A vehicle is not our average commodity or plaything that we purchase on a regular basis. It is something we cherish and love. Our cars hold a special place in our hearts from the moment we buy them.
So, protecting them from harms-way is a massive concern for us. You may have noticed that the paint job of a car is its most vulnerable aspect. It is highly susceptible to scratches, streaks, or wears.
Now, most of you may not know, but there are means to solve the particular problem, and the solution is nothing other than a paint protection film. These neat little protective layers can make your vehicle’s maintenance so much easier!
To help in protecting your car’s paint job, we have prepared an extensive review of the best paint protection film. If you go through the article, you will have a good knowledge of protection films and what makes them optimal for your car.
Top 10 Best Paint Protection Film List
| Serial No | Image | Product Name | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | , https://carcaredaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/VViViD-3M-Scotchgard-Film-300x300.jpg, https://carcaredaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/VViViD-3M-Scotchgard-Film.jpg, VViViD 3M Scotchgard Film | VViViD 3M Scotchgard Film | This item is almost impossible to spot over paint. It protects your vehicle from different sorts of rubble. It gives a car a shiny, brand-new look. This protection film sticks fast to your car. | https://amzn.to/2uXT53Q |
| 2 | , https://carcaredaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/VViViD-3M-Clear-Film-B01LYNXGN2-300x272.jpg, https://carcaredaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/VViViD-3M-Clear-Film-B01LYNXGN2.jpg, VViViD 3M Clear Film B01LYNXGN2 | VViViD 3M Clear Film B01LYNXGN2 | The product comes with a toolkit for installing. It protects your car from various contaminations. It keeps a vehicle's paint last much longer. Keeps your vehicle's look brand-new. | https://amzn.to/38tpSvy |
| 3 | , https://carcaredaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/3M-Scotchgard-Clear-Bulk-Film-B004VG88MQ-300x259.jpg, https://carcaredaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/3M-Scotchgard-Clear-Bulk-Film-B004VG88MQ.jpg, 3M Scotchgard Clear Bulk Film B004VG88MQ | 3M Scotchgard Clear Bulk Film B004VG88MQ | This has top-notch quality. It keeps your vehicle protected from deterioration caused by gravel and stones. It gives the paint a longer life. It provides strong adhesion and a great look. | https://amzn.to/2vP2Phc |
| 4 | , https://carcaredaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Install-Proz-Self-Healing-Film-B01NBRPMY9-300x300.jpg, https://carcaredaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Install-Proz-Self-Healing-Film-B01NBRPMY9.jpg, Install Proz Self-Healing Film B01NBRPMY9 | Install Proz Self-Healing Film B01NBRPMY9 | The product comes with a spray solution, squeegee applicator, etc. Its installation is pretty simple. It heals itself and protects from chips. It is a resilient protection film. | https://amzn.to/2IsCZ5r |
| 5 | , https://carcaredaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/VViViD-3M-Clear-Vinyl-Film-4x600-B0725SVK7Q-293x300.jpg, https://carcaredaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/VViViD-3M-Clear-Vinyl-Film-4x600-B0725SVK7Q.jpg, VViViD 3M Clear Vinyl Film 4x600 B0725SVK7Q | VViViD 3M Clear Vinyl Film 4x600 B0725SVK7Q | It is a durable item. The cover helps prevent various contaminations. It is unnoticeable over color-coating. It comes with Black Felt decals and a squeegee. | https://amzn.to/2v0k7HS |
| 6 | , https://carcaredaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/XPEL-R4003-P-6x84-Film-Roll-300x300.jpg, https://carcaredaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/XPEL-R4003-P-6x84-Film-Roll.jpg, XPEL R4003-P 6x84 Film Roll | XPEL R4003-P 6"x84" Film Roll | This is a high-quality product. It keeps the surface from light scratches. It is a versatile film roll suitable for different kinds of vehicles. It prevents various types of pollutants from waning paint. | https://amzn.to/2IsxWC6 |
| 7 | , https://carcaredaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/TRACK-ARMOUR-TA12X300-Track-Day-Film-300x300.jpg, https://carcaredaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/TRACK-ARMOUR-TA12X300-Track-Day-Film.jpg, TRACK ARMOUR TA12X300 Track Day Film | TRACK ARMOUR TA12X300 Track Day Film | This lets you take amazing pictures with your car on the track day. It is much more productive than blue tape. It is tolerant of harsh track situations. It works in light rain or too hot/cold temperature. | https://amzn.to/39yo4Cz |
| 8 | , https://carcaredaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/VViViD-3M-Clear-Vinyl-Film-12-x-96-B01LZYT2RJ-246x300.jpg, https://carcaredaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/VViViD-3M-Clear-Vinyl-Film-12-x-96-B01LZYT2RJ.jpg, VViViD 3M Clear Vinyl Film 12 x 96 B01LZYT2RJ | VViViD 3M Clear Vinyl Film 12" x 96" B01LZYT2RJ | The product is really cost-efficient. It is excellent at protecting the coated surface from scratches. Your vehicle will look fresh even if it's years old. The package includes necessary equipment for fixing it on a vehicle. | https://amzn.to/32XDxK5 |
| 9 | , https://carcaredaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Trimbrite-BodyGuard-Protection-Film-300x300.jpg, https://carcaredaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Trimbrite-BodyGuard-Protection-Film.jpg, Trimbrite BodyGuard Protection Film | Trimbrite BodyGuard Protection Film | It protects your car paint from road debris. Rusting, fuel spilling or scaling does not stand a chance. It is compatible with various kinds of vehicles. It contains instructions to set up. | https://amzn.to/2TtoKUh |
| 10 | , https://carcaredaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Clear-Defender-SunTek-12x120-Film-Roll-194x300.jpg, https://carcaredaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Clear-Defender-SunTek-12x120-Film-Roll.jpg, Clear Defender SunTek 12x120 Film Roll | Clear Defender SunTek 12"x120" Film Roll | It keeps your car shining and its paint durable. This is a self-healing bulk film. It delivers superb user-satisfaction in making a vehicle look brand-new. It prevents harm from a myriad of pollutants. | https://amzn.to/2VRDEW1 |
Top 10 Best Paint Protection Film Reviews
We have mentioned the top 10 paint protection film on the market. If you are in a hurry, you can read the pros and cons, or if you want a detailed description, then go through the entire review to have a better understanding of the products.
1. VViViD 3M Scotchgard Film
Paint protection films are a life-saver for any car owner concerned about maintaining the look of their vehicle, and VViViD 3M Scotchgard is easily one of the most recommended. It keeps your car shining for a long time.
This vinyl film is incredibly sticky, giving a more natural look to a car. It attaches over the coating so firmly that you can hardly even distinguish it. You would be wise to use a squeegee and soapy water to help with the stickiness.
The product’s clear finish allows it to render your vehicle newer and cleaner. It is a polyurethane film with a thickness of 8mil. It is so transparent that it’s pretty much invisible to the naked eye when you apply it.
It is terrific how high-quality this protective film is, making it last longer. Furthermore, it helps the color-coating to remain unchanged as well as shielding your car from harm that sand, gravel, rocks, etc. can cause.
- This item is almost impossible to spot over paint
- It protects your vehicle from different sorts of rubble
- It gives a car a shiny, brand-new look
- This protection film sticks fast to your car
- It can be tricky to install
- It is so sticky that it can hardly be pulled out, but you can solve the issue using soapy water
2. VViViD 3M Clear Film B01LYNXGN2
Want to protect your car from paint chips? Try out VViViD 3M Clear Film. This polyurethane film keeps the surface from being contaminated by road debris. So, the car looks polished and flawlessly color-coated.
This is a 3M product; so, you can expect superior quality. You won’t be able to tell that there is anything over the paint, it is that hard to see. Plus, it makes a vehicle look as new as it came out of the factory, or newer even.
The package comes with stuff you need in order to drape it over your vehicle- a toolkit by VViViD with 2 Black Felt anti-scratch decals and one Yellow Detailer squeegee. Thus, you don’t have to buy these separately.
If you are gentle with it, you can do the job yourself with ease. Wash and dry the vehicle, then use the squeegee and soapy water to stick it on top, cut out the extra film, and you are done!
- The product comes with a toolkit for installing
- It protects your car from various contaminations
- It keeps a vehicle’s paint last much longer
- Keeps your vehicle’s look brand-new
- The film is thinner than some customers would prefer
- It is not the best for very curvy surfaces
3. 3M Scotchgard Clear Bulk Film B004VG88MQ
If you do not want to compromise your car’s protection, we recommend you try 3M Scotchgard Clear Bulk film, which has gained some impressive popularity among car-owners. With this, sand, gravel, and other rubble do not stand a chance.
3M has produced some of the best paint protection films ever, and this product does not disappoint either. It is undetectable unless you are standing too close and know what you are looking for.
This is a polyurethane protection film with a depth of 8mil. It is thin and absolutely transparent, giving your car a glamorous look. Even with daily use, a vehicle won’t look worn out if this product is shielding thee surface.
It can be installed by professionals, or you can DIY. The application is pretty straight-forward. You follow the steps and squeegee to let it sink properly. You can use a soapy water solution and/or heat gun to make the process easier.
- This has a top-notch quality
- It keeps your vehicle protected from deterioration caused by gravel and stones
- It gives the paint a longer life
- It provides strong adhesion and a great look
- Some find it to be too thin
- It may not be stretchy enough to cover all kinds of curved surfaces
4. Install Proz Self-Healing Film B01NBRPMY9
Looking for the best paint protection film for your car doors and hood? We think you cannot go wrong with Install Proz Self-healing film. This is an excellent 8mil product, making it long-lasting and user-friendly.
This kit comes with a roll of Door Edge Protection Film-150″x5/8″, four Door Cup Protectors, two Door Sill Protectors-32″x3″ each, and a Hood Strip-18″ x108″. It also provides you with a squeegee applicator and dry erase marker.
To help you set up, you will find step-by-step video instructions. These, along with the installation tools, enable you to do it yourself. The job becomes much easier if you follow the rules carefully.
After installing, it is pretty indistinguishable from the paint. The urethane film can be cut with scissors for optimal fit. Also, it heals itself to protect your car from scratches and chips. It keeps the paint durable.
- The product comes with a spray solution, squeegee applicator, etc.
- Its installation is pretty simple
- It heals itself and protects from chips
- It is a resilient protection film
- Once you set it, it will not stick again after removal
- It is a bit pricey, but very much worth it
5. VViViD 3M Clear Vinyl Film 4″x600″ B0725SVK7Q
VViViD 3M Clear Vinyl film is a thing of beauty. How? Because this sheet of polyurethane helps your car look dazzling. It blends so perfectly over the paint that you would think it came out of the factory like this.
The solution is sticky. Therefore, you need to clean and dry the vehicle-top before putting it on. After that, all you have to do is smooth out and get rid of the excess. It comes with a necessary toolkit for you so that you do not have to shop for them yourself.
It keeps the paint job of your vehicle in top-notch condition. Because you will have this protective cover over, it will be safe from a lot of deteriorating factors. It is only 8mil thick but does this job well.
This is a popular product for its quality. It doesn’t decay easily and lasts long. So, what are you waiting for? Give the product a try and let your car shine on.
- It is a durable item
- The cover helps prevent various contaminations
- It is unnoticeable over color-coating
- It comes with Black Felt decals and a squeegee
- It can be tricky to smooth
- It is a bit small for some applications
6. XPEL R4003-P 6″x84″ Film Roll
XPEL is one of the most significant protection film manufacturers, and heir R4003-P Film does nothing short of the expected. You cannot go wrong with it if you want to keep any flat surface unharmed.
The film is made of urethane with a thickness of 0.008,” and there are a myriad of vehicles you can use it on: cars, bicycles, motorbikes, and even planes! If you have a marine vehicle, it will take care of that too.
It keeps the painted surface shielded from insects, rocks, sand, road rubble, and other pollutants. Swirl marks and light scratches will not be a problem for your vehicle, either.
When it comes to immaculate coating over paint, XPEL R4003-P is widely regarded as one of the best paint protection films. It does its job so well that you cannot even tell it is there. You can count on it to keep your car glossy and clean.
- This is a high-quality product
- It keeps the surface from light scratches
- It is a versatile film roll suitable for different kinds of vehicles
- It prevents various types of pollutants from waning paint
- Since it’s very sticky, you need to be careful while installing it
- It can be too thin for some
7. TRACK ARMOUR TA12X300 Track Day Film
If you are looking to buy the best paint protection film for temporary use, look no further than TRACK ARMOUR TA12X300. This will keep the paint on your car or bike in excellent condition all day.
For track days, AutoXs, and road trips, you need something better than blue tape to shield the surface of your vehicle, a protective layer that does not crumble and make it look bad for photos. For this, you want something like TRACK ARMOUR TA12X300.
The item adapts to speedy and rough track conditions. This 4mil thick film is perfect for protecting a vehicle from rock chips; during really hot or cold or a drizzly track day.
Its installation is no hassle and quick. You can put it over a dry, clean surface of any bike or car. Removing it is not a problem either, causing no harm to the paint. You can pull it out easily and smoothly.
- This lets you take amazing pictures with your car on the track day
- It is much more productive than blue tape
- It is tolerant of harsh track situations
- It works in light rain or too hot/cold temperature
- To some users, the thickness of the film seems insufficient
- It does not work as well with curved surfaces as with flat surfaces
8. VViViD 3M Clear Vinyl Film 12″ x 96″ B01LZYT2RJ
So, your car is a thing of beauty, and you want to keep it like that. We suggest you get VViViD 3M Clear Vinyl Film to accomplish that. When you wrap it over the painted-surface, you won’t even know there is anything.
This product is a complete package with an installation kit and, obviously, the film. You don’t have to pay for anything extra as they give you a squeegee and two scratch-resistant decals to help your installation process.
The glass-clear film doesn’t just give a good view, and it protects your car from some damage it is prone to, like- road debris, chips, gravel, etc. These can be really harmful to the coating.
While it might be a lengthy process to mount this unlike other protection films, it is worth it because it lasts a long time. Knowing the steps by heart does make the job easier.
- The product is really cost-efficient
- It is excellent at protecting the coated surface from scratches
- Your vehicle will look fresh even if it’s years old
- The package includes necessary equipment for fixing it on a vehicle
- It takes some patience to mount
- It can be hard to cut
9. Trimbrite BodyGuard Protection Film
Among the best paint protection films in the market, it can be hard to find a versatile one; but Trimbrite BodyGuard Protection Film might be it. You can use this item on cars as well as SUVs and trucks to make them all look good.
It can be utilized on all painted surfaces of a vehicle- on side mirrors, door edges, as well as body panels and hood. Instructions are provided with the product to help you set it up easily.
Paint chips and rubble are a big bother and the biggest enemy to your car’s nice and shiny look. Coating the film over the paint will significantly benefit the surface and save it from these problems and other road debris.
Trimbrite BodyGuard is quite tolerant. It protects your vehicle from surface scaling. Besides, you need not worry about rusting and fuel spillage.
- It protects your car paint from road debris
- Rusting, fuel spilling or scaling does not stand a chance
- It is compatible with various kinds of vehicles
- It contains instructions to set up
- It’s a bit challenging to apply over curved surfaces, but not impossible
- It isn’t as thin as some would prefer
10. Clear Defender SunTek 12″x120″ Film Roll
Looking for a no-hassle protective layer for your car? Try Clear Defender SunTek. This film does not require any special treatment after installation. You can put it on top and maintain your vehicle comfortably.
As long as protection goes, this product is hard to beat. Salt, rock chips, insect, gravel, sand, you name it- this film will guard your car against it. It is excellent for use on a daily basis as it is anti-scratch and self-healing.
This Clear Defender roll is thin, having an 8mil thickness. It is almost invisible over your car. It is a non-yellowing jacket to prevent distortion of color. So, the polyurethane film will keep your vehicle glossier for long.
It is applicable in fenders, mirrors, rockers, luggage area, door panels, door sills, hood, etc. For its user-friendliness and superior performance, this product is probably one of the best paint protection films out there.
- It keeps your car shining and its paint durable
- This is a self-healing bulk film
- It delivers superb user-satisfaction in making a vehicle look brand-new
- It prevents harm from a myriad of pollutants
- It isn’t wide enough for all kinds of applications
- It is a bit expensive
Things to Consider Before Buying a Paint Protection Film
In this section of the article, we are going to explain the possible upsides and downsides of a paint protection film. Moreover, we are going to discuss some crucial aspects which you must know before purchasing it.
Protective Capabilities
The first thing you need to know about protection films is that they have a limit. They are not magical barriers, which you can use to protect your car from significant impacts.
With a protection film, you can avoid small scratches caused by rocks, debris, or bugs. If you buy a premium one then, it may protect your car from medium impacts, but still, it won’t save the paint from enormous crashes or streaks.
Long-Lasting
The best pain protection films last for almost 5 to 10 years. Some famous manufacturers such as SunTek offers a warranty of 10 years.
However, the longevity of the item depends on some other aspects too. One of the significant reasons that reduce the lifetime of a protection film is wrong-installation.
On the other hand, if you do not prepare the surface you will place the film on, then chances are it will decrease the longevity of the product. Harmful effects of weather and excessive exposure to sunlight can also damage a protection film.
Covering Important Areas
Some areas of a car require more attention than the other ones. If you do not have a budget problem, then we suggest you set up the protection film on the entire car.
However, if that is not possible, then aim for places that are more susceptible to scratches, chipping, or cracking —for instance, hood, bumpers, side mirrors, fenders, and the front part of the roof.
Maintenance
The maintenance process of a paint protection film (PFF) is similar to the procedure of a paint job. You can use water, mild soaps, or conditioners to clean it.
However, you should not use powerful corrosive products or high pressurized water to wash the surface of a protection film.
Hydrophobic Properties
If you use your car on a regular basis, then you need to wash or clean it at least once in a few weeks. Frequent washing often leaves watermarks or wears down your PFF slowly.
Nonetheless, the best paint protection films on the market come with hydrophobic properties, which protect it from such issues. You can also use a ceramic coating to protect your PFF from watermarks.
Downsides
Before you rush to buy a protection film, you must know that it has some cons too. It does not happen with premium PFFs; however, poor-quality ones often cause more harm than good.
The biggest downside of a cheap PFF is that it can wear out the paint job of your car. It will decrease the smoothness of your vehicle slowly. On the other hand, a second-rate film turns yellowish after a few months or years and ruins the appearance of your car.
Thus, we recommend you purchase one of the protection films we have mentioned in our article or at least buy one from a famous brand.
Benefits of Buying a Paint Protection Film
- It protects the paint from scratches, chipping, medium streaks, debris, bug grimes, watermarks, oil-marks, and much more.
- The film is practically invisible; therefore, it does not reduce the elegant appearance of your vehicle.
- It keeps your newly purchased vehicle fresh for a long time.
- It is easy to remove; thus, once it is damaged, you can remove it easily and install another one.
- Some premium quality protection films make your vehicle shine more than it used to in its previous state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Therefore, our suggestion would be you covering only the essential surfaces or parts of the car.
First of all, you will require an item to cut the PFF. Afterward, you will need a squeegee and warm water mixed with dish soap. You may also require a knife to set up the edges of the film.
Final Words
The first task that comes after purchasing a car is to protect it from unwanted scratches or chips. Nobody enjoys an accidental streak or scratch mark on the surface of their vehicle.
Modern technology has come up with a solution to solve the problem, which we now know as a paint protection film. You will be amazed to see how neat of a job these products can do. It is really amazing how it can help avert such situations.
Nonetheless, you should stay away from cheap, second-rate PFFs as they cause more harm than good.
However, if you have gone through our article, then it won’t be a problem for you since we have covered only the top-notch items on the market.
Our review of the best paint protection film consists of almost everything you may require to buy a PFF and start safeguarding your car from annoying marks.