EDITOR’S NOTE: This is a sponsored post from Eastman Performance Films, respected worldwide as a producer of energy solutions including professional-grade window films, industrial coatings, adhesives, and laminates.
Read this article before you turn over your keys and open your wallet. You’ll know what to expect from life with professionally installed SunTek PPF: from day one to goodbye, and all the years in between.
Right After Installation
Looking at your PPF for the first time, you might think: my car finish looks awesome, but is the PPF really there? The answer is yes. Professionally installed, quality PPF is virtually invisible.
This holds true whether or not you have ceramic coating over your PPF. You don’t, because SunTek PPF has an advanced, hydrophobic top coat. You understand ceramic is compatible with SunTek PPF because it won’t void the warranty or affect self-healing ability, but you decided it wasn’t necessary.
As your installer walks you around your Tesla, you see that wherever possible, edges are wrapped. This is the mark of a high quality installation, desirable because high pressure water applied at close range too soon after installation can lift PPF edges. You plan to wait 3 days before washing your car by hand, just to be safe.
The Next 5 to 10 Years
Maneuvering into a tight garage space months later, you realize that you’re less stressed at times like this. It’s because you know the PPF is always there, providing a layer of protection against chips and scratches.
You’ve also realized that the hydrophobic finish of your SunTek PPF makes washing and waxing really satisfying – dirt, debris, bug guts, bird droppings and brake dust all rinse away easily. When you encounter the rare stain that won’t budge as you wash, you don’t curse. Instead you follow these steps, stopping when the stain disappears: 1) isopropyl alcohol and a microfiber towel; 2) a small amount of lacquer thinner; 3) a mild abrasive wax, then polish to restore. Conquering stains inspires you to run a victory lap around your car. Or at least consider it.
You’re ready when someone starts quizzing you about SunTek PPF. You explain that SunTek runs an extensive battery of tests to help ensure PPF products stand up to weather, stains, gravel and more. You also mention the advanced top coat: it self-repairs surface scratches with heat from the sun or an engine, and helps protect against the harmful solvents in gas, oil, and exhaust that may cause yellowing.
Final Days with PPF
After 5-10 great years with your Tesla, you decide it’s time for change. To prep for trade-in, you remove your SunTek PPF. It’s simple to release the adhesive by lifting at a 45-degree angle and pulling towards yourself, avoiding folding or ripping. Since it’s cold out, you grab a steamer to help soften the adhesive as you work.
Underneath, you reveal a like-new finish of uniform color. It’s good to see that areas protected with PPF faded at the same rate as unprotected areas.
A few days later at the car dealer, the sales guy quotes you Kelley Blue Book trade-in value for excellent condition, which justifies what you spent on PPF installation years ago. You make a mental note to call a SunTek dealer about your new car soon.
Have questions about life with PPF that aren’t answered here? Ask them in the comments.
Ready to protect your Tesla? Find a SunTek Dealer