Protective film on the car: what is it and is it worth gluing
Content
During the operation of the car, the paintwork is constantly amenable to the negative effects of external factors. It is very expensive to restore it, it is much easier to protect it effectively. To do this, there is a protective film, it is of several types and purposes, it can be applied to different parts of the car.
What is a protective film for a car?
Initially, the protective film was used in the military industry. With its help, some parts of the equipment, for example, helicopter blades, were protected from the negative effects of external factors. Now it is actively used in car tuning.
Main purposes:
- protective function. This coating reliably protects the paint and varnish surfaces of the car from the negative effects of chemicals, chips, cracks and abrasions. In addition, the film can be applied to glass and lighting fixtures, which increases their service life.
- decorative feature. With its help, you can change the appearance of the car and it will be cheaper than repainting it. You can use both a plain film and with a pattern. In the latter case, the car takes on a spectacular and unique look, so it will always stand out in the city traffic.
Advantages of wrapping a car with a protective film:
- reliable protection against mechanical damage to the paintwork;
- UV protection so paint won't fade
- creation of an individual design of a car, so it becomes different from similar models.
In order to really get the benefits of using a protective film, you need to properly wrap your car.
Disadvantages of using a protective film:
- if foreign particles get under the film during pasting, then it looks ugly;
- vinyl film must be washed in a non-contact way;
- cannot be polished.
- if the color of the film differs from the color of the body, then it will be necessary to register it in the data sheet;
- on vinyl, in comparison with airbrushing, the drawing burns out faster;
- if you have to remove such a coating, then the color of the body under it will differ from the main color of the car;
- in case of poor-quality painting, pieces of paint may break off during the removal of the film.
Types of film on cars
There are several types of protective film. They differ from each other in purpose, each type has its own advantages and disadvantages. The most popular protective film manufacturers are: SUNTEK, PREMIUMSHIELD (USA), HEXIS (France), HOGOMAKU PRO (Japan), SOLARNEX (South Korea), ORAGUARD (Germany), KPMF (England).
Vinyl
This film is the most common, as it combines affordable cost and good quality. It can be colored or transparent, glossy or matte. The glossy version will make the body shiny, but it is difficult to glue it. The transparent matt version creates the illusion of a matte finish. It is easier to glue such a film, since folds and bubbles do not form. A variety of patterns can be applied to a graphic vinyl film, and a textured one imitates different materials. The cost varies between 300-1200 rubles per m2.
Advantages:
- easy to apply on flat areas;
- easy to replace the damaged area;
- can be quickly removed;
- good elasticity.
Disadvantages:
- in places where the film is strongly stretched, it can peel off from exposure to the sun;
- fades in the sun;
- does not tolerate low temperatures.
You can buy a vinyl film "chameleon". Depending on the angle at which you look at the car, its color will change. The cost is 350-900 rubles per m2.
Carbon
This is a type of vinyl film. A meter of such coverage will cost 400-500 rubles. This material consists of several layers. The bottom one imitates a carbon-look pattern, and the top one acts as a protective layer. This solution can be used for pasting the hood, bumper, mirror housing and other parts of the car.
Polyurethane
The main purpose of the polyurethane film is a protective function. If we compare it with a vinyl analogue, then it has the following advantages:
- higher strength and elasticity;
- not afraid of low temperatures.
Disadvantages of this solution:
- large thickness, so rounded sections will have to be glued by making cuts;
- does not hold its shape well, therefore, when applied, its tension should not be allowed;
- high price.
The cost of a polyurethane film is about 1500-3500 rubles.
Antigravel
This film allows you to protect the body from damage from gravel, sand and small stones, as well as from scratches and damage in minor collisions. Anti-gravel film is also called armored. Vinyl anti-gravel film is used for wrapping the entire body, and polyurethane is used to protect problem areas such as sills, bumpers, hood, etc. If you decide to completely cover the front of the car with such a film, then be prepared to spend from 20 to 25 thousand rubles. Individual parts can be pasted over for 2,5–8 thousand rubles.
Athermal
Such a film is glued to the glass of a car. The athermal coating contains a layer of graphite, which provides it with the following advantages:
- allows sunlight to pass through, but the interior does not fade;
- maintains a comfortable microclimate in the cabin, so you need to use air conditioning less often;
- complies with the law.
The cost of a meter of such a film is in the range of 3-6 thousand rubles.
airbrush printing
Vinylography is a cheaper option compared to conventional airbrushing. The main task of such a solution is decorative, in order to make the car exclusive and unique.
Advantages:
- affordable cost;
- a large selection of drawings;
- simply restored;
- provides additional body protection.
Disadvantages
- service life no more than 5 years;
- When washing a car, you must be careful not to damage the film.
A meter of such coverage will cost about 400-1000 rubles.
Video: how to choose a protective film
How to apply protective film
It is better that the protective film on the car is glued by professionals, but if you have the time, patience and self-confidence, then you can do it yourself.
Work order:
- Car preparation. It must be thoroughly washed with the use of degreasing agents. The surface must then dry completely.
The car is washed with degreasers - Creating a pattern. Do this in accordance with the shape of the pasted part. The film is cut out with a clerical knife.
- Surface treatment. Cover the place where pasting will be performed with soapy water, do this with a spray gun. After that, a film is applied, and the soapy solution will allow it to be moved if necessary.
- Film smoothing. Do this with a rubber spatula, moving from the center to the edges. At this time, it is necessary to warm the film with a building hair dryer to improve its elasticity.The film is well smoothed and at the same time heated with a building hair dryer to improve its elasticity.
- Air expulsion. With the help of a felt squeegee, the remaining liquid and air are expelled. If there are a few small bubbles left, then after 2-3 days they should disappear on their own.
- Edge rolling. They do it very carefully. An alcohol solution can be used to activate the adhesive composition. After that, the edges are wiped with a dry cloth and the car is left for a day so that the glue is well fixed.The edges of the film are well rolled to ensure its maximum adhesion to the body.
Video: how to glue a protective film
You can completely paste over the car body with a protective film, but this is an expensive pleasure. Usually it is used to protect the bumper, wheel arches, headlights, sills, the bottom of the doors. It is these parts that wear out the most and require maximum protection.
