FAQ

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) about Paint Protection Film.

NOTE: These Q & As refer to PPF that is the thinner variety (usually .25mm thick), not thicker films like 8591 film.

Q. Should I put this film on my vehicle?

A. That depends. We recommend that it be applied to new vehicles with factory-finish paint. If you are considering putting it on a non-new painted surface, bear in mind that the surface of your paint may be damaged, cracked or heavily oxidized and any of these conditions may affect the performance of the film and the adhesive. We are very cautious about applying the film to resprays, unless the body part is new (undamaged) and has been prepared, sprayed and cured according to factory specifications. 

Q. Can I see the film when it's on my vehicle?

A. Yes, but hardly. It's usually just the edge of the film across some areas that you might see, depending on the amount and direction of light. The film is crystal clear and does not change the colour or metallic nature of the paintwork.

Q. How long will the film last for?

A. That depends. The film should last indefinitely, if properly maintained and it doesn't get damaged. We know of examples of the film that have been on for 7+ years here in Australia, and have certainly heard of similar longevity for cars in the US. The film can get marked and damaged, but still keeps protecting your paint work. In a large percentage of these cases it is the film that gets damaged rather than your paintwork. We recommend that you use Plexus regularly to clean and seal the film.

Q. Can the film be removed at a later date?

A. Yes. The film can always be removed if it becomes damaged or if you just want to take it off. The film and adhesive must be heated with a hair-dryer, or preferably a heat gun, and pulled back slowly. The adhesive should come away with the film. Note that the film cannot be reapplied once it has been removed.

Q. Will the film damage my original paintwork?

A. No. The film has a special pressure-sensitive removable adhesive that is designed not to damage good quality paint finishes. If your vehicle has been resprayed or touched up, the quality of the job will determine what happens to your paintwork at removal time. All resprays and touch ups must be done to factory standards and allowed to cure properly before the film is applied. OziShield can not guarantee that damage will not occur during any phase of the installation process if the vehicle has been resprayed or touched up.

Q. I've just had my vehicle resprayed. How long should I wait before the film is applied?

A. You should discuss this with your panel beater or sprayer. We recommend at least 4 weeks to allow the paint to harden and for all gases to leave the paint. If you insist on us installing the film at any point, then you take on the responsibility that the film is fully cured. Any problems that arise from uncured or non-professional painting will not be the responsibility of OziShield.

Q. Can Paint Protection Film be applied over a vehicle that has had the paint touched up?

A. We recommend that any repainted surfaces on your vehicle be professionally painted and fully cured before applying paint protection film. If you have touched up scratches or chips with a tube of "touch-up" paint and then apply paint protection film over it, the film will protect that area until it is removed. If the paint protection film is removed, it is possible that the area around the non-professional touch-up paint could peel off.

Q. Does the film shrink, crack, bubble or turn brittle?

A. No. Polyurethane is a great product, because it does not shrink, crack, bubble or turn brittle, even if left outside for years.

Q. In general what does the warranty cover?

A. The warranty is supplied by the manufacturer and covers you, the original purchaser, against the film cracking or lifting prematurely. This warranty is not transferable, and only applies when the film has been installed by a certified installer.  The warranty covers the cost of replacement of the film. The cost of removal and reinstallation must be borne by you. The warranty does not cover damage to the film or your paintwork from any object, chemical or road debris. It also does not cover any discolouration or yellowing. This includes damage caused by bugs, bird poo, stones, abrasions, oils, waxes, paints, etc. OziShield will not be liable for any damage to the film, your paintwork or any vinyl graphics, after installation or during removal.

Q. What if my paint fades and I take the film off? Will there be a visible difference?

A. Even though the film has a structure that stops it from being affected by UV, it will allow UV to pass through it and therefore paint that is protected should fade at the same rate as unprotected paint. However, we cannot guarantee the standard of the original paintwork, or the conditions in which the vehicle is stored, or the type and amount of maintenance that happens to the vehicle's paintwork, therefore we cannot guarantee that your paint will not fade at different rates. Anecdotal evidence suggest that fading has only occurred with inferior paints and inferior applications. We have actually seen many cars where the film has been removed after 2-3 years and we cannot detect any difference in fading (e.g. Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, MINI). On our own yellow MINI we removed the film after 5 years (24/7 outdoors) and the paint had definitely faded all over the car, but there was no visible difference between the protected and unprotected areas.

Q. Can I order a kit from you and apply it myself?

A. Most kits are quite complex to fit and require a high degree of experience and knowledge about that specific kit in order to guarantee an acceptable result. However, there are some motorbike kits that a novice should be able to fit. We recommend that installation be performed by a professional installer. When we supply a kit to you, we expect that a trained, experienced individual will perform the installation. 

Q. Can Paint Protection Film be applied over graphics.

A. Yes. The film will cover vinyl stickers but there are two things to bear in mind. First, the sticker may come off when the film is removed, and second, even though vinyl stickers are much thinner than the film, there will be a small air gap around the sticker. This may not be desirable. There is usually no problem with graphics that have been clear-coated, i.e. painted over.

Q. Does Paint Protection Film stick to bumpers and plastic parts?

A. Yes. PPF will stick to most non-porous substrates such as painted metal, non-painted metal, painted plastic, glass, and perspex.

Q. Does Paint Protection Film resist yellowing?

A. Yes, it resists yellowing because the film is constructed of thermoplastic urethane, a tough, conformable material. The film contains UV protectants to counteract harmful ultraviolet rays that can cause yellowing. We're not saying that the film will not yellow or stain, as there are many factors that could do damage to the film's surface.

Q. Does Paint Protection Film come in colours?

A. Yes. Paint Protection Film is now available in a number of colours and finishes, such as black, white, pale blue, red, yellow, grey and various other colours. We can order those colours for you, but they are more expensive than the standard clear polyurethane, and are only supplied in large sizes. 

Q. How should I maintain my Paint Protection Film?

A. Once applied, refrain from washing the vehicle for 48 hours. Washing after that time presents no problem, and no special care need be taken for the film. However, the use of high pressure hoses may lift the film, so please avoid using them near the film. We recommend that you clean the film at least once a week, and wax the film with Plexus after each wash. Always remove bugs, bird droppings and any other material as soon as possible to avoid marking the film. We recommend that you use Plexus to clean and seal the film on a regular basis.

Q. Can I use wax over Paint Protection Film?

A. Yes. You can regularly apply wax to the film to keep it from getting stained by dirty water and chemicals. When waxing the vehicle, some wax may build up along the film edges. This can easily be removed when dry with a soft cloth. Do not use any waxes containing dyes, such as carnuba-based paste waxes, or waxes that are not recommended for urethanes. Some waxes will discolour the film, and this may be a gradual process. OziShield will not be liable for discolouration of the film under any circumstances. Always use Plexus to polish and wax the film. Abrasive polishes and/or rubbing compounds are not to be used. Alternatively, we recommend that you use Plexus to clean and seal the film on a regular basis. Plexus is incredibly easy to apply and is ok to use on paint, glass and all plastics. It contains no silicones.

Q. How is Paint Protection Film removed?

A. If desired, film can be removed at any time by picking up a corner of the film and slowly pulling the film off the vehicle surface at a 30-degree angle. We recommend using a heat gun or hair dryer in order to soften the adhesive, allowing easier removal. If any adhesive remains on the vehicle after removal of the film, it can be removed by using 3M "Scotch 700 Adhesive Cleaner and Solvent", according to the package directions, or methylated spirits (test on an inconspicuous area first).

Q. If Paint Protection Film is removed from the vehicle, can it be re-used?

A. No. Once the film has been applied and set, the adhesive will not stick a second time.