I must admit I did not know what to expect from the KC Region’s scheduled tech session with Wrap Effects in Lenexa, KS. I know what paint protection film is, better known simply as PPF. I have some on my car. But now I know the art behind its application and the product’s durability thanks to the up close and personal demonstration from the good folks at Wrap Effects.
David Ryff, one of the owners of Wrap Effects, greeted us and told us of the company’s history, their philosophy in using the product, and some in’s and out’s of the operation. The first room that we went to, I will call the color room. Stacked all around the room were rolls and rolls of vinyl wrap. David said when it comes to car wraps, there are two different categories of wrap films: calendered and cast. Calendered vinyl is thicker than cast and usually contains a more aggressive adhesive, whereas cast vinyl is highly conformable, “repositionable” and clean-removing. They also come in three basic finishes: gloss, matte, and metallic. There are more subsets of finishes, but those are the big three buckets. We were encouraged to touch and feel each kind. I was amazed at the variety of colors, shades, and finishes. I bet my daughter would go for a pink wrapped Porsche someday.
With questions from many of the club members answered, we headed downstairs. One by one we streamed down a flight and a half of stairs. Below the main entrance is Wrap Effects main work area. They could probably fit three cars in the space. My guess is they only work on two at a time, which would allow for plenty of elbow room. The room was very well lit with possibly 40 light bars covering the walls. The extra lighting helps reveal any blemishes or air bubbles that need to be addressed. The space was extremely clean. It has to be in order to keep debris from getting on the cars and under the wrap. That is no bueno.
David had a hood set in the center of the room. On it were three finishes: unprotected paint, a vinyl wrapped section, and one strip with only ceramic coating.
David showed us how the vinyl wrap protected the hood from rock chips. Yes, he literally hit the hood with rocks. Then he showed us how the film can “self-heal” with heat. For this, he took a blow torch to the vinyl. It was amazing to see the scratches from the rocks disappear.
Next David showed the water shedding qualities of a ceramic coating. Water on the ceramic treated section of the hood slid right off. The other two areas spotted up as the water clung to the untreated sections of the hood. So that’s how water spots happen. I’m suddenly digging this ceramic coating stuff.
Many club members with various styles of wraps on their cars showed up at the event. The parking lot was a rolling showcase of Wrap Effects talent. Hoods, bumpers, and full body wraps were on display.
There was one comment David said that stuck out most in my mind. “Your paint will never get better than it is right now.” Point being, don’t wait. There could be a rock with your name on it driving home.
~ Deborah