Can You Drive in the Rain Right After Applying PPF?
2 Answers
You should not expose the newly applied Paint Protection Film (PPF) to rain because, within the first day, the film hasn't fully bonded with the car's paint yet. There may still be small air bubbles that need to be removed through drying. Additionally, the edges of the newly applied PPF are not very secure, so it's best to leave the car for a few more days to allow the film to adhere more firmly. Below are some precautions regarding the use of PPF: After the PPF has perfectly bonded with the car's paint: If the PPF has fully bonded with the car's paint, rainy weather will not affect the film as moisture cannot penetrate it. Within one month after applying PPF: Within the first month after applying PPF, it's best to avoid using high-pressure water jets on the seams of the PPF to prevent the edges from lifting and losing their protective effect. When washing the car: When washing the car, avoid scratching the PPF surface with hard objects or scrubbing too hard, as scratches and wear marks can affect the film's shine and appearance.
I've tried the newly applied paint protection film, and driving in the rain is really not suitable. Right after application, the film is still in the curing stage, and the adhesive hasn't fully dried. Raindrops hitting it might seep between the film and the car body, causing bubbles or edges to lift, which looks ugly and is hard to fix. That time I drove out for convenience, and within a few days, there were small bubbles. The technician said it was due to moisture. I recommend waiting at least 24 hours and avoiding rain; check the weather forecast before driving in the rain. Light rain might be okay, but heavy rain is better to stay at home. Also, be careful with daily maintenance—don't use a high-pressure water gun to wash the car for the first few weeks. Wait a few more days for the film to fully harden, so you can drive with peace of mind later.
