The Top Coat
Around 2012 we introduced a PPF to the market called WS Shield. On paper, it had promised to be a transformative product — in actuality, this was not the case. We discovered that its championing feature was also its greatest weakness: Fast self-healing is more prone to contamination.
To understand why, it’s important to first know of PPF’s composition. Simply put, a conventional transparent PPF is composed of 3 layers: Adhesive, TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane), and a Top Coat.
TPU is the main material of this composition (a paint protector) but despite being UV resistant, it can easily be exposed to adverse weather conditions without a protective layer. The most recent generations of PPF have their TPU protected by a coating layer called “Top Coat.”
A resin with anti-UV, hydrophobic, and/or self-regenerating characteristics is applied to the surface of the TPU film during the PPF production process. Its main function is to protect the TPU against the actions of time. The composition of the Top Coat may vary depending on the PPF brand and also product type.
Contamination Defense
A Top Coat is one of the frontline soldiers in the fight against contamination and scratches, consequently, it is also a determinant of how the self-healing function will play out in that film. Depending on the density of its molecules and the chemical composition of the top coating, the self-healing function will react in various ways.
When a Top Coat has a high molecular density, it can be less flexible and provides a self-healing effect that requires external assistance from devices such as a heat gun. This type of coating, due to its characteristic of high molecular density, may turn difficult, as it can prevent water and pollution residues from penetrating between the molecules and causing contamination. This film also has little stretchability, hence a slightly more difficult install.
However, TPU with a low molecular density Top Coat generally tends to be more flexible and has a visible self-healing effect without the need for a heat gun. This is usually marketed as a “Super Auto Curing Film.” While great in concept, its reality shows that these films tend to suffer the most from contamination over time. Fast/Super Self-Healing Films may look attractive but will give you contamination and yellowing problem much more often than high-density coated films.
DYNOshield Out-Shines
The best of both worlds would have the ideal density to provide just the right self-healing effect that doesn’t let its guard down on contamination. At STEK, we have engineered a variety of coatings and with a specially registered patent, our DYNOshield PPF is crafted with a unique Top Coat. Instead of a layer applied over the TPU, STEK technology uses an infusion method within the structures of the TPU, this guarantees DYNOshield a certain clarity, brightness, flexibility, and resistance to contamination unmatched by current competitors.
To learn more about STEK, visit our website at www.stekautomotive.com
