The Truth Behind Paint Protection Film Thickness Claims

Lately, it seems that there has been some misinformation about paint protection films and how well one particular brand may or may not protect as well as another. We wanted to give our customers information they can trust. So, what's the real truth behind that variety of paint protection films on the market and the level of protection they provide?

First, we should explain that all paint protection films made are constructed with multiple layers. Typically, you will have a release liner that covers the adhesive and is thrown away at the time of installation, an adhesive layer, the base polyurethane and a top clear coat. The protection of a particular film primarily comes from the overall thickness of the constructed stack. 

That being said, all top brands of paint protection film on the market have an 8.0 mil stack give or take 0.1 mil or so. That means that from a protection against damage caused by road debris or rocks, all brands should perform similarly. See the specifications of two of the largest manufacturers in the business below.

You will notice that both XPEL and Suntek have an overall thickness of 8.0 mil +/- 0.1 mil. In fact, the base polyurethane that gives the build of the protection is the same thickness for both films. 

So, why choose one over another? Even though the construction is similar, that doesn't mean both look the same on your car. You should ask to see samples of both installed on paint and determine which is right for you based on clarity, orange peel, discoloration, etc. You should also compare the expertise of the shop installing the film as this can have a huge impact on the way the final installation looks. Finally, you should compare the warranties and the companies standing behind those warranties. Unfortunately, sometime products fail. You want to be sure if something would happen to your paint protection film installation that the shop that installed it and the manufacturer of the material will stand behind it and take care of you.

If you have any questions about paint protection films, their construction, their appearance or their warranties, call us at (937) 271-8366 or email us at ClearBraQuotes@gmail.com. We would be happy to discuss this with you so that you can make an informed decision about your paint protection film installation.