Paint Protection Film (PPF) for cars is a great way to keep your vehicle’s paint looking brand new. If you want to install PPF, you must carefully choose the best one. With more than one product on the market, how can you tell that you have found the correct one for your vehicle and its needs?
Many installers have a favorite product, but that is often due to their experience installing the product rather than comparing the different products on the market.
To make your choice a bit easier, we will review the industry’s top car paint protection films and the pros and cons of each.
What Is Paint Protection Film?
Paint protection film (PPF, also called clear bra or car wrap) for cars is a clear polyurethane film applied to your vehicle’s exterior as a protective layer. It is designed to protect the paint from scratches, chips and UV damage caused by everyday wear and tear. It’s important to pick the best one for you.
Two Ways To Protect Car Paint
Ceramic coating and paint protection film are two of the best paint protection options for automotive paint. Coatings are applied on the vehicle to bond with the paint and only can be removed through abrasion, such as clay bar or polishing. Coatings provide excellent protection against damage to the paint but are permanent — a vehicle owner may not want to have a permanent option. PPF offers similar benefits to protect car paint as coating but in a film that wraps around the vehicle. Many owners choose film over ceramic coating because it can be removed if desired. Learn the differences between paint protection film vs. ceramic coating to help you choose the best for your car.
How To Choose The Best Paint Protect Film
Choosing the best paint protection film for your car depends on several factors. There are many benefits of paint protection film, but these are the most common features to look out for.
Durability
You should consider the quality of the film – make sure it is durable and can stand up to everyday wear and tear. Extremely durable PPFs can protect cars from salt damage.
Self-healing Properties
Look at the self-healing properties of the PPF – many come with a top coat that repairs minor scratches and abrasions over time. Some can protect cars from hail damage by healing itself from minor dings from hailstones. 4wd SUVs can benefit from offroad paint protection benefits, as well.
UV Protection
Check that it offers adequate UV protection to protect your car’s paint from damage caused by the sun.
Warranty
Research warranty coverage levels of different brands to ensure you are getting the best product for your needs.
Best Paint Protection Film For Cars
If you are leaning toward film over coating, you will want to weigh the different brands on the market. Here is a list of the top PPF brands and how they stack up against Rayno.
Continue reading to learn more about the main brands and their benefits and drawbacks.
XPEL ULTIMATE PLUS
XPEL ULTIMATE PLUS is backed by a 10-year warranty. It is nearly invisible, with better aesthetics than 3M Scotchgard, and is easy to install. One drawback to XPEL ULTIMATE PLUS is that it is not easy to remove, unless the installer was extremely precise with the water and alcohol mix used to install it originally. Also, XPEL ULTIMATE PLUS can leave a line in the middle of the panels if it is not installed so that entire panels are covered.
Pros:
- Long warranty period of 10 years
- Easy to install
Cons:
- Not easy to remove
- Leaves a visible line where the film ends
3M Scotchgard
The 3M Scotchgard Paint Protection Film is known for its longevity. This film is backed with a five- to seven-year warranty and rarely has warranty claims, because it’s a durable product. The adhesive is quite aggressive — making the film stay in place. It’s virtually clear on most paint colors. However, some vehicle owners with dark-colored vehicles have found it to be too visible on their paint. The adhesive also does not apply well in cold weather, which can lead to longer installation times.
Pros:
- Long warranty period
- Extremely durable
Cons:
- Too visible on dark-colored cars
- Hard to install in cold temperatures
SunTek Ultra
SunTek is clearer than 3M Scotchgard, without the visibility on darker-colored cars. Cars that are coated with this product benefit from its self-healing nature. Simply pour hot water over the car for scratches to vanish. It also has a five-year warranty and is faster to install. However, the adhesive is less aggressive and the product hasn’t been around as long as 3M, so it does not have the long success history of its competitor.
Pros:
- Looks clear on dark-colored cars
- Great self-healing properties
Cons:
- Adhesive is not as aggressive as other competitors
- Newer in the market
Rayno Onyxhield
We consider Onyxhield the zenith of paint protection film technology from Rayno. This revolutionary product is engineered with a blend of cutting-edge optical engineering and advanced nanopolymer science, elevating the vibrancy and protection of your vehicle’s paintwork. Onyxhield defends against the elements and road debris and enhances your car’s aesthetic appeal with unparalleled clarity and color depth. Step into the new era of automotive care with Onyxhield optical paint protection film, where exceptional durability meets visual excellence.
Pros:
- Superior Optical Clarity: Utilizing state-of-the-art technology, Onyxhield ensures outstanding visual clarity, allowing your car’s true colors to shine through in any environmental condition.
- Advanced Discoloration Resistance: The film boasts exceptional resistance to heat and UV-induced yellowing, maintaining the premium look of your car over time.
- Self-Healing Properties: Onyxhield features high-performance self-healing layers that repair minor scratches and scuffs, keeping your car looking pristine.
- Long-Term Durability: With a robust thickness of up to 12 mil and a 10-year warranty, Onyxhield offers one of the most durable protections available, safeguarding your vehicle’s paint for years to come.
Cons:
- One of the newest in the market.
Rayno Creed
Rayno Creed, a new car paint protection film from Rayno Window Film, utilizes nano-coating technology to improve the protection available to today’s cars. This unique nano-coating technology allows Creed car paint protection film to protect paint from chips, dings, stains, and discoloration better than any existing product. It is non-yellowing and self-healing without applying hot water or heat for less than 3 minutes and can easily reach all the nooks and crannies of the car’s exterior.
Creed offers all the benefits of 3M Scotchgard, SunTek, and XPEL ULTIMATE PLUS, but with greater results. It’s invisible on the car and offers superior protection. The main drawback to Creed is its newness in the industry. Because it’s new, many installers are not yet utilizing it.
Pros:
- Excellent hydrophobic and self-healing functions in one product
- Superior self-healing performance without applying hot water or heat in less than 3 minutes
- Ultra-clear and high gloss surface without giving an orange peel
- Superior adhesive layer that allows the product to be cleanly and completely removed without leaving residue
Cons:
- May not provide as much scratch resistance as Onyxhield.
Find The Best Paint Protection Film Installers Near You
Interested in having Onyxhield or Creed installed on your vehicle?
Contact a Rayno PPF installer to learn more about features, benefits, and paint protection film costs. By investing in the best paint protection on the market available from Rayno, you can protect your vehicle and ensure it looks its best for years to come.
Find a paint protection film installer near you today with our Rayno dealer locator.