Regularly waxing your car is a great way to protect it from the elements and keep its paint looking shiny and new.

But there is a catch.

You have to do it all the time.

Which is right where Xpel Ceramic Coating enters the equation.

Ceramic Coating

Ceramic coating is an industrial-grade chemical polymer that is applied to the exterior of your car, protecting its paint from damage. Additionally, most ceramic coatings are hydrophobic — which means that they also repel water.

As a result, ceramic coating protects your vehicle, keeping your paint free from damage caused by environmental factors, and stopping the fading caused by pollutants and UV rays from the sun.

In this manner, it can be thought of as a wax alternative – albeit with some key differences to regular wax.

Firstly, ceramic coating can last years before it needs to be reapplied. Secondly, as it is made of industrial grade polymer, it is much more effective than wax, protecting your car from pretty much everything.

Xpel Ceramic Coating

With all this in mind, it is important to note that not all ceramic coating is made equal. Some are simply much more effective than others.

Which is why we recommend Xpel Ceramic Coating – and we do so for four key reasons.

1.   Four Year Warranty

As ceramic coating has increased in popularity, so has the number of sub-par ceramic coating installers. And unfortunately, poor quality installations (and the damage caused by them) often need to be replaced at the buyers expense.

However, xpel ceramic coating comes with a four year warranty.

This means that any damage to the ceramic coating within this timeframe constitutes a full replacement. Similarly, xpel are so confident in the companies they sell their product too, they will cover any issues related to installation within that same warranty period.

Now that’s quality.

2.   Its Self-Repairing

While it may sound like something out of a sci-fi movie, xpel ceramic coating is made from a combination of advanced polymers that repair themselves when exposed to damage.

As a result, it has the capacity to heal itself from the swirl marks and light scratches that can occur through regular vehicle usage. Seriously, scuffs and scratches can disappear in minutes.

It is genuinely incredible.

3.   It is Designed with Paint Protection in Mind

Like all coating, xpel ceramic coating provides a layer of protection to your car. But as a key point of difference, it has been designed with paint protection as its first priority.

It is not only effective at protecting your car from scratches and dings, but the unique polymer creates a “wet look” that improves the aesthetic of your vehicle while simultaneously reducing the need for regular detailing.

This saves you money and keeps your car looking mint — talk about a win-win.

4.   Repels Grime

Lastly, due to its hydrophobic nature, xpel ceramic coating not only repels water, but a host of other liquids too. 

This means grime, bird excrement, and even paint, comes off with less than half the work it would normally take. This saves you time and effort, while keeping your car looking top notch all year round.

If you are after ceramic coating, look no further than xpel — there is nothing better on the market.

Getting your car windows tinted not only adds a sense of aesthetic appeal, but can also have a myriad of important benefits, including:

• Lowering the heat inside your car by over 60%.
• Maintaining the quality of your car interior by limiting its exposure to the sun
• Holds broken glass together and stops it becoming airborne in the case of an accident
• Stops the glare of the sun
• Increases privacy

Really, it should come as no surprise as to why window tinting in Vancouver has become such a popular option. However, it is important to note that you only get these benefits if your window tinting is done properly.  

If you don’t, you are looking down the barrel of an uneven, bubbling, peeling tint job that you need to pay twice as much to fix.

Which is why finding a quality window tinter is paramount — and here is what to look for.

How to Find Window Tint in Vancouver

Finding a quality window tinter can be easier said than done, particularly in Vancouver where there seems to be one on every street corner.

But by following the tips outlined in this article, you can be confident you have made a good choice.

1.   Check Their Available Tint Options

Window tint is available in different degrees of darkness, which is most commonly described as a percentage, referencing the amount of sunlight it lets through. 

A high quality window tinter should provide you with a number of options, from as low as 5% (cannot see into the car, even in full sun) to as high as 80% (barely noticeable, offering slight protection for the sun), and everything in between.

A broad array of options indicates that the window tinter has a good grasp on the needs of the individual, and can provide several options to meet your specific needs.

Window tinting should never be a one-size-fits-all approach.

2.   Check Out What Other People are Saying

Although this is an obvious point, that does not make it any less important.

If a window tint vancouver business has bad reviews, turn around and walk away. In short, if the people before you have had a bad experience, then you can expect the same.

Look for those window tinters throughout vancouver that have good reviews to narrow down your selection process.

3.   Research the Products They Use

Not all window tinting products are created equal. Some are of a much higher quality than others, such as Xpel Stealth, making them less prone to bubble, peel, and ultimately, need replacing.

 While some tinting materials are a little more expensive, you really do get what you pay for. High quality material not only looks better, but also lasts longer, and does a much better job of stopping ultraviolet rays and keeping your car cool.

As the old adage goes, “buy once, cry once”, and you never have to worry about it again.

4.   Check Their Work

Any good Vancouver window tinter should have photos of their work on their website. They should be willing to provide proof that their service is of a high standard.

Obviously if you are not happy with how these photos look, then take your business elsewhere.

And if they don’t have any photos, make sure you do the same — this is a big red flag that indicates that not even they are happy with their work.

5.   Give Them A Ring

Lastly, don’t be afraid to give them a ring and ask some questions.

If you have any queries, they should be able to answer them with a degree of ease, confidence, and professionalism, that could not be mistaken for anything else.

And obviously if they come across sounding like a sleazy salesman, it might be time to hang up the phone…

Finding the Best Window Tint in Vancouver

While finding a good window tinter is never easy, the tips outlined in this article will make a world of a difference. And if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in contact with us  — we are always happy to help.

Paint protection film (PPF – see our Vancouver Paint Protection Film service) is a thermoplastic urethane self-healing film applied to the exterior of a car to protect from road debris, bug splatters, and other minor abrasions.

It’s a class of polyurethane known for its elasticity, transparency, and resistance to grease and oil.

PPF is widely used on airplanes, motorcycles, RV’s and even electronic devices as a barrier of protection. It originated in the mid-1950s and was originally designed to protect and extend the life of helicopter rotor blades. It has come a long way since its origin, now more pliable, thinner, and more durable.

This material consists of several microlayers that help to protect the surface of your car. It boasts unique self-healing properties when exposed to heat through the sun or a heat gun.

Paint protection film acts as a sacrificial layer between your car’s paint and external elements. Securely protecting your vehicle’s paint from UV rays, chemical damage, mineral deposits, rock chips, and scratches. It is durable, long-lasting, and virtually invisible when applied correctly.

Not only does paint protection film help to maximize your car’s resale value, but it is also available in a variety of finishes. This makes it an inexpensive way to change the exterior of your car.

Paint Protection Film Vs Ceramic Coating

A common myth is that PPF and ceramic coating (see our Vancouver ceramic coating service) can’t be used together.

This is false.

In fact, ceramic coatings and paint protection film can and should be used together for superior protection.

Ceramic coatings and paint protection film go together like peanut butter and jelly. When used in conjunction, they maximize protection. PPF offers an added layer of protection, defending against the larger scratches that a ceramic coating may not catch.

When ceramic coatings are applied on top of PPF, they extend the life of the film. This is due to their hydrophobic qualities. Using these ceramic coatings make the PPF easier to clean and act as a barrier between the harsh, outdoor elements and the PPF.

What is a Clear Bra?

Although the terms clear bra and paint protection film are often used interchangeably, clear bra actually refers to a type of protective film applied in a specific area.

A clear bra is applied to the front end of a vehicle. It’s designed to cover the front bumper, grille, headlights, splitter, and paint on the front fender and hood. The term clear bra comes from the area in which the film is applied.

Modern PPF is thin, long-lasting, and durable. It can be installed on specific panels like the quarter panels and rocker panels, front bumper, or all over for the vehicle for added protection.

Although vinyl wraps do have some protective qualities, they are primarily used to change the colour or finish of a car. Vinyl wraps are used for cosmetic purposes, as an affordable way to change the appearance of a vehicle.

PPF on the other hand, is used for protective purposes. It is thicker and stronger, and provides more resistance to chemical stains, stone chips, swirl marks, bug splatter and other vehicle paint damage.

Both are applied on top of the vehicle’s paint, but the purpose of PPF is in the name, to protect the paint. Vinyl wraps are made for cosmetic reasons, like colour changes or for car graphics. PPF only allows you to change the finish of the paint, but not the colour itself.

What to look for in Paint Protection Film

There are plenty of options available for PPF on the market, but not all PPFs are of the same quality.

Poor quality PPF will not offer as much protection, is less durable, and may even end up damaging your car’s original paint. Poorly made PPF will leave behind residue and damage in the removal process, and life prematurely.

Quality PPF is non-yellowing, hydrophobic and durable. Look for paint protection film manufacturers like industry leader Xpel. High quality PPFs are backed by warranty, which ensures quality product.

Lastly, look for a certified and experienced auto shop to apply your paint protection film. Although there are a lot of DIY options on the market, paint protection film is difficult to apply. Paint protection film is not reusable so the application has to be accurate the first time, it can not be peeled off and reapplied.

Improper application may lead to air bubbles being trapped under the film, and an overall bumpy and uneven appearance. Save money by contacting a specialist at Wetwerks Auto Spa today, the perfect application every time.

Vancouver’s Paint Protection Specialists: We’re Here to Help!

Is it time to request a quote or book an appointment for your beloved vehicle? Leave it to the pros.

We also offer Vancouver window tinting and Vancouver car detailing services as well.