointment;
- the level of protection of the paintwork;
- at the price.
The choice of material is also determined by its service life.
By material of manufacture
The main parameter that you should pay attention to is the basis for obtaining a film:
- polyvinyl chloride (PVH);
- polyurethane.
PVC products have a small thickness and are varied in texture. Their main advantages are flexibility and elasticity. The vinyl base can be easily laid on a surface with any geometry.
Polyvinyl chloride films are of several types:
- carbon fiber - characterized by high strength and corrosion resistance, their standard thickness is from 0,17 to 0,22 mm;
- chameleon - shimmer in different colors depending on the lighting;
- camouflage base is chosen by outdoor enthusiasts and travelers;
- matte vinyl gives the car a rich look, it can be transparent and colored;
- mirror pasting imitates chrome coating;
- a wrapper with a pattern is ordered to decorate the car.
Transparent film for thresholds
Transparent film on the thresholds of the car protects:
- from small bumps during inaccurate parking;
- mechanical impact of sand and small stones during movement;
- aggressive chemicals;
- UV and IR radiation;
- abrasion of paint from shoes.
Polyurethane coating is also called anti-gravel. Its average thickness is 190-200 microns, and its service life is 6-12 years. Due to its high elasticity, it resists external influences well.
Advantages of polyurethane coating:
- does not lose transparency;
- easy to clean;
- amenable to mechanical polishing;
- does not stand out on the surface;
- retains its properties at low temperatures.
The base is quickly removed without leaving marks. The thicker the armor film on the thresholds of the car, the stronger it is, and its protective properties are higher.
By the number of layers
Films are also classified by the number of layers:
- single-layer ones are obtained by extrusion - forcing a plastic melt through a forming element;
- multilayer ones are produced by co-extrusion of several layers of polymer through one mechanism.
As a result, more economical materials are obtained. The density of a three-layer base is 30% less than a single one, but its strength is much higher.
Choice of film on thresholds: rating
The choice of protective film on the thresholds of the car depends on its condition:
- transparent polyurethane can be glued on new cars;
- if there are potholes and chips, the best option is to cover with colored material that will hide defects.
The rating, which presents products from different manufacturers, will help you choose the best basis for protection.
Budget types
Polyvinyl is an inexpensive material, easy to glue. It is able to protect the surface from small mechanical impacts - sand, tree branches, a strong jet of water at the sink. For more effective protection, it is better to choose polyurethane.
3M (Japan)
3M Narrow Film Tape is specially designed for body parts. Its characteristics:
- width - 10 cm;
- thickness - 200 microns;
- stretching rate - up to 190%;
- temperature mode of operation – from +15 to +30°C;
- stability in all weather conditions.
The material is obtained from natural resins, so it is completely safe.
Oraguard (Germany)
Polyurethane film for car sills 200 microns thick. It is characterized by high strength and elasticity, designed to protect parts that are most susceptible to mechanical stress:
- bumper;
- thresholds;
- wings.
Protective film for thresholds
The film itself recovers from small dents, protecting the surface of the machine from damage. Service life - 7 years. Does not change its properties in a wide temperature range - from -40 to +110°C.
KPMF (England)
Cheap but high quality material that:
- easy to stick to curved surfaces;
- does not turn yellow;
- not afraid of dents and scratches.
Film thickness – 137 microns, withstands temperature range from –40 to +50°C.
Average price range
American and South Korean goods fell into this category.
Ultra Vision (USA)
Transparent anti-gravel film for protection of thresholds of the car is steady:
- to rubbing;
- chemical reagents that are used in winter conditions;
- ultraviolet;
- temperatures up to +70°C.
Acrylic adhesive base with an increasing degree of adhesion over time allows you to firmly fix the coating on the surface.
Safety 11 mil (South Korea)
Impact-resistant film 300 microns thick will reliably protect the car's paintwork. She appreciates:
- for a high degree of transparency;
- adhesive base, which provides excellent adhesion;
- the presence of a special top layer that protects against scratches.
Can be applied in 2 layers.
G-Suit (South Korea)
The protective basis is made of thermoplastic polyurethane, has the top hydrophobic layer. Easily adheres to difficult areas. Among the advantages:
- absence of yellowness and cracking during the entire period of operation;
- high wear resistance;
- ability to self-heal.
After removal, the film leaves no traces.
Expensive film on thresholds
Real "anti-gravel" from well-known manufacturers is expensive. But it does not fade over time, is not afraid of frost and will protect the car for several years.
Never Scratch (South Korea)
High-quality polyurethane with self-healing technology after external influences attracts:
- lack of yellowness;
- transparency;
- interesting structure;
- strength;
- an additional layer of molded plastic.
Among the shortcomings, low hydrophobicity and installation complexity are noted. But the sticker gives an excellent gloss.
SunTek (USA)
The American company has long been known in the international market for high-tech products. SunTek car door sill film is available in two versions:
- with a glossy, almost mirror effect;
- with a matte finish.
Physical characteristics of the material:
- thickness - 203 microns;
- tensile strength - 34,5 MPa;
- adhesion force of the adhesive layer to the surface - 804 Nm.
The sticker is completely transparent, has the property of self-healing.
PremiumShield (USA)
The film is coated with a layer that is inert to the action of mechanical particles and chemical reagents. It doesn't wash off or scratch. Even traces of a metal brush are instantly tightened. The applied base completely repeats the geometry of the surface, remaining completely invisible.
Recommendations for self-sticking
If booking the car thresholds with a film is done independently, prepare a set of tools and materials:
- paper patterns of complex details;
- rubber spatula;
- soft napkin;
- scissors;
- detergent dispenser;
- hair dryer
Must work indoors:
- Thoroughly rinse and dry the thresholds.
- Cut out the details of the film base.
- Apply a soapy solution to the surface with a spray bottle.
- Gently glue the base to the center and carefully move towards the edge, smoothing the film and removing any remaining liquid with air bubbles from under it.
- On the bends, heat with a hairdryer to increase the elasticity of the material.
- Install the plastic pads in place.
You can leave by car with armored thresholds in a day.
How often to change the film on the thresholds of a car
The service life of the coating depends on several factors:
- material quality;
- manufacturer;
- the declared period of operation;
- car maintenance conditions;
- application of additional coatings;
- frequency of washing and polishing.
If a special series of materials is used for pasting thresholds with a car film, the manufacturer gives a guarantee for them for about 5-7 years.
