Frequently Asked Questions
Paint Protection Film (PPF)
WHAT IS PPF?
Paint Protection Film is a Wrap of thin flexible material made from Polyurethane which can be applied to most surfaces to create an optically clear layer of protection between the surface and the everyday rigours of the outside environment.
WHAT DOES PAINT PROTECTION FILM PROTECT?
Paint Protection Film provides protection from stone chips, minor scratches, harmful effects of chemicals, bird droppings, and other roadway hazards.
Paint Protection Film is not designed to stop or prevent damage to the vehicle bodywork i.e. dents. Most films have a self-healing property which is designed to repair itself from swirl marks and light scratches, however, if a piece of debris penetrates this layer of the film the self-healing property will no longer function.
Vehicles can be repainted to reverse the effect of stone chips/road rash, however this now puts the integrity of the vehicle history at doubt – was it just stone chips or a larger accident? For around the same cost of a front-end repair you may be able to have PPF installed and enjoy driving carefree, without any potential paint damage now or in the future! The vehicle will command a higher value during trade-in or resale.
WHAT ARE PRE CUT KITS?
When installing a PPF, there are two main methods to do this, one of which is a bulk install as we would do when wrapping a vehicle in a colour change vinyl where the film is applied and then scored on the vehicle to the desired shape, the other is a pre-cut kit.
The team over at Eastman Group and PremiumShield have built a database of each and every vehicle currently on the market since 2002 which allow us to run the PPF through our Graphtec Plotting machine to essentially cut a template of your specific vehicle from the film which when applied is within mm of tolerance in shape and size.
Can Ceramic be installed on top of PPF?
We offer a wide range of ceramic coatings, but more specifically, the IGL KENZO graphene infused can be used on PPF due to its flexible “breathing” capabilities. This will allow the PPF to self heal as per standard whilst also increasing the level of protection.
Car Wrapping and Styling
WHAT IS VEHICLE WRAPPING?
Vehicle wrapping and vinyl application is the process of installing a self adhesive conformable vinyl to the smooth surfaces of a vehicle to change the colour and potentially protect the original paintwork.
DOES A VEHICLE WRAP CAUSE DAMAGE TO MY PAINTWORK?
The premium brand vinyl films we utilise throughout all our works are designed to be paint-safe and easily removable. If the vehicle has the original manufacturer paint, installing and removing the vinyl should not cause any damage to the paintwork. Problems can arise when vehicles have had repairs or have has aftermarket paint applied which may not be as sufficiently bonded to the bodywork as would OEM paint. This is something which should be taken into consideration when choosing to wrap your vehicle if you know the vehicle has had any additional paintwork.
Vinyl Wrapping can be suited to any vehicle when done correctly whilst also adding a layer of protection to the original paintwork.
CAN YOU TAKE A VINYL WRAP OFF A VEHICLE?
With the correct techniques and equipment, Vehicle wraps and graphics can be removed easily. This may be a necessity if the vehicle is being sold or returning it to a leasing / PCP company.
CAN I DESIGN MY OWN WRAP?
100%! When pairing your ideas with our dedicated vehicle design team we can ensure you truly change your vehicle to exactly how you envision it. We are more than happy to sit with our clients and work through design ideas to ensure our customer drive away happy.
CAN I WRAP HALF OR A QUARTER OF MY VEHICLE?
Of Course, you can wrap as much or a little of a vehicle as you heart desires.
HOW LONG DOES A VEHICLE WRAP TAKE TO APPLY?
Timeframes are dependent upon a number of variables, the materials chosen, the complexity of the wrap and the coverage. Typically it is around 3-4 days to wrap external only (not including door shuts and returns) and around 6-7 days for a full internal and external colour change.
We will always provide an estimated time for the installation upon final quotation.
HOW LONG DOES A WRAP LAST FOR?
Longevity is always based upon customer aftercare, with the high grade materials/ vinyl we use we would expect a vehicle wrap to last up to 5-7 years however a lot of the responsibility is on the customer to care for the vehicle wrap.
During the quotation, consultation and collection of the finished vehicle we will provide aftercare instructions and the team are always one phone call away if any specific questions need to be answered.
DO I HAVE TO INFORM MY INSURANCE COMPANY ABOUT A WRAP
With any modification made to a vehicle we would always recommend informing your insurer, from small graphics to full wraps we would always advise checking with the insurer prior.
DO THE DVLA NEED TO KNOW ABOUT A VEHICLE WRAP?
As with insurance companies, the DVLA also needs to be informed. However, this is usually a very quick process that involves the completion of a V5C form.
You will be required to select the most appropriate colour from a list.
DOES THE VEHICLE NEED PREPPING BEFORE A WRAP?
Preparation is key prior to installing a vinyl wrap as the finished product quality and longevity will ultimately be affected by this. Our onsite detailer prepares all vehicles prior to vinyl wrapping or branding to ensure the quality and longevity we consistently work to.
CAN VEHICLE WRAPPING SAVE MONEY?
Due to the fact that vehicle wrapping can last for so long, it is more cost effective than other labour-intensive painting options.
What’s more, avery denisson supreme wrapping film or Oracal 970 vinyl can protect a vehicle’s body for this entire period, meaning that chips and scratches can be totally avoided, even up to seven years down the line.
Additionally, if you decide to change your marketing or fleet design, we can get to work unwrapping a vehicle and applying new designs in no time.
CAN BIRD ETCHING DAMAGE A WRAP?
Yes, put simply bird excrement can damage a wrap as it would paint/lacquer due to its acidic properties.
IS SIGNWRITING AND VEHICLE GRAPHICS THE SAME THING?
Although you may not realise it, signwriting is a skilled, cherished and often undervalued art form that has helped to advertise products and businesses for thousands of years – far removed from the van signwriting of today.
But due to advances in technology, we can now design, print and apply graphics to a vehicle within a matter of hours, but of course, this hasn’t always been the case.
Car Detailing
WHAT IS DETAILING?
The term “Detailing” can be confused with the much more basic service of valeting. Valeting can be described as “the cleaning of the exterior / interior to remove visible dust, dirt and grime, leaving the surfaces clean and shiny”
Although a very simple and straight forward task, paint damage and surface imperfections are often caused by incorrect washing techniques.
At Enhance we not only repair this damage but exceed this, creating a “Better than showroom” finish.
“The art of making a car beautiful is time”
This time refers not only to the time spent on your vehicle but the time taken to gather expertise and knowledge, allowing us to provide a service that fits the beauty, elegance and sophistication of the cars we work with, restoring, enhancing and protecting your vehicle.
WHAT IS PAINT CORRECTION?
Paint correction is the process of removing imperfections and damage from paint by using multiple different levels of polishing and finishing compounds to delicately remove layers of lacquer to essentially level the surface off providing that shiny, glass-like appearance.
Not every vehicle needs a paint correction, for example new vehicles should not require paint correction unless paint damaging cleaning methods have been used to prepare the car for collection or showroom use.
9 times out of 10 new vehicles will require a single stage machine polish to improve the gloss levels or to prepare the paint surface for the application of Ceramic coatings.
WHAT IS A CERAMIC COATING?
A Ceramic coating is a chemical Polymer which can be applied to multiple surfaces across a vehicle, from paintwork and glass to leather and plastics. Applied by hand, the Ceramic coating will bond to the exterior surface to provide a hydrophobic and oleophobic layer of protection ensuring the vehicle stays cleaner for longer.
How long does a ceramic coating last?
Ceramic coatings can last from anywhere between 1 year to 5 years dependant on the level of ceramic installed on the vehicle. We offer a vast range from the IGL Poly 1 year coating to the IGL KENZO Graphene Infused 5-year coating. However, a ceramic coating, like anything, does require the right aftercare to ensure it is working to its full capabilities. Please contact our team if you would like to discuss about aftercare of IGL Ceramics on your vehicle.