Protect your boat with XPEL marine surface film
Owning a boat is an incredibly rewarding experience. But just like any prized possession, it needs proper care to stay beautiful and functional. All parts of your boat are affected by the environment and the contaminants produced by humans. Sun, saltwater, and constant exposure to the elements can ruin your boat’s paint, leaving it dull and vulnerable to damage. Even brand-new boats will have some degree of oxidation. Is there any chance to stop this wear and tear?
Our packages Recent reviewsHere’s where boat paint protection steps in. You can use various marine surface films to form an invisible shield and safeguard your investment. A special wrap will add a touch of style to your boat and keep it pristine. Let’s learn more about what coatings you can use and their benefits.
Do you need to wrap your boat?
The marine environment exposes boats to various threats that can cause damage:
- Sun. UV rays can cause fading, discoloration, and deterioration of boat surfaces over time.
- Saltwater. It can be corrosive and cause oxidation, rust, and erosion of metal surfaces, as well as damage to paint and gel coat.
- Waterline stains. Stagnant water and marine growth along the waterline can lead to unsightly stains and discoloration on the hull.
- Physical damage. Boats are susceptible to scratches, chips, and abrasions from impacts with debris, dock collisions, and general wear and tear.
Protective coatings minimize these risks and shield the surface of a boat.
What boats can be wrapped?
Hull protection films can be applied to various boats regardless of size, material, or style. Here are just some examples:
- Yachts. All-size yachts need extra shields, even luxury vessels. Protective coverage allows yacht owners to customize the appearance of their vessels and safeguard it against various hazards.
- Sailboats. These vessels need surface protection from UV damage, saltwater, and abrasions.
- Speedboats. High-speed impacts and harsh conditions make sailboats especially susceptible to damage. Protective coatings effectively shield the paint and gel coat for years.
- Pontoon boats. Wrapping can transform the appearance of pontoon boats and protect their aluminum or fiberglass surfaces from scratches, dings, and fading.
- Jet skis. Protective films are used to minimize scratches and UV damage and allow jet ski owners to customize the vessel’s look.
- Fishing boats. These are often exposed to rugged conditions that leave signs on their surfaces. Wrapping can minimize the consequences and make them more visible on the water.
Types of boat protection
There are several popular options to customize and protect your boat.
Vinyl wraps
This covering is a popular choice for boat owners who want to customize their vessels. Vinyl wraps exist in unlimited colors, textures, and finishes. They are ideal for business branding. Besides, vinyl wraps protect the boat’s original paint and gel coat from UV damage, scratches, and fading. Vinyl-covered surfaces are much easier to clean. Besides, if you ever decide to change the design or sell your boat, the wrap can be professionally removed without damage.
Ceramic Coating
Ceramic coating is a liquid polymer that is applied to the boat’s surface. It bonds with the exterior and creates a hard, hydrophobic layer. A key benefit of this protective solution is its water-repellent properties. Water, dirt and grime simply roll off the surface. Ceramic coating makes cleaning and maintenance easier. It also provides UV protection, prevents paint oxidation and fading, and enhances the boat’s shine and gloss.
PPF (Paint Protection Film)
Unlike vinyl wraps, PPF is fully transparent and offers limited customization options. However, this film is famous for its superior protection and self-healing capabilities. Minor scratches, chips, and abrasions can be fully restored. The film is designed to withstand the harsh marine environment, such as saltwater, high-speed impacts, and extreme weather conditions. PPF is a worthy investment thanks to its exclusive durability and longevity.
Is it expensive to wrap a boat?
The cost of wrapping a boat depends on several factors:
- size of the boat
- type of wrap material used
- design complexity
- installation service cost
Typically, you must be ready to pay from a few hundred to several thousand dollars for boat protection. Smaller boats, such as jet skis or small fishing boats, are cheaper to protect compared to larger vessels like yachts or speedboats. Additionally, the type of wrap material chosen (vinyl wraps may be cheaper than prime-quality PPF) and special customization requests (intricate graphics will involve extra work) will also impact the overall cost.
Maintenance rules for a wrapped boat
Keeping your boat wrap looking great depends on proper care. Here is a simple guide to help you maintain your boat coating in a good state for long.
- Regular cleaning. Use warm, soapy water and a soft cloth to gently wipe away dirt and debris from your boat wrap. Avoid high-pressure washers and abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the protective film.
- Protection against obvious damage. Carefully dock your boat to prevent scratching the wrap against rough surfaces. Store your boat in a shaded area or use a cover to shield it from prolonged sunlight exposure.
- Regular checks. Schedule regular maintenance checks to ensure your boat wrap stays in top condition. A professional inspection will immediately discover and eliminate signs of wear or damage.
These simple steps will protect your PPF or vinyl wrap investment.
Opt for a professional installation
Choose professional installation if you want to achieve the best results and enjoy all the benefits of the chosen protection. At Tinting Chicago, we have the expertise to apply any wrap flawlessly, be it ceramic coating, vinyl wraps or PPF. We use only high-quality materials with lifetime warranties, like XPEL marine protection products. Our experts apply efficient techniques; they will save you time and ensure a perfect finish. We offer different packages that include film combinations, full and partial applications and much more. Our goal is to find a winning solution for every need and budget. Trust your boat to us, and we will take care it gets the protection it deserves.