Initially developed to be used in military operations, Paint Protection Films (PPFs) eventually turned out to be one of the most loved products of the automotive industry.
While the history, origin and development of modern-day Paint protection films is another story in itself, to briefly sum it up, PPFs are high-grade thermoplastic urethane films that are professionally applied on the topmost layer of a vehicle’s paint and that are either coloured or transparent.
PPF are renowned for their self-healing properties that allow the film to repair any scratches it takes on. The composition of PPF laminate is made up of an elastomeric polymeric substance that equips the film to maintain its shape whenever stretched.
The 3 Common Types of Paint Protection Films Compared
Three of the most common types of PPF used in the market include TPU, TPH and PVC PPFs. Here are the three of them compared:
1.PVC PPF
PVC, or Polyvinyl Chloride, is the third-most widely used synthetic plastic polymer in the entire world. PVC Films are also dubbed as first-generation Paint Protection Films, as PVC PPF was the first and most commonly used type of PPF. While PVC Filmsdos provide a certain degree of protection to your car’s paint, their rigid nature makes it difficult to install. Moreover, PVC tends to lose both their elasticity and colour over time and usually hardens in only 1 to 3 years of life. Another disadvantage of PVC PPF is that it can cause paint chipping upon removal.
2.TPH PPF
With Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) as its base, TPH is a cheaper alternative to TPU and a better alternative to PVC Films. While the base of the TPH Film is PVC itself, the technology used is such that the flexibility and chemical properties of PVC are enhanced. As a result, the TPH material possesses better flexibility than PVC and does not undergo discolouration. But with that said, it isn’t as effective as TPU in terms of overall flexibility, durability and life.
3. TPU PPF
The material of TPU stealth car suit is a thermoplastic polyurethane with excellent physical properties and chemical stability. It is a mature environmental protection material with good toughness and thermal repair function, which makes it popular and the best material for stealth car suit. Stable automatic repair ability. The unique dense nano coating on the surface layer not only provides strong corrosion resistance, but also has better repair ability, which can keep the film intact and bright and clean for a long time. Good non-staining performance, far away from external corrosion, no yellowing and cracking for a long time
