Future of Paint Protection Film Market

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What is paint protection film?

Paint Protection Film is a thermoplastic polyurethane, which is a self-heated film that is typically applied to painted surfaces of both used as well as new cars. According to the market database, paint protection as the name suggests is used as a primary surface that protects the outer film of paint from minor abrasions, stone chips as well as bug splatters.

The market analysis states that this film is used across industries like construction, automotive, etc. Car manufacturers are noted to be one of the major end-users of the same. In cars, a protective film is predominantly applied to high-impact areas which include, the front fenders, the hood, the front bumper, the side view mirrors, the lower portion of the doors, the rocker panels, and the rear guards behind the rear wheels. As per market research tools, these areas are most susceptible to damage since they are extensively exposed to the extremities of the external environment. These films are installed by certified trainers who receive supplies from outside distributors as well as dealers.

Business intelligence tools suggest that paint protection film was the first design for its use across the military. This was due to the increased damage caused to the sensitive surface of vehicles such as helicopter rotary blades, that were destroyed as a result of flying shrapnel as well as debris. The instance was first observed during the Vietnam war.

According to the market database, the US military asked 3M to develop a solution that was both discrete and lightweight to assist preserve these moving parts. It was instantly obvious that changeable film was superior to replacing and repairing broken rotor blades, and the US military adopted it surprisingly quickly. As a result, even though the term “helicopter tape” is becoming less and less popular as automotive uses have taken precedent, there are still some people in the field who use it to describe PPF. Business intelligence tools state that 3M paint protection films have been in the market since and the player is currently considered one of the leading companies within this domain. As per market research tools, 3M paint protection films catered to an array of verticals in the aerospace and defense domain, at the same time the company was noted to have entered the automotive segment once the benefits of PPF were taken into consideration for race car design.

Market database states that the first films created by the company 3M were designed for helicopter rotary blades, hence they were thicker and less complaint as opposed to the PPF used on automotive surfaces. The helicopter rotor blade was movable and flat, and it had an architecture that was less complex compared to the automotive.

PPF is available within the present market

The market database suggests that it is noted that the Paint protection films now obtained are optically clear concerning physical properties in addition to being available across an array of thicknesses as well as colors. Some of the PPF product segments available in the market have hydrophobic properties that ape the performance of ceramic paint coating.

Modern applications need the use of a gel or slip solution as a barrier to prevent the film from sticking to the painted panel. Steam, heat guns, and torches are used by custom and sophisticated applicators to help adhere film on intricate surfaces. For intricate wraps and curves, films are also pre-stretch and pre-formed.

Key Players in the paint protection film market

The 3M paint protection film accounts for a majority share in this market. Paint protection film XPEL is another notable product segment within this industry with vast usage. The adaptability of the 3M paint protection film against XPEL is a much-debated topic amongst consumers. However, according to the basic understanding of the market, it is noted that XPEL Clear Brand performs better than 3M in terms of self-healing abilities. The first self-healing film was created by XPEL, even though 3M was the first business to join the transparent paint film market. This means that a scratched surface will soon look brand new, even after a scratch.

One of the primary differences between XPEL and 3M films is the provided warranty period. While 3M Scotchgard only offers a seven-year warranty, XPEL Paint Protection Films have a ten-year extended warranty. Even though both warranties are highly encouraging, customers choose XPEL over 3M because of one crucial aspect.

The Stek paint protection film is another key product segment that has gained a substantial reputation in the market for its transparency and clarity. One of the key factors contributing to STEK’s clarity and glossiness is the cap sheet that comes with it. A cap sheet does have certain drawbacks, though.