Can a car with newly applied paint protection film be exposed to rain?
2 Answers
A car with newly applied paint protection film should not be exposed to rain and needs 48 hours before it can. The benefits of applying paint protection film are as follows: Paint protection: The main areas covered by the paint protection film include the front and rear bumpers, the front edge of the engine hood, the front edge of the wheel rims, the outer edges of the side mirrors, the edges of the doors, the inner edges of the door handles, the keyholes, the trunk, and the side door steps, protecting the paint surface from minor scratches and chips. Invisible paint protection film: It has strong wear resistance, scratch resistance, flexibility, and prevents malicious scratches, providing comprehensive protection for the car's paint. Because the film is very tough, it is also figuratively called "rhinoceros skin," protecting the paint surfaces on all parts of the car from peeling and scratches, avoiding rust, aging, and yellowing of the paint surface.
It's best not to expose the newly applied paint protection film (PPF) to rain, as I've learned from many car owners' experiences. The adhesive needs time to cure after installation, with the first 48 hours being most critical. Rainwater can seep into the edges of the PPF, causing the bonded areas to turn white or even bubble and peel off. Acidic substances in rainwater can also affect the stability of the adhesive layer. I've seen cases where a car encountered heavy rain right after PPF application, resulting in edges curling up like squid rolls. It's recommended to keep the car indoors for three days after PPF installation. If outdoor parking is unavoidable, use a car cover. If the car does get rained on, promptly dry it with a clean towel using unidirectional strokes (avoid back-and-forth rubbing). Once fully cured, the PPF can withstand heavy rain without issues. Regular cleaning is advised to maintain surface hydrophobicity.
