It is a widespread practice among car owners because Paint Protection Film (PPF) has become one of the car owners’ means of keeping the cars in perfect shape. Not only does it guard the car against scratches, chips and fading of the paint work, but it also assists in keeping the general look of the car. One of the most important decisions, which have to be made by drivers when discussing PPF, is the choice of the finish: clear satin or glossy. The two finishes are different in appearance, protection, and maintenance and your vehicle can change a great deal depending on which of them you have chosen wisely. In this article we will discuss the differences between clear PPF satin and gloss finish and assist you in choosing which is the most suitable to your requirements.
What is the Paint Protection Film (PPF)?
To proceed with the differences of clear satin and glossy finish, we should first know what PPF is. Paint Protection Film is a thin yet rugged film of thermoplastic urethane used in the exterior of an automobile to defend it against any harm that is brought along by road debris, stones, bugs, bird droppings, and other environmental conditions. The PPF solutions are also usually self healing, i.e. small scratches and irregularities may become invisible when subjected to e.g. heat, i.e. sunlight, or hot water. One more advantage that PPF has in controlling your car is that it protects its paint against the effects of UV rays, which have a discoloring impact, and eventually, the paint can become faded. You can be driving a new luxury car or a commuter vehicle, the PPF will highly improve the life span of your car paint.
Clear Satin PPF Finish: Nondescript, Classy Appearance
The clear satin PPF has a more low key and matte look. The latter finish is the most suitable among car owners who would like to have a slightly covert but not flashy appearance that does not overpower the original paint color of the car. Clear satin also has muted shininess as opposed to glossy PPF but does not produce excessive amounts of reflected light, giving the car body some depth. It is an ideal finish on people who wish to retain the original look on their car but with a modern touch. Clear satin PPF is also popular in quality vehicles, sports cars and luxury cars, because of creating a refined elegant appearance.
Among key strengths of clear satin finish is the fact that it minimizes glare hence it can be used by drivers in areas where there is a lot of sunlight. Satin finish also conceals the fingerprints, smudges and swirls very well which are prominent on glossy finishes. This translates to the fact that the matte clear satin provides protection to the paint work in a vehicle and gives the vehicle a more low-profile, high-quality look.
PPF Finish: Glossy PPF Dazzling Shine
At the opposite side of the spectrum, glossy PPF constitutes a high gloss polished appearance that adds richness to the vehicle paint hue and makes it appear as though it has rolled out of the showroom. Those who like their automobile to be brilliant and eye-catching find a glossy finish ideal. The shiny surface enhances the texture and the depth of the paint and makes it look smoother and shiny. This is particularly the best finish in situations where people have taken the initiative of getting a custom paint job or having unique finishes they wish to wear and to the best of their ability.
Its shiny PPF coating will be more reflective which would enable the vehicle to reflect off the curves and line of the vehicle hence most glamorous. But due to its shiny nature it is also susceptible to show flaws in its surface e.g. water marks, fingerprints, and swirl marks compared to clear satin finish much more noticeably. Some drivers achieve the look because it has a high impact on the perception when compared with other looks which may need it to be more frequently cleaned and serviced so that it appears clean and sporty.
Durability, Protection, and Maintenance of Both Finishes
Both transparent satin and glossy PPF have great resistance to road particles, scratches, and UV damage. The finish you apply can however affect the performance of the film in some situations.
They are both equally hard and resistant to physical harm as long as the surface is concerned. PPF solutions have self-healing attributes, and thus the two finishes are able to absorb minor scratches and swirl marks. The glossy finish, however, is more likely to reveal small swirl marks or water marks, and it has been seen that clear satin finish is more likely to cover such tiny deficiencies. As far as protection is concerned, it is equally the same with both finishes giving equal protection against rock chip stains as well as environmental factors that ensure that the paint in your vehicle is safe.
Regarding maintenance, clear satin PPF finishes are much forgiving compared to water spots, fingerprints, and dirt. The smudges and stains on this type of finish are easier to conceal and this finish, therefore, may not need very frequent cleaning. However, it is the glossy one that is more likely to accumulate any dirt, fingerprints, and swirl marks which makes the glossy one to need much more maintenance in order to maintain its appearance well-groomed.
No matter what finish you inherit, the PPF brands you pick will be a huge force towards the efficiency and life of the film. Popular brands like 3M, XPEL, and SunTek are equipped with the PPF solutions that are meant to last long, not fade and even be friendly to maintenance. These well-established brands of high-quality PPF application will guarantee that your car will be safe and without scratches and dents for years to come, irrespective of the type of finish that you use.
Conclusion
The explanation of the differences between clear satin and glossy PPF finishes will enable you to make a well-informed decision, and to understand what variant will be most suitable to your car. The two finishes also have equal protection of resistance and durability but the appearance is different as well as the maintenance. Clear satin is less blingy, more of a matte appearance, whereas glossy is highly shiny, which brings out the shine of the paint on your car. When selecting between the two, note your personal style, your surroundings, and how much you are ready to spend in keeping the film clean. Furthermore, on choosing PPF brands that have good reputations like 3M or XPEL, one should rest assured that he/she is getting a good product that would keep his/her car safe in the years to come. No matter the kind of finish you settle on, you are assured that PPF will not only protect the paint in your vehicle but also give it an overall polished appearance.
