Why Does Color Change Film Fade?

[RowanLynn]

Color change film fades due to PVC and ultraviolet radiation. PVC: Because PVC contains plasticizers, they will separate from the PVC at certain temperatures. This separation occurs vertically, and the adhesive layer at the bottom of the film will detach from the film surface due to the separation of plasticizers. When removing the film, the film surface is peeled off, but the adhesive is left directly on the car paint surface. This is the reason for the "adhesive failure" phenomenon in paint protection film or color change film. Ultraviolet Radiation: One of the important factors causing film discoloration is ultraviolet radiation, which damages dyes and pigments. Higher-quality films contain high-performance UV absorbers that can prevent UV damage for a long time. Over a certain period, the film's color will slightly weaken because it absorbs and blocks UV rays that damage the interior. Metallic films maintain their appearance longer because metal does not fade. In fact, the depth of car film color does not significantly affect sun protection; it is mainly a psychological factor. Since the film is insulating, the primary protection comes from the heat barrier layer, not the dye layer. Additionally, the film should have high light transmittance and clarity to ensure visibility and safety during driving.

[ChloeAnn]

After applying a color-changing film to my car, I also encountered fading issues. I consulted several professionals and learned the main reasons. UV exposure is the biggest enemy; prolonged sun exposure causes the pigments in the film to break down, especially vibrant colors like red and blue, which fade faster. Last summer, I parked my car outdoors for two months, and the film surface developed uneven color patches. Washing the car too frequently or using strong alkaline detergents can also damage the top coating, leading to a whitish film surface. Another issue is improper adhesive layer application during installation, allowing rainwater to seep in from the edges, causing moisture erosion and underlying fading. Lastly, poor-quality films with substandard dyes can start discoloring within six months. It's recommended to apply a film protectant every three months and avoid washing the car during midday heat.

[VonEzra]

Our film installation studio frequently handles color fading repair jobs. Based on our experience, we've identified several key factors: Construction quality accounts for 50% of the causes. For example, improper temperature control of the heat gun can easily damage the coating, leading to localized discoloration; inadequate edge treatment after cutting causes the film edges to lift, allowing dust to seep in; or incomplete vehicle cleaning leaves oil film residue that causes adhesive failure. Environmental factors also play a significant role—acid rain can corrode the coating surface, and industrial area dust particles can scratch the top layer. The most troublesome issue is low-quality films—some manufacturers use single-layer dyeing processes that simply can't withstand sun exposure. Therefore, we recommend choosing an authorized shop that offers a five-year warranty, and especially during the first two months after installation, check the edges weekly.

[LillianLynn]

At a friend's gathering, we talked about his car wrap fading issue, and I summarized some lessons learned. Daily car usage habits are crucial - he frequently used automatic car washes where rotating brushes with trapped sand particles scratched the surface. He also often parked under trees, where highly corrosive tree sap and bird droppings left permanent stains if not cleaned within a week. He had a habit of using gasoline to wipe oil stains, which melted the wrap surface with its solvents. Actually, quality wraps have UV protection coatings, but frequent waxing can wear down this protective layer. Using a wet cloth to dry after washing protects adhesive edges better than air drying. For coastal residents, extra caution is needed as salt spray accelerates coating oxidation - placing a dehumidifier in our garage helps mitigate this.