Progression of Paint Protection

Auto-detailing is by no means a radical idea. The notion of car polishing has been around since the 1800s, but of course, we have come a long way since those early days. No longer limited to hand-applied waxes, paint protection has blossomed into a billion-dollar industry over the last 2 centuries. So how exactly has car paint protection evolved throughout the years?

Waxing

Waxes have been around since the time of bonnets (the hat, not the car part) and horse carriages. Originally manufactured from natural materials, waxes add shine and protection to your car paint. The product is buffered onto the car to ensure even coating and a glossy finish.

The problem, however, is that if your car is not cleaned properly prior to the treatment, you could very well damage your car paint by rubbing on the dirt that is already on the car surface. For that reason, it is best to leave the waxing to professionals. A waxing treatment can cost up to 500 US dollars, and most expert suggests waxing your car 3-4 times a year. It might sound excessive at first, but the truth is, waxes can be washed away by rain or a regular car wash, and regular upkeep is necessary in order for the wax to perform at its best.

1st Generation Paint Protection Films

Then came the invention of Paint Protection Films during the Vietnam war. The US military’s helicopter rotor blades frequently suffered damage from flying dust and debris, and so they asked 3M to develop a product that will protect their aircrafts and minimize the repair costs.

The result was a PVC-based clear film that protects the paint against anything ranging from acid rain to minor collision. The technology was then used to produce commercial paint protection films to be used on cars as a more durable form of paint protection. While effective, these films are not aesthetically pleasing. Many car owners encountered problems including film yellowing and aging after leaving the films on their vehicles for extended periods of time. They also found that the films tend to turn hazy overtime and affects the overall aesthetics of their vehicles. The hard P