Should Door Handles Be Covered with Paint Protection Film?

[Keith]

Paint protection film should not cover door handles. For a neat application of paint protection film, it is recommended to remove the door handles before installation. Below are some relevant details about paint protection film: 1. Material: Paint protection film is a high-performance, eco-friendly plastic film applied to the car body. Common materials include PU, PVC, and TPU, with the latest generation typically using TPU + nano-coating. 2. Scratch Repair: It is generally advised to visit a 4S shop or professional repair center for scratch repairs. 3. Types: Custom-cut films are pre-cut by computer and do not require manual trimming; hand-cut films, also known as 'hand-wrapped,' need manual trimming with a knife. 4. Durability: The lifespan depends on the brand and quality of the film, with options ranging from 7 years, 10 years, to lifetime warranties.

[IsabelleDella]

The door handle area is absolutely a high-risk zone for scratches, as I’ve learned the hard way. Fingernails, keys, even jean zippers can leave permanent marks. Covering this spot with PPF is a smart move—today’s high-quality TPU films don’t interfere with the pressing feel at all, with thickness under 0.2mm. Most importantly, it preserves the factory paint’s integrity. Otherwise, in a few years, the handle area will be covered in swirl marks, which is just painful to look at. During installation, make sure the technician removes the handle for edge wrapping. It costs a few hundred extra but lasts 5-6 years, way more cost-effective than future touch-ups.

[StWilliam]

This black car of mine is in its fourth year now. When I had the paint protection film applied, I specifically requested that the door handles be covered as well. Looking back, it was a brilliant decision. Compared to my neighbor's same model car without the film, his door handles are already full of spiderweb scratches. Especially for female owners who wear diamond rings, the repeated metal friction can really damage the paint. An unexpected benefit of the film is that the handles don't get burning hot after summer sun exposure. Of course, you need to find a reliable shop - those that simply wrap the edges without removing the handles will start peeling within two years at most. If you're really on a tight budget, you can just cover the outer curved surface, at least protecting the most scratch-prone area.

[CorbinLynn]

If I had to choose again, I would definitely get the door handles wrapped. The areas you touch daily when opening and closing doors develop fine scratches from nails within just three months. A high-quality paint protection film can resist yellowing for up to 7 years, and its self-healing coating can restore minor scratches with just a gentle heat application. Don't listen to those who say it affects sensor handle functionality - modern specialty films are precision-cut to millimeter accuracy. The installation challenge lies in requiring professional tools for handle removal, adding about 300-400 yuan to the standard installation cost, but this is far cheaper than dealing with scratches later.