Protection of the car body from chips and scratches: vinyl or polyurethane

Increasingly popular is the pasting of the body with a special film. After all, this is a good protection of paintwork. Of course, such a film has its pros and cons. In addition, there are several varieties of such material. What do you need to know about the protective film?

Varieties of films

So, what kind of car body protection from chips and scratches is better? All films can be conditionally divided into only two types: polyurethane and vinyl. Each of the materials has its advantages and disadvantages. The first to appear on the market was vinyl films. This protection of the car body from chips and scratches in its structure is closer to plastic. You can change the size of the film only when it is heated. After cooling, the material becomes more rigid.

Anti-gravel film for the body has several other properties. This material is made of polyurethane. The composition and characteristics of this film is closer to rubber. The material is able to stretch considerably even without heating, but as a result of the weakening it will still take its original dimensions. This anti-gravel body protection becomes more popular than vinyl.

What is the difference?

Initially, vinyl film was developed only for the production of advertising posters and signage. Such material practically does not wear out. As for the polyurethane film, it was developed for the needs of the army. It was used for gluing helicopter blades.

The main difference is that the vinyl film is able to protect the paintwork due to its thickness, and polyurethane is due to its properties. The latter variety is gradually becoming more popular. In addition, during winter frosts, the polyurethane anti-gravel body protection does not lose its properties and characteristics. As for the vinyl film, then at cold snaps it starts to "dub". As a result, it is easy to damage the material.

Properties of vinyl

Protecting the body of the car from chips and scratches is a problem that plagues many car enthusiasts. What is better to choose: vinyl or polyurethane? In the first case, the material is a transparent film whose thickness is 0.1 mm. It is mainly used for pasting car bodies. Vinyl film protects paint and varnish from exposure to sand, moisture, small scratches, as well as from damage resulting from inaccurate driving or washing.

The main disadvantage of this material is its fading. In this case, the film can turn yellow not only from exposure to sunlight, but also because of the reagents. It is worth noting that vinyl for cars can be transparent and matte. The last kind of material is used mainly for the design of individual elements. Experts do not recommend to glue the entire body with a matte vinyl film, as if damaged, all of it must be re-glued.

Properties of polyurethane film

Protection of the car body from chips and scratches is the main task of polyurethane film. Often it is also called urethane. This material is quite strong. Its thickness can be 150-300 microns. A polyurethane film can withstand deep scratches and large chips. In this regard, it is better than vinyl suitable for protecting paintwork. The material is capable of withstanding a strong impact even by a supermarket cart or by an auto door parked too close.

It is worth noting that the polyurethane passes the sun's rays. Thanks to this paint coating burns evenly. If necessary, only individual parts of the vehicle can be pasted on the film. The tone of its individual parts will not differ.

The main drawback of the material lies in its value. It is worth noting that the polyurethane film is much more expensive than vinyl. If you do not take into account the price for pasting, the price for the material is almost 5 times higher. For example, 1 meter of vinyl film can cost about 750 rubles, and 1 meter polyurethane - about 3500 rubles.

Can I glue myself

Theoretically okleit body of cars can be at home. The main thing is that there are no drafts, sand and dust in the room. The air temperature should be from 20 to 23 ° C. During the gluing process, a substrate is removed from the film, the main function of which is to protect the adhesive layer.

Before starting work, it is recommended to thoroughly wash the vehicle. It must be thoroughly washed and dried. At the same time, inspect the body for chips and scratches. They need to be removed. Otherwise, under the film, they will become more noticeable.

When using a vinyl film, the material must be heated and leveled with special tools before gluing. Otherwise, air bubbles may form under the protective layer. It is in such places that the film tears faster.