Does XPEL PPF Turn Yellow?
The question we received the most “Does XPEL PPF turn yellow over time?” “How long can it last?”
Today, we will answer your question once and for all. The reason this problem arises is because of a chemical in the adhesive of the paint protection film. Over time in extended sunlight or other harsh weather caused discoloration which makes it unpleasant to look at. In today’s world, technology got better and the manufacturers learned how to prevent discoloration from adhesive.
XPEL PPF is coated with ultraclear high-performance acrylic adhesive which has excellent adhesion on a broad range of surfaces while resisting disturbances during installation. This high-performance acrylic adhesive is formulated to resist delamination, will not
damage paint or leave behind residue upon removal post-installation.
Consumers must still be cautious, as there are films on the market that still use outdated adhesives because they are cheaper. Sticking to a reputable manufacturer of PPF will ensure that you get modern technology with adhesive you can count on.
TPU Construction:
Polyurethane is formed from the reaction between a diisocyanate and a diol compound. It can be divided into aromatic and aliphatic based. These 2 chemical structures have a huge difference in discoloration.
Aromatic polyurethane is a polymer containing cyclic aromatic structures. It contains aromatic rings and has brittle properties. It is not stable under sunlight and tendency to turn yellow in 1-2 years.
Aliphatic polyurethanes are a polymer that has no aromatic structures and has flexible properties. It is UV stable, very durable under sunlight, and holds color very well over time.
If you are interested in exploring the differences, you can Google it. (We don’t teach chemistry). Our main point allows you to understand one thing: PPF is a product that relies on TPU substrates. The use of different substrates determines the PPF life and yellowing resistance.
Will XPEL PPF turn yellow after 6 years?
XPEL PPF is a high-performance aliphatic thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and is the most advanced and leading brand in the car paint protection film realm. XPEL PPF can resist accidental scratches very well, but environmental factors such as oxidation and corrosion are the most harmful factors to car paint and PPF.
- If the PPF is the original product from XPEL, turning yellow is unlikely to happen. XPEL PPF has a history of about 6 years in Malaysia and tested by the market and Malaysia road and environment conditions. We are proud to say that for the past 7 years, there has been no real case of XPEL PPF turning yellow. After all, it is the only brand that dares to guarantee a non-yellowing statement.
What is the basis that PPF won’t turn yellow? (PVC VS TPH VS TPU)
- PVC PPF. The yellowing problem of PVC PPF will occur anytime less than 2 years. But yellowing of PVC PPF is not the fatal flaw, the biggest defect of PVC PPF is the pulverization produced by the volatilization of “plasticizer”, and the cracking caused by pulverization is more fatal.
- TPH PPF. It is a combination of PVC and TPU material. A plasticizer is added to the traditional PVC material, and it has good flexibility after improvement. However, due to the material, it is still brittle during use and weak in protection. At the same time, the yellowing of PPF will occur in 1-2 years. TPH adhesive layer is easy to fall off, it will produce offset printing or leftover glue on the paint surface.
- TPU PPF. Many people know TPU is the best material for PPF, but it is actually divided into different levels of quality. TPU falls under the plastic category. The root cause of the yellowing issue lies in the ultraviolet radiation. For a low-quality TPU, the manufacturer uses coatings or other technology to block the ultraviolet rays to delay the yellowing, but eventually, after a few years, it will show its true color. (time) (grading equality). At XPEL, with more than 20 years of experience, R&D development and OEM for large automotive brands such as Porsche Germany and Porsche North America. We have mastered the production technology and used only the best non-yellowing TPU PPF available in the market today.
*Paint Protection Film has the tendency to turn yellow on white color paint, this is because white paint will amplify the PPF details. Low-Grade PPF material will show its true color in less than 1 year of usage. Thus, choosing the right PPF at the beginning is crucial. Locate our nearest Certified XPEL Dealer to find out more about XPEL PPF.