Paint Protection Film - Protouch Car Care

Protouch provides high quality Paint Protection Film application in Cape Town

Protouch Car Care offers high quality paint protection film (PPF) fitment in the southern suburbs of Cape Town workshop, available as pre-cut, (aka computer designed and cut) and custom (aka bulk/cut by hand/on the car), methods.

PPF is the only paint protection solution that can protect your vehicle from most stone chips, scrapes, scratches, and definitely swirls allowing you to drive your car with confidence and peace of mind.

We offer PPF from CERAMIC PRO’s KAVACA brand, SHIELD TECK as well as LLUMAR.

What can PPF be applied to?

PPF can be applied to paint, glass, and other smooth surfaces using either gloss or matte finishes. Applying matte over gloss changes the look, and vice versa. There is also designer PPF in different colours and designs, like carbon, allowing for customisation.

Full (entire) car application

Full car application means wrapping the entire exterior of the car with PPF film, with optionally the interior, providing complete protection for every part possible.

The cheapest full car application is to apply a pre-cut kit, if available, for your vehicle. Asian manufacturers like Toyota, HAVAL, and so forth is rarely available requiring a custom or bulk fitment.

If you want a custom, “smooth, hidden” finish we can do the following:

Oversized pre-cut kits allowing us to wrap around edges and tuck where-ever possible or custom bulk fitment from PPF material on a roll
Remove trims, badges, emblems, door handles, lights etc and replace over the PPF
Single piece wrapping where possible.
Ceramic coat edges exposed paint and PPF joints and edges avoiding dirt buildup.

This takes a lot longer to do but gives an invisible, seamless look from normal viewing distance.

Pricing for a full car application ranges from R35000 to R65000, depending on the preparation, size, normal or oversize pre-cut or custom application, complexity, and PPF material used, etc.

To provide an accurate quote, we need high resolution photos of your vehicle taken from the front, one side, roof (from one side, front, and rear), and the rear boot/hatch area.

Full car PPF application on a 2023 Midnight Purple BMW G80 M3

Gallery

Full Front application: The high impact zone

The front of your car has the highest probability of impact from stone chips and other damage.

The full front of your car includes the full bonnet, both front fenders, bumper, headlights, A pillars (on either side of the windscreen) and side/wing mirrors.

Pricing ranges from R12500 to R22000, depending on the PPF material quality, preparation required, size, complexity, etc.

To provide an accurate quote, we need high resolution photos of your vehicle taken from the front and one side.

Partial area application

When we apply PPF to specific parts of your car, such as just the bumper or only the headlights, it is referred to as a partial application.

This may also include the interior such as digital infotainment or instrument screens, consoles and trim.

Pricing for these areas depends on what is applied and the size, complexity, and PPF material quality involved.

To provide an accurate quote, we need high resolution photos of the parts, (close up and wide may be necessary) you want protected.

Mercedes C63 Interior protection kit

What influences PPF pricing?

The pricing of PPF (Paint Protection Films) depends on several factors:

Types/brands of Films: There are different brands of PPF available, which vary in optical clarity, texture and thickness and then may have additional features like self-healing or ceramic coatings.
Size, Material and Labor: PPF is supplied to us by the meter. Each car has a unique size and body shape, requiring a different amount of material and labor.
Special Width PPF: Some vehicles, such as those with large bonnets or sides of a large SUV, may require a special width PPF to avoid joining pieces together.
Complexity, Body Shape and Design: The shape and design of the car significantly impact the measurement, material consumption, and application of PPF. Curvature, complexity, and sufficient material for proper application must be considered.
Application method
- Custom/Bulk application: A more time-consuming and costly option involves custom fitting the PPF to each panel of the car. This includes trimming, tucking, and removing various elements like trim, door handles, badges, and vents for a seamless fit.
- Pre-Cut Kits: The least intensive approach is to apply pre-cut kits to most parts of the car, excluding the bonnet and roof. These pre-cut kits are shaped to fit the panel and require no cutting or trimming.

Due to these factors, the pricing for each car is different. For an accurate quotation, please feel free to contact us.

Further Information – Frequently Asked Questions

What to expect when you have PPF installed.

The way your car looks is how closely you look at it and under what lighting. Paint protection film is not perfect, especially when you look at it closely (under 1.5 meters)

In our view, PPF is a compromise on “up close aesthetics” but very importantly in return for unmatched protection for your car. Not invincibility though.

Up close is considered 1.5 meters away from your car in natural sunlight. In more controlled lighting and close up it is visible that there is a layer applied and then working marks acquired from applying it, edges, joins, relief cuts and others.

The more complex a car’s body shape, particularly bumpers, the more relief cuts may have to be placed to reduce tension and ensure the film is mated with the surface. Sharp angles like corners may need to be nubbed, which is visible up close.

These are just some of the compromises made as a result of the characteristics of the material and practical aspects of the application process.

As a general rule, If it looks good from a distance of 1.5 meters in normal sunlight, then it’s considered acceptable. However, if you have a keen eye for detail or examine it closely under critical lighting, you may notice some blemishes. If you expect absolute perfection and invisibility, PPF might not meet your expectations.

What does PPF protect your paint from?

PPF offers unmatched protection from stone chips, abrasions or scuffing like from gates or walls, swirls, and most scratches. It also provides protection against UV rays.

It cannot withstand sharp objects like knives or keys, which could potentially cut or tear the film. While PPF won’t prevent dents, it will help keep the paint intact, making it possible to perform Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) if needed.

What PPF brands does ProTouch Car Care apply?

We apply SHIELD TECK, KAVACA and ROGUE from CERAMIC PRO SA, and LLUMAR.

If you have a specific brand preference and we are authorised to use it, we can source and apply that brand.

Does PPF change the colour of your car?

Short answer is no. It may be slightly noticeable on white colours up close but not for other colours.

Can you apply PPF over matte paint?

If you are thinking of applying PPF on matte paint we would use a matte PPF film. If you going to do the whole car then no it wont be noticeable. If you only intend doing the front or partial parts of the car, then texturally you will have a difference. How much of a difference depends on the texture of the Matte PPF film and your car’s paint.

It’s possible to apply gloss ppf over matte paint. It’s also possible to apply gloss over matte or matte over gloss paint in parts or stripes to create and effect.

Does PPF cover up imperfections?

We don’t recommend relying on PPF to cover, hide, or improve the visibility of scratches, chips, and other paint imperfections.

Any underlying paint imperfections, such as chips and scratches, including orange peel texture (resulting from the paint spraying process), can become more visible when covered with PPF.

Before applying PPF, the surfaces must be as contaminant-free and defect-free as possible. We offer extensive paint corrective polishing and chip touch-up services.

Can you apply PPF over Ceramic Coating

Yes. But their are potential issues that can crop up.

When your should not have PPF applied

#1 If your car has been repainted / resprayed / touched up, it’s risky to apply PPF.

Paint may potentially come off while installing or when it’s eventually removed.

If the car has been previously ceramic coated, it heightens the chances that the Paint Protection Film may lift and come off or cause blemishes like dry lines.

It must be noted that the very texture of the paint or surface that PPF is applied to will “push through” the PPF. So if you have deep scratches or other defects that couldn’t have been removed by polishing, PPF wont cover them up or even improve them; it may actually make them look worse.

Paint Protection Film should always be thought of as protection and is never applied for beauty.

Where can PPF be applied?

We can do PPF mobile, but you need a controlled environment for best results. The most important thing is you want to prevent dust coming underneath the Paint Protection film, which would look bad. Lighting is also key. A black walled detail studio is great for polishing but crappy for applying PPF and even ceramic coatings.

What is PPF?

Paint Protection Film, or PPF, is a multi-layered laminate primarily made of a flexible and durable thermoplastic urethane polymer. Originally developed for aerospace and military use, where it was applied to helicopter rotor blades to protect them from erosion in harsh environments, PPF is now commonly used in the automotive industry.

Automotive PPF comes in various thicknesses, ranging from 150 microns (0.15 millimeters) to 200 microns (0.2 millimeters). To put this into perspective, a thin plant leaf is approximately 150 microns thick, while the average human hair is about 80 microns, and thick hair is around 100 microns.

When applied to cars, PPF is typically placed over painted surfaces to provide protection against scratches, scuffs, sandblasting, and stone chips, without compromising the appearance of the paint.

However, it’s essential to note that PPF has its limitations. While it offers reliable protection, it may not safeguard against certain incidents like accidents, dents, or deliberate vandalism involving sharp objects like knives. With sufficient force, these events could potentially penetrate the film.

Overall, Paint Protection Film is a valuable solution for maintaining the pristine appearance of your car’s paint and protecting it from various hazards, though some situations may require care beyond what even PPF can offer.

What is the warranty on PPF?

Paint protection film (PPF) warranty consists of two parts:

Manufacturer’s Warranty: This typically lasts for a set number of years, like 3, 5, 7, or 10 years. It covers problems such as yellowing and cracking of the film. The manufacturer may also specify how long certain features, like self-healing or water repellency, are expected to last within the overall warranty lifespan.

Workmanship Warranty: This covers the application of the PPF and lasts for 6 months. If the film lifts or peels because of how it was applied, this warranty covers these aspects. However, it doesn’t cover damage or issues caused by high-pressure cleaning or improper care.

To ensure the longevity of your PPF, it’s essential to care for it properly. After every PPF application, we’ll guide you on the best ways to maintain both the film and your car. We also offer in-house maintenance services to keep your PPF and whole car in top shape.

Cleaning & Maintaining PPF

High Pressure

The following statement may be debatable, but our opinion is to be on the safe side:

Don’t use high pressure near PPF, especially if you are taking it to car washes.

High-pressure water jets could potentially dislodge or damage the edges of the PPF, leading to peeling or lifting. To note, PPF is porous, so It’s also possible that high pressure sprayed directly on PPF over a flat surface could cause the PPF to lift from the surface. It could also potentially allow water to get trapped between the film and the paint, which could lead to issues such as discolouration, bubbling, or even potential damage to the underlying paint. So cars protected with PPF thats not often used, should still be cleaned regularly especially if it was driven in the rain

To safely maintain a vehicle with PPF, it’s recommended to use a gentle touch when cleaning and rather use a shower head-type attachment on a hose. If you must use a high pressure washer, keep it at a distance—1.5 meters away at an angle—and not directly to flush the surface. Hand washing with a neutral pH shampoo, like what we use Labocosmetica SEMPER, and a microfibre wash mitt or plush microfibre cloth, or using a touchless car wash, are generally safer options for cleaning a vehicle with PPF.

Shampoo

Normal shampoos are ok for gloss wraps and ppf. However you have matte vinyl wrap or PPF, use a car shampoo that does not have wax or gloss enhancers in it. There are specialised shampoos specifically made for matte. We use Labocosmetica SATINO and may have stock so check with us.

Waterless and rinse less shampoos are also good options for cleaning paint protection film and vinyl.

Protecting PPF

Many PPF films are ceramic coated at the factory, which provides excellent water repellency and cleanability. If the PPF is not coated or the repellency has run out, we can apply a PPF specific ceramic coating over it.

We are authorised GTECHNIQ applicators and their HALO coating is a specialised ceramic coating for PPF and Vinyl wraps both gloss or matte.

Heat and cold effects on ppf

Basic science: Heat or cold causes expansion and contraction of materials and is different between materials.

This factor can affect PPF in two ways: through the PPF material itself and through the surface it is applied to.

The body of a car can be made of various materials, such as metal (steel or aluminium), plastic, carbon fiber, fiberglass, or even glass. If the rates of expansion and contraction of these materials differ significantly, there can be issues. For example, washing a car that has been standing in the hot sun and immediately rinsing it with cold water can cause the PPF to peel or crack due to sudden temperature changes. This in our opinion wont be immediate.

A more immediate example is car headlamps, particularly spotlights, which are often heavily domed. The heat from the bulbs can expand the PPF and/or the lens itself, putting stress on the PPF and causing it to pull away from the edges.

The structure of PPF

Paint Protection Film contains different layers:

Adhesive Layer: This layer allows the film to stick securely to a car’s painted surface. It forms a strong bond to keep the film in place during everyday driving conditions.

Urethane Layer: The urethane layer is the actual protective membrane.

Clear Coat Layer: To maintain transparency and a glossy appearance, a clear coat layer is applied on top of the urethane polymer. This layer also resists yellowing, ensuring the film stays optically clear over time.

Self-Healing Properties: Some higher-quality PPFs possess self-healing properties, meaning they can repair minor scratches and swirl marks over time. This ability is due to the elastic nature of the film’s polymer, which allows it to return to its original state after being scratched.

Ceramic Coated PPF: Some PPFs are now available with pre-applied ceramic coatings that provide similar water and dirt repellency to car paint treated with ceramic coatings. This added feature makes it easier to clean your car and keeps it looking cleaner for a longer period, especially matte vinyl wrap and matte PPF that if uncoated, would hold to dirt more. There are aftermarket ceramic coatings that can be applied thats specific for PPF and vinyl like GTECHNIQ HALO and others.

How is PPF applied?

Washing/Cleaning: The car’s surface is carefully cleaned to remove dirt and dust particularly in the edges and seams and from the rubbers.
Decontamination: If there is any iron or industrial fallout, tree sap, paint splatter, tar, etc these needs to be removed before continuing.
Polishing: If the paint has any scratches, swirls etc these should be removed before continuing.
Final cleaning/Degreasing: The surface must be degreased with either an Isopropyl Alcohol or an appropriate cleaner.
Cutting or Using Patterns: The film is either custom cut from a bulk roll of film to fit the car’s shape or pre-cut film is applied.
Applying the Film: The film is carefully placed on the car’s surface using a slip solution to allow it to be positioned easily and then secured using a special solution of either isopropyl alcohol or other product.
Smoothing and Heating: Any bubbles or imperfections are smoothed out using a squeegee, and heat is applied to help the film stick properly.
Trimming and Finishing: Extra material is trimmed, and any remaining imperfections are fixed.
Curing: This is the waiting period for anything like bubbles etc to settle and evaporate and for the film to achieve full adhesion.
- If possible, we like to keep cars for up to 48 hours after application to note any potential issues. More settling may be required with the time being variable depending on how much sun exposure it has.
- Please note: PPF is porous.

Professional installation is highly recommended for the best results and to ensure proper protection for your car’s paint. Paint Protection Film (PPF) is a valuable investment, considering both the cost of the material itself and the value of your car’s paint, which can be expensive to repair or repaint if damaged. A professional installer will have the necessary expertise and experience to apply the PPF correctly, avoiding potential mistakes that could lead to unsightly results or inadequate protection.