Differences Between Gloss & Matte 3M Paint Protection Film
Car enthusiasts and everyday vehicle owners both understand how much effort goes into maintaining a like-new appearance of their vehicles. One way to protect a car’s paint is by installing 3M paint protection film, otherwise known as PPF. PPF is a self-healing film that is applied primarily to the most vulnerable areas of a car, but can be applied to almost any surface of the vehicle.
3M Paint Protection Film is a self-healing film that is applied primarily to the most vulnerable painted areas of a car, but can be installed to almost any surface of the vehicle. It’s usually clear, but can come colored as well. PPF is also known as a clear bra, which is usually a partial PPF installation that covers a portion of the front bumper, hood and fenders.
One of the main reasons why car owners choose to buy 3M paint protection film is because it adds a virtually invisible, self-healing layer of protection against small rock chips, tree sap, salt, and other types of road debris encountered when driving at highway speeds.
However, when it comes to choosing between a gloss or matte finish, some owners may be unsure how to proceed without doing some research.
In this guide below, our experts will outline the biggest differences between these two very popular clear PPF finishes so that prospective buyers are able to speak with confidence and be able to make an informed decision on which type of PPF is best for them.
3M Gloss Paint Protection Film
Gloss PPF is a clear film that is designed to provide a high-shine, reflective finish to your car’s original factory paint. It is perfect for car owners who want their vehicles to retain a glossy, mirror-like showroom appearance. Even after a couple of years, a vehicle with 3M Gloss PPF applied to it can still look like it just came off the factory floor. 3M Paint Protection Film lasts for many years, and is backed by a 10 year manufacturer’s warranty from 3M.
3M Gloss PPF is highly durable and offers excellent protection against scratches, chips, and other types of damage. It also helps make vehicles easier to clean, as dirt and grime are less likely to stick to the glossy surface.
Benefits of Gloss PPF:
- Keeps the car looking new and shiny
- Makes everyday vehicle cleaning easier
- Virtually invisible once installed
- Self-healing paint protection film lasts up to 10 years
- Provides excellent protection from scratches
- Repels against dirt, rock chips, salt, sand, bugs, tree sap & more
- Backed by a 10 year manufacturer’s warranty from 3M
3M Matte Paint Protection Film
Matte PPF is designed to provide a non-reflective, matte finish to your car’s paintwork. It is perfect for car owners who prefer a more understated, subtle appearance for their vehicles. Matte PPF is long-lasting, highly durable and offers excellent protection against scratches, chips, and damage from other types of road debris. 3M Paint Protection Film lasts for many years, and is backed by a 10 year manufacturer’s warranty from 3M.
Matte PPF can blend with your original matte paint or upgrade your gloss finish with a smooth, satin look—no repainting required. While the matte finish is growing in popularity, it is still unique enough to get noticed in a crowd.
Benefits of Matte PPF:
- Matte PPF gives your vehicle a unique finish
- Easily removable to restore your vehicle’s original gloss finish
- No need to polish the car’s paint once applied
- Repels against dirt, rock chips, salt, sand, bugs, tree sap & more
- Provides excellent protection against scratches
- Self-healing paint protection film lasts up to 10 years
- Backed by a 10 year manufacturer’s warranty from 3M
Which is Best: Matte PPF or Gloss PPF?
In conclusion, both gloss and matte 3M PPF offer excellent, self-healing automotive paint protection that can last for many years. All 3M Paint Protection Films are also backed by a 10 year manufacturer’s warranty from 3M, which covers any defects in the film when professionally installed.
Another benefit of 3M PPF is that it increases the resale value of your car.
The decision between matte vs. gloss PPF ultimately depends on personal preferences as well as the look & feel you’re seeking to achieve for your vehicle.
Those who prefer their car to have a shiny, reflective appearance are more likely to choose gloss PPF. On the other hand, car owners who prefer a more understated, subtle appearance may be more inclined to go with matte paint protection film.
Regardless of which finish you select, 3M PPF is an excellent investment for protecting your car’s paint as well as the rest of its exterior surfaces for years to come.