How to Fix Scratches in Plastic Car Film | Veintone Expert Guide
XIEBINRONGDuring daily vehicle use, even with the utmost care, the body protection film or color-changing film may still develop minor scratches. This is why many car owners will search for "how to fix scratches in plastic car film". After all, no one wants to affect the overall appearance of the car due to small scratches, or even have to replace the entire car film.
Can these scratches be repaired? Does it have to be replaced as a whole? The answer is - most minor scratches can be repaired through professional methods, but the outcome depends on the material of the film, the depth of the scratch, and the construction process. This article will provide you with a detailed analysis of the repair solutions and offer practical suggestions to help you find the best balance between cost and effectiveness.
Types of Plastic Car Film & Scratch Behavior
Before dealing with the scratches on the car film, it is necessary to first determine the material of the film. Different types of car films have significant differences in their ability to repair scratches.
PPF (Paint Protection Film)
PPF is usually made of TPU or polymer materials and has a certain "self-repairing" function.
- Minor Scratches: Under the influence of hot water, hot air gun or sunlight heating, the molecular structure of the scratched surface will re-level, and the scratch will almost disappear.
- Moderate Scratches: Professional care products (such as special coating agents) may be needed to enhance the surface repair effect.
- Deep Scratches: If they have penetrated the film layer, usually a replacement of the local film sheet is required.
Suitable for car owners who are concerned about minor scratches in daily life, especially in situations such as daily commuting or on highways, it can effectively keep the car paint looking brand new for a long time.
Vinyl Wrap (Color Change Film)
The color-changing film is mainly made of PVC material and lacks the molecular memory ability, thus it does not have self-healing properties.
- Minor Scratches: Can be reduced in visibility through professional polishing or waxing, but cannot be completely eliminated.
- Medium to Deep Scratches: Usually difficult to repair and require partial re-lamination or replacement of the entire film material.
- Long-term Performance: Color-changing films place more emphasis on appearance, but they are inferior to PPF in terms of wear resistance and scratch resistance.
This model is suitable for car owners who desire a personalized appearance. However, if you have high requirements for resistance to scratches, you should consider using it in conjunction with PPF.
Types of Scratches & Repair Feasibility
a. Minor surface scratches
Feature: The scratches only affect the surface layer of the car film. Different angles may reveal subtle lines. The repair is highly likely to succeed and no new membrane material needs to be replaced.
Repair Method:
- For PPF (self-healing film), the surface molecules can be re-levelled by heating with hot water, a heat gun, or sunlight, thus achieving "self-healing".
- For color-changing film (PVC), professional polishing or care agents can be used to reduce the visual effect of scratches, but they cannot completely eliminate them.
b. Moderate Scratches
Feature: Clearly visible to the naked eye, with distinct indentations upon touch, but not fully penetrating the membrane layer. The repair possibilities are limited. It is recommended to have it done by a professional store.
Repair Method:
- The PPF requires a thorough treatment using specialized tools and care products, and the outcome depends on the extent of the scratch.
- The color-changing film usually can only cover the scratch by performing a local repair or re-laminating the affected area.
c. Deep Scratches
Feature: The scratch has penetrated the protective coating and even exposed the car paint. The repair is highly unlikely to succeed. Replacement is necessary.
Repair Method: Such scratches cannot be repaired by heating or polishing. They can only be replaced with a new membrane. If not dealt with in time, the scratched area may also warp due to water vapor or dust infiltration at the edges.
Step-by-Step DIY Methods
For minor scratches, some car owners can try simple DIY repair methods. However, before proceeding, it is important to note that these methods are only suitable for minor scratches and their effectiveness is limited. For medium to deep scratches, professional treatment is still necessary.
Regarding PPF :
PPF usually uses TPU material and has a certain "heat repair" capability.
- Hot Water Method: Slowly pour warm water (40 - 60℃) onto the scratched area. Minor scratches will naturally heal due to the flow of molecular structure.
- Hot Air Gun Method: Use a hot air gun or hair dryer to uniformly heat the scratched area. Be sure to maintain a safe distance to avoid excessive heating that causes deformation or blistering of the film material.
Suitable for minor surface scratches, but ineffective against medium-depth scratches.
Regarding Vinyl Wrap:
The color-changing film is made of PVC and does not have self-healing properties. More repairs rely on physical or visual concealment.
- Minor Scratches: Use a fine polishing agent or a dedicated plastic repair product to improve the visual appearance of the scratches. However, the operation should be carried out with caution as excessive polishing may damage the film layer.
- Decorative Repair: If the scratch location is obvious, a small sticker or a small piece of film material can be added for "visual masking" to achieve the desired effect.
The repair effect is limited, and deep scratches usually cannot be completely removed.
Professional Repair Options
When the scratch on the car film is deep or the DIY method fails to handle it effectively, the best option is to have it repaired by a professional technician. Professional restoration not only ensures the quality of the repair but also avoids secondary damage.
① Heat Repair + Polishing (PPF Professional Care)
For the self-healing film (PPF), technicians will use equipment such as hot air guns and steam machines to heat the scratched area, allowing the film material molecules to re-level. Minor scratches will quickly disappear. In cases where necessary, professional polishing and care agents will also be used to further enhance the surface gloss.
② Local reapplication (replacement of damaged area)
If the scratches are concentrated in a small area, the repair shop usually opts for replacing the membrane material locally. This method is cost-effective and avoids the need for the entire vehicle to be dismantled. It is commonly used for door panels, rearview mirrors or the corners of the engine hood.
③ Complete replacement (for severe scratches or extensive damage)
When the scratches have penetrated the coating layer or the coverage area is too large, and local repair cannot achieve the desired effect, it is often necessary to replace the entire piece. Although the cost is higher, it can restore the overall texture of the vehicle body and avoid the aesthetic impact caused by local color differences.
④ Cost Reference
- Minor Local Repair: Approximately $50 - $150, depending on the size of the area and the difficulty of the work.
- Local Area Replacement: Usually starts at $200+, and the cost is higher if it involves high-end membrane materials or complex curved surfaces.
- Full Vehicle Re-lamination: The price varies significantly depending on the material, ranging from $2,000 - $6,000.
How to Prevent Scratches on Plastic Car Film？
No matter how good the protective effect of the car film is, it is impossible to completely avoid wear and tear during daily use. However, through proper maintenance, the probability of scratches can be significantly reduced, and the lifespan of the film material can be extended.
Regular cleaning
The surface of the car film is prone to accumulate dust and sand. If not cleaned in time, these hard particles will cause scratches when wiped. It is recommended to first use a high-pressure water gun for rinsing, then clean with a soft sponge or double-layered velvet car wash gloves to avoid direct dry wiping.
Use special vehicle coating maintenance agent
High-quality car film conditioner can form a protective layer on the surface of the film. This not only reduces minor scratches but also enhances the film material's anti-fouling and waterproof properties, making daily cleaning much easier. Especially for color-changing films (Vinyl Wrap), regular maintenance can significantly delay aging.
Avoid using hard-bristled brushes or low-quality towels
Hard brushes or inferior towel fibers are rough and are likely to leave obvious scratches on the membrane surface. It is recommended to use superfine fiber towels or special car film cleaning cloths, and combine them with neutral car wash liquid to reduce damage during cleaning.
Choose high-quality PPF
If a higher level of scratch resistance is required, you can choose TPU material self-healing PPF. This type of film can automatically return to its original shape through thermal repair when it suffers minor scratches, significantly enhancing durability. According to tests, the service life of high-quality PPF can reach 5-10 years, which is much longer than that of ordinary PVC color-changing films.
FAQ
Q1: Do minor scratches need to be dealt with immediately?
→ If it's just a minor surface scratch, it won't have much impact on the appearance. You can leave it untreated for now. For PPF, minor scratches will usually repair themselves under the influence of sunlight or hot water. However, if the scratch is quite obvious, it is recommended to handle it as soon as possible to prevent stains or dust from seeping in.
Q2: Can the vinyl wrap self-heal like the PPF?
No. The PVC color-changing film does not have the property of thermal repair. Scratches can only be improved in appearance through polishing, covering, or partial replacement.
Q3: Will the scratch repair leave any marks?
It depends on the material of the membrane and the depth of the scratch. Minor scratches on PPF can usually be repaired without leaving any marks, while moderate or deep scratches, even after professional treatment, may still leave slight marks.
Q4: Will there be color differences when performing local replacements?
It is possible. During use, the car film may experience slight fading due to light exposure and environmental factors. When new and old film materials are joined together, especially on high-gloss or metallic-colored car films, the color difference is more likely to be noticed.
Q5: Is DIY repair reliable?
The DIY method is only suitable for minor scratches and comes with certain risks. For instance, excessive polishing might damage the protective layer. For moderate or deep scratches, it is best to leave the job to professional technicians to avoid causing more damage.
Veintone Expert Insights
In our daily construction and after-sales experience in Veintone, we have found that most scratches on vehicle films can be handled. According to the data, approximately 70% of minor scratches can be restored through heating or professional care, especially on high-quality PPF (self-healing film), where the effect is more pronounced. This type of film material utilizes the heat repair feature, allowing the surface molecules to rearrange themselves, thereby eliminating minor scratches and keeping the vehicle surface as new.
However, for Vinyl wrap, the situation is different. Since its material is PVC and does not have self-healing capabilities, once there are deep scratches, usually only a local replacement can be used to solve the problem. If the damaged area is large, it may even require an entire replacement, resulting in higher maintenance costs. Therefore, car owners should fully consider the maintenance issues in the initial material selection.
Veintone always advises customers to opt for high-quality self-healing films when applying the films. This not only reduces the frequency of daily maintenance but also effectively lowers the long-term usage costs. We offer a one-stop service, including film material selection, professional installation and post-installation maintenance, to help car owners find the best balance between appearance, durability and cost-effectiveness, ensuring that the car film remains in optimal condition throughout its entire usage period.
Get Expert Help for Scratch Repair
Whether the scratch on the car film can be repaired mainly depends on two key factors: the material of the film and the depth of the scratch.
- For PPF (self-healing film), minor scratches can usually be automatically restored through heat repair.
- For Vinyl Wrap (color-changing film), the scratch repair effect is limited. Especially for deep damage, in most cases, only partial replacement is possible.
In terms of the repair method, the DIY approach is suitable for minor scratches, such as heat repair or polishing. However, for moderate or deep scratches, the best choice is still to seek the assistance of professional technicians to ensure the quality and safety of the repair. When choosing the film, prioritize high-quality materials and combine with correct daily care to minimize scratch problems and extend the lifespan of the car film.
Not sure if the scratches can be repaired? Contact the Veintone professional team, and we will provide a professional assessment and the best repair solution based on your vehicle's material and actual situation. From material selection, professional construction to after-sales maintenance, Veintone helps you keep your vehicle's appearance as new and avoids unnecessary replacement costs.
📩E-mail ：veintonefilm@gmail.com
🌐 Website: https://veintonefilm.com/
Reference
How to Remove Scratches From Paint Protection Film?
How to Fix Scratches in Plastic Car Film: Step-by-Step Guide