7 Truck Paint Protection Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Keeping your truck's paint damage-free requires knowing what can hinder your progress. Here are truck paint protection mistakes and how to avoid them.

Chipped paint doesn't just ruin the aesthetic of your truck. It can decrease its value and open up more possibilities for damage. It exposes the bare metal underneath the paint to water, salt, and other rust-inducing elements.



Investing in paint protection products is a surefire way to protect your vehicle. Still, you'll need to install it the right way, so read on to learn some truck paint protection mistakes and how to avoid them.

1. Washing Your Truck Incorrectly

Washing your truck should be part of its routine maintenance. If you don't clean it at least once a month, dirt and grime will build up over time. It's best to wash the vehicle every week or two.

This debris could scratch your paint and damage the truck. When this happens, you'll leave the metal open to water damage. The problem also makes itself worse because more dirt and debris will then scratch the metal and corrode it further.

Grime will also end up corroding the paint in the long term. It will weaken your paint job. Make sure that you don't make the mistake of failing to wash your truck regularly.

2. Failing to Clean Before Protection Film Installation

Before you install paint protection products, you'll need to clean your truck the right way. If you don't remove contaminants before installation, you're going to apply the film over the dirt and grime. This will just trap the debris and deteriorate the film quickly.

This is true even if you wash your truck regularly. You need to clean the vehicle immediately before installing the protective film.

You also will probably need to remove bird droppings and sticky sap from your vehicle's surface. Use a damp washcloth, warm water, and soap to scrub areas with any grime on them. This will get your vehicle ready for applying the film.

3. Not Using the Right Paint Protection Products

There are 3 categories of paint protection products for trucks.

Wax is one of the most common, but it's not very effective. It doesn't hold up in high temperatures, meaning that it will melt on hot or sunny days. It also isn't going to stay on when you wash the vehicle, so you'll have to keep reapplying it.

Sealants and ceramic coatings are slightly better options because they have higher melting points and precisely cover the surface of your vehicle. However, they're a bit expensive and hard to apply. They also won't last forever and you'll need to decontaminate your truck often.

A paint protection film is the #1 technology that you can use to protect your truck's paint job. It keeps your vehicle looking as good as new while being basically invisible to those looking at your vehicle. It's durable, long-lasting, and cost-effective.

4. Trying to DIY Paint Protection

Installing paint protection film is also a breeze... but only when you leave it to experts.

Professionals are trained in how to install these paint protection products in a way that makes them effective. We know how to coat every part of your vehicle and ensure that the coat is even. We also can get the job done quickly and efficiently so that you can keep your truck as safe as possible.

Expert-installed protection film can cover every surface of your truck including the hood, bumpers, door edges, handles, and straps. It can also coat your side-view mirrors and fenders. This will keep your truck safe from the elements anywhere that it may be exposed to them.

DIYing installation won't let you lay the coat down as well as possible. You will likely miss areas and leave them vulnerable. 

5. Too Much Sunlight Exposure

Leaving your vehicle in direct sunlight is one of the top truck paint protection mistakes. Trucks are made to withstand UV rays, but they will eventually wear down if you're storing them in the sun 24/7.

Heat and rays can dull the paint. When the paint fades, the truck will look worse and be of a much lower value.

This fading also means that the protective layer is thinning and weakening. It eventually will chip and bubble up, so your truck is going to look pretty bad after a while.

You can solve this problem by parking in shadier areas. This is especially important on hotter days with more sunlight. Garages are ideal, but parking in the shade of a building or tree will also work.

6. Using Harmful Cleaning Products

Washing your truck is important, but using the wrong products can cause issues. This is even true after protective film installation. Hard cleaners and harsh chemicals can scrub the film away over time and will also likely scratch and chip the paint underneath.

Ask the expert that applies your protective products about what cleaners are safe for your truck. They will point you towards items that are made to not be abrasive on the paint.

Don't use anything that isn't specifically made for vehicles on your truck. All cleaners you use should be specifically made for automotive applications.

7. Not Engaging in Aftercare

Many people make the mistake of failing to clean their vehicles properly after the protective layer is installed. They think that the film alone is enough to keep their truck safe.

Unfortunately, even trucks that have protective film require aftercare. Keep washing the vehicle regularly. If you don't, the film will be ineffective.

Avoid Truck Paint Protection Mistakes With Expert Help

Now that you know how to avoid common truck paint protection mistakes, it's time to get started. Our experts offer a wide range of truck services including installing paint protection film.

Solar Shade Truck And Car Paradise are excited to help you protect your vehicle and keep it looking sharp. Request a free paint protection estimate to get started with all relevant information.