Paint protection film, or PPF for short, is a well established aftermarket customisation option for your vehicle. But what exactly does it do? And are there any possible downsides to applying it?
In this blog, we will answer the question ‘Is paint protection film safe for cars?’
The UK automotive aftermarket industry is thriving, ranking fourth in Europe and ninth in the world in terms of size, and turning over an annual £21.1 billion.
The sector supports 345,600 jobs and contributes £12.2 billion each year to the economy. And it is growing: the sector’s value is set to rise and continue rising with advancements in technology.
That’s why we at Car Specialist Customs are here to provide you with all the information you require to get the best car customisation possible, whilst being as informed as possible.
Contents
ToggleCan PPF be damaged by bird droppings?
Yes, bird excrement can damage PPF, but it’s less likely to cause permanent damage than it would to unprotected paint. Bird droppings will affect PPF because of its acidic nature. Bird droppings contain uric acid, which is acidic and can etch into the surface of the PPF if left for an extended period. This can cause discolouration or a slightly rough texture.
That being said, bird droppings can be cleaned off PPF, but using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning materials to remove bird droppings can damage the PPF, causing scratches or swirls.
Although PPF has the potential to be damaged by bird droppings, it actually acts as a sacrificial layer, taking the brunt of the acidic damage from bird droppings. This protects the underlying paint from damage.
Regardless, bird droppings are easier to remove from PPF than from unprotected paint. A gentle cleaning solution and soft microfiber cloth are usually sufficient to remove the droppings without damaging the film.
It’s important to remove bird droppings as soon as possible to minimize the risk of damage to the PPF.
Is paint protection film safe for cars?

Yes, paint protection film is safe to apply on cars, with proper care and maintenance, your paint protection film can provide the aforementioned benefits for years to come. However, in certain circumstances, PPF has the rare chancel to affect your car for the worst. Here’s how:
Improper Installation
If PPF is not installed correctly, it can trap dirt and debris underneath, leading to discolouration and damage to the paint. It’s crucial to have PPF installed by a professional. It is possible to install PPF yourself, but if you don’t have the experience of this, or if you aren’t a professional, you should get an expert.
Aggressive Cleaning
Using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning materials can damage the PPF, causing it to become scratched or discoloured. It’s important to use gentle cleaning products and techniques.
There are PPF friendly cleaning solutions you can use on your car, additionally, there are car washing services that have PPF friendly solutions. Whilst using PPF friendly cleaning methods.
Extreme Temperatures
Exposure to extremely high or low temperatures can affect the PPF’s performance. In very hot climates, the film may become brittle and more susceptible to damage. In very cold climates, it may become less flexible and more prone to cracking.
In the English climate, temperatures can very rarely become extreme, there is usually enough notice on such occasions, take heed of this and make the appropriate accommodations for your vehicle during this weather.
Ageing
Over time, PPF can begin to yellow or discolour, especially if it’s not properly maintained. This can alter the appearance of the car. In addition, purchasing PPF that is of subpar quality will more than likely have a shorter lifespan than high-quality PPF.
Overall, PPF is a valuable tool for protecting a car’s paintwork. However, it’s important to be aware of its limitations and to take proper care of it to ensure its effectiveness. By having it professionally installed and using gentle cleaning techniques, you can enjoy the benefits of PPF for years to come.
Which cars shouldn’t get PPF?
Although PPF is an extremely helpful protective tool for your car, there are certain instances in which it should not be applied. Here are those instances:
1. Vehicles in Poor Condition:
Heavy Scratches and Dents: If your car’s paint is already significantly damaged, PPF won’t magically fix these issues. In fact, it might even highlight them more.
Poor Paint Quality: If the paint job itself is of low quality, PPF won’t improve its underlying issues. It can also damage the paint further upon removal of the PPF.
2. Specific Paint Finishes:
Matte or Textured Finishes: PPF has a glossy finish. Applying it to a matte or textured finish would alter the original look and defeat the purpose of those finishes. So use it at your own discretion.
3. Leased Vehicles:
Strict Return Conditions: Some lease agreements have specific requirements about the condition of the paint upon return. Applying and then removing PPF could potentially violate these terms. Check for permission before getting this done.
4. Budget Constraints:
Cost-Effective Alternatives: If you’re on a very tight budget, PPF installation may not be the right investment for you, although you can get PPF installation on certain areas of your car, rather than all of it.
5. Government Vehicles:
Restrictions: Government vehicles may have specific regulations about modifications, and applying PPF might not be permitted. It is important to confirm with the vehicle owner and requesting permission in such instances, if it is justified.
6. Short-Term Ownership:
If you plan to sell your car in the near future, the cost of PPF installation might not be justified. It’s always a good idea to consult with a professional detailer or PPF installer to determine if applying PPF is the right choice for your specific vehicle and needs.
Get PPF fitting today

Our team members at Car Specialist Customs are extremely passionate and proud of the multiple services and products we provide for the people of Greater Manchester and beyond.
As a fully insured and approved installer, catering to the needs of vehicle owners of Greater Manchester and beyond, we are proud to let you know that we offer services for the following:
Tints:
Wrapping and PPF:
- Paint Protection Film — PPF
- Exo Shield Window Tint
- Black Packs
- Dechroming
- Custom Decals
- Commercial Wrapping
- Vehicle Wrapping
Interior customisation/ technology:
- Starlights
- Apple Play/ Android Autos
- Android Screen Upgrades
- Parking Sensors
- Reverse Cameras
- Rear Seat Entertainment
Wheel refurbishment:
Protection/Security:
Featuring the brands, Pandora, ScorpionTrak, Meta Trak & SmarTrack, we’ve included affordable, and premium products to suit the needs of our customers. With finance options available, and the option of installation, head to our website to get your quote!
We will always go above expectations to make your car feel special to you. With even more services and options becoming available in the future, Car Specialist Customs is the home of making any car unique, secure and special.
See what we can do for you today, we hope the details we shared have helped you decide to take a step forward in personalising your vehicle with our unique service.
In this blog, we aimed to have provided insight by answering the question ‘Is paint protection film safe for cars?’ Whilst also providing supplementary information that can help you make an informed choice when it comes to investing in customisation options for your vehicle.
Want to get in touch? You can find us right here:
WORKSHOP:
Unit 30
Caldershaw Centre
Ings Ln
Rochdale
OL12 7LQ
OPENING TIMES:
Monday to Wednesday – 10 AM—7 PM
Thursday – Closed
Friday to Sunday – 11 AM—7 PM
TELEPHONE:
07523 971347 (Mon – Fri: 8:30 am – 6:00 pm)
EMAIL:
info@carspecialistcustoms.co.uk
