Film de protection de peinture (PPF) : entretien, produits recommandés et bonnes pratiques

Paint protection film (PPF): maintenance, recommended products and best practices

PPF, or paint protection film, is an increasingly popular solution for protecting car bodies against impacts, scratches and daily wear and tear. Although very resistant, a paint protection film still requires proper maintenance to preserve its transparency, shine and hydrophobic properties.

In this guide, you will understand:

what is a PPF
how to properly maintain a PPF
which CARPRO products to use
the mistakes to avoid, such as polishing on film
the recommended protections to improve shine and hydrophobicity

What is PPF?

PPF (Paint Protection Film) refers to paint protection film.

It is a transparent polyurethane film applied to the car body to protect the surface against:

gravel impacts
micro-scratches
abrasion
road contaminants
insects and debris

Most modern films also have self-healing properties. Some micro-marks disappear with heat.

PPF therefore acts as a physical barrier between the environment and the original paint.

A new generation of PPF: Instant Self-Healing technology

Most traditional PPFs require heat to activate the self-healing property. Micro-scratches generally disappear when the surface is exposed to sunlight or hot water.

CARPRO has developed a different approach with its Immortal PPF range.

This technology uses Instant Self-Healing, capable of regenerating even at low temperatures, down to around -20 °C.

This means that micro-marks can disappear without the need for a significant heat source, which is a major advantage in cold climates like Canada.

Other important features:

reinforced surface with integrated nano-ceramic
very high gloss
advanced hydrophobicity
increased resistance to contaminants

This combination makes it possible to obtain a film that effectively protects the paint while maintaining a very shiny and easy-to-maintain appearance.

How to properly maintain a PPF

A PPF is maintained practically like paint, but with certain precautions.

A simple and safe protocol includes:

Washing

pre-wash foam or alkaline (e.g. CARPRO Lift)
high-pressure rinse
hand wash with pH neutral shampoo (e.g. CARPRO Reset)
drying with quality microfibers

The objective is simple: reduce friction and avoid abrasive contaminants.

Aggressive or poorly executed washing can dull the film over time.

Decontamination

Over the years, a PPF can accumulate:

ferrous contaminants
tar
road residues

Useful products:

CARPRO IronX – ferrous contaminants
CARPRO TarX – tar

Occasional decontamination helps maintain the film's transparency and hydrophobicity.

What not to do on a PPF

Certain practices should be avoided.

Avoid polishing

Polishing on PPF is strongly discouraged.

Unlike clear coat, the film has a limited thickness.
Polishing a film can:

thin the protective layer
alter self-healing properties
create an uneven finish

In certain very specific professional cases, a light correction may be possible, but it is generally not recommended for standard maintenance.

Avoid aggressive products

Certain powerful solvents or industrial cleaners can damage the film or affect adhesion.

It is preferable to use products compatible with protective films.

Recommended protections for a PPF

Adding protection improves:

shine
hydrophobicity
ease of washing

CARPRO offers several options adapted to paint protection films.

Key points to remember

PPF means paint protection film

it protects the car body against impacts and abrasions
the new generation like CARPRO Immortal PPF offers Instant Self-Healing down to -20 °C
some films integrate a nano-ceramic structure improving gloss and hydrophobicity
maintenance is based on gentle and regular washing
avoid polishing on protective film
matte surfaces require a careful approach