If you've ever paid to have your car professionally detailed, then you know how expensive this service can be. As someone who cares deeply about my car and wants to maintain its value, I like to have my vehicle detailed on a regular basis. It wasn't until recently that I actually began detailing my own car. After buying all the supplies I needed, I was able to detail and wash my car just as thoroughly as the professionals for a fraction of the price. If you're interested in learning how to detail your own car, you've come to the right place!
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Deciding Which Method Of Vehicle Paint Protection Is Right For You
Lonnie Brown
Whether you recently purchased a new vehicle or had an existing one painted to improve its appearance, you want to take steps to protect the color, sheen, and smoothness the paint provides to its exterior. There are a few methods of paint protection to select from. Knowing a bit about each one helps you determine which is best for your situation.
Plastic Film
A clear film applied to your vehicle's exterior protects the paint from a variety of possible flaws. In addition, if you select a self-healing plastic film, any scrapes and scratches your vehicle has on its body are obscured with the application of the protectant. This film is not able to be applied to every surface of your vehicle, however, so you need to pick and choose which spots are most susceptible to mishaps depending upon your driving and parking habits. Plastic film is made from urethane, which is a stretchy chemical agent. It is best installed by a professional so there are no visible bumps, grooves, or wrinkles after it adheres. This type of paint protection helps to ward off nicks, chips, and abrasions.
Sealant
A sealant is sprayed over a painted vehicle to protect its coloring for up to several months. The amount of time it lasts on your vehicle can vary depending upon the frequency in which you wash the vehicle. This type of paint protection method requires the use of protective clothing when it is applied as it is comprised of chemicals that can cause skin issues. For this reason, most vehicle owners contact a professional service for its application. The upside of using this method of paint protection is that sealant can be added to every area of your painted surfaces. It protects the paint from UV light, tree sap, and chemicals used for cleaning vehicles.
Wax
The addition of a layer of car wax protects the paint from road debris, dirt, sap, and grime. It does not offer protection against scratches and scrapes. This type of paint protectant is purchasable at auto supply stores and a vehicle owner can apply it themselves. The protection level is low, as it wanes as the vehicle is subjected to moisture. If you wash your vehicle often or live in an area with abundant precipitation, reapplication is necessary for optimal conditions.
Ceramic Coating
Liquid polymer provides a ceramic coating that protects vehicles against paint flaws due to being subjected to UV lighting, salt, chemical agents, and sap. This coating lasts for several years after application. It does not wash away as quickly as other methods of paint protection.
Contact a service provider to learn more about car paint protection.
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