If you’re considering paint protection film (PPF) for your vehicle, ensuring the product’s quality is crucial for getting the best protection. But how do you test the quality of a PPF?
At Macmillan, we perform various methods to assess and ensure that a PPF delivers what it promises—durability, scratch resistance, self-healing capabilities, and more. Here are the most important tests that our PPFs undergo
Tensile Strength
Durability matters when it comes to PPF, and the tensile strength test measures how much stress the film can endure before it breaks. This test applies force to the PPF to check for stretching or tearing. Macmillan PPF have high tensile strength, meaning it can withstand daily wear and tear, including debris impacts
Self Healing
This is one of the coolest features of Macmillan PPFs. The self-healing test involves scratching the film lightly and then applying heat to see if the marks disappear. Macmillan’s self-healing PPF will show the scratches slowly fade away when exposed to sunlight or a heat gun, ensuring that the film always looks fresh and flawless
Thickness
PPF thickness is a critical factor in determining the level of protection offered. The thickness measuring test is conducted using precision tools like micrometers or calipers to ensure the film meets the required specifications, typically ranging from 180-210 microns. A thicker film generally offers better protection against impacts and scratches
Hydrophobicity
The hydrophobic properties of Macmillan PPF make it easier to clean and maintain. During the hydrophobicity test, water droplets are applied to the PPF surface to see whether they bead up or spread out. Macmillan PPF have strong hydrophobic properties, causing water to bead up and roll off, along with dirt and grime
OTHER TESTS
Adhesion
A PPF’s adhesive quality is essential for long-lasting protection. The adhesion test measures how well the film sticks to the vehicle’s surface. In this test, a strip of tape is applied and removed to see if the PPF maintains its integrity. A high-quality PPF like ours stay in place without peeling or lifting, ensuring effective coverage
Scratch Resistance
One of the key reasons people apply PPF to their cars is to protect against scratches. The scratch resistance test involves using sharp objects or abrasive materials to scratch the surface of the PPF under different pressure levels. Macmillan PPF will resist these scratches, keeping your car’s paintwork intact
UV Resistance
UV rays can damage both your car’s paint & the PPF itself, causing yellowing or fading over time. The UV resistance test simulates prolonged exposure to sunlight & measures how well the PPF can block UV rays. Our PPF prevents fading, discoloration, & damage, ensuring that your car’s paint looks brand new for years to come
Chemical Resistance
Your car’s surface is exposed to all sorts of chemicals, from cleaning agents to gasoline spills. In this test, we apply common chemicals to the PPF to ensure it doesn’t discolor, degrade, or lose its adhesive properties. Macmillan PPF resists damage from these chemicals, ensuring it maintains its protection over time
Temperature Resistance
Whether you’re driving in the scorching heat or freezing cold, your PPF needs to endure extreme temperatures. The temperature resistance test exposes the PPF to both high & low temperatures to ensure that it doesn’t crack, shrink, or lose adhesion. Macmillan PPF has performed well across a range of temperatures
Gloss Retention
One of the reasons to apply PPF is to maintain your car’s shiny, glossy finish. The gloss retention test measures how well the film retains its shine over time, even after exposure to environmental contaminants like dirt and UV rays. Macmillan PPF has been tested for years and we’ve made sure the car sustains its glossy look.