The Challenge of Wrapping a Car with Color Paint Protection Film: Our Experience with a Mercedes GT53s
At Auto Style PPF in Naperville, IL, we recently took on a tough but rewarding project wrapping a Mercedes GT53s with premium Rayno color Paint Protection Film (PPF). Unlike traditional vinyl wraps, color PPF offers unmatched protection with a glossy finish and a 10-year warranty. But don’t let that fool you installing color PPF is a whole different ballgame, and this job tested our skills and patience like never before.
Why Choose Color PPF Over Vinyl Wrap?
Color PPF not only enhances the look of your vehicle but also shields it from rock chips, scratches, and UV damage. Unlike vinyl, it’s durable enough to handle automated car washes with brushes, making maintenance easier and keeping your car looking fresh longer. Plus, the 10-year warranty gives peace of mind that vinyl wraps simply can’t match.
The Installation Challenge: Wet Application and Tricky Edges
Installing color PPF requires a wet application technique, which means the film and surface stay wet for hours as we carefully position and stretch the material. On the Mercedes GT53s, this process was especially demanding all the corners and edges kept peeling up during installation, which is common with complex curves and contours on high-end vehicles.
To fix these issues, we used a combination of heat guns and torch fire to carefully seal the film edges. This step took incredible precision and care, as overheating can damage the film or the paint underneath. We applied multiple rounds of heat, stretching, and smoothing to ensure the film adhered perfectly without any bubbles or lifting.
An 8-Day Labor of Love
Unlike vinyl wraps that can often be completed in a day or two, this color PPF project took us a full eight days to complete. The process was exhausting always working with a wet surface, handling expensive material with zero margin for error, and constantly reworking problem areas to meet our high standards.
Each roll of Rayno color PPF costs about $1,800, and the GT53s required 1.5 rolls for full coverage. Because of the cost, minimizing waste was critical, so every cut and piece had to be perfectly planned.
The Reward: A Flawless Finish with Superior Protection
After more than a week of careful, painstaking work, the Mercedes GT53s emerged looking flawless. The color PPF’s glossy finish and crystal-clear protection make it look better than ever, and it’s now armored against everyday wear and tear. The owner can enjoy peace of mind with the full 10-year warranty and easy maintenance even driving through automatic car washes without worry.
Thinking About Color PPF for Your Car?
Color PPF installation is a serious investment in both time and money, but the results speak for themselves. At Auto Style PPF, we combine expert craftsmanship with premium materials to deliver long-lasting beauty and protection.
Ready to protect and enhance your vehicle? Contact us at 630-524-7477 or visit us in Naperville, IL to learn more about color PPF and professional installation.
