When a 2012 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 rolled into Olson’s Custom Detailing in New Lenox, Illinois, owner Jake Olson prepared for the worst. The car’s paint protection film (PPF), applied 13 years ago, needed to be removed after the owner damaged a portion while placing a new badge on the front bumper. What Olson discovered during the process became a testament to the long-term benefits of PPF.
A Time-Tested Layer of Protection
“The Corvette had been maintained well,” Olson recalls when it arrived. “Pristine condition, all things considered.” The protective film had been installed by a mobile detailer shortly after the car was purchased. Although the owner no longer remembered the installer’s name, Olson notes, “He did a very good job.”
Jake Olson holds up the 13-year-old paint protection film he removed off of a 2012 Corvette.Given the film’s age, Olson expected complications during removal. “I was anticipating challenges due to the length of time the film had been on the vehicle,” he says. “To my surprise, we had no problems.”
Using steam, he and his team took a slow, methodical approach to ensure they didn’t disturb the underlying paint . “Because we didn’t know exactly how the film was applied, we took extra care removing the film.”
That cautious strategy paid off, and the results spoke volumes.
Paint Preserved, Even After Years on the Road
Once the film was lifted, Olson got a clear look at the paint underneath—and was immediately impressed. “There were minor scratches under the film, but there were no rock chips or other noticeable damage,” he says. The protective barrier had shielded the Corvette’s factory paint for over a decade and years of use.
According to multiple industry sources i, PPF typically lasts between five to 10 years, depending on factors such as installation, environmental conditions, and maintenance.
“This vehicle is usually driven in the warmer months,” Olson states, but says it’s also used year-round, making the film’s performance all the more notable. Even with consistent road exposure, the paint remained remarkably well-preserved.
The owner was informed ahead of time about potential risks that can come with removing older film, so he didn’t expect perfection. But he was stunned by what he saw. “He was in shock that the film actually did its job and held up for the length of time that it was on the vehicle,” Olson says.
So impressed was Olson with the result that he published it on his company Facebook page, complete with photos and videos. One user – Nathan, from Nathan Tints – had this to say about the unveiling: “I’m impressed you were able to get it off without damaging the paint. That’s a big concern of mine with the vehicles that have had their PPF on for too long.”
Longevity and Value of PPF
This experience reinforced Olson’s belief in the value of professionally installed PPF as a long-term investment. “When you use a product that’s made to last and it’s maintained properly, it can absolutely protect your vehicle for years,” he says. He noted that not all protective films perform equally over time, having seen some deteriorate much sooner.
“I have had other vehicles with other brands of film on for less time that cracked and had come off in pieces,” Olson says. “After this removal, I can say I myself am impressed with how well this film held up.”
For those still undecided about whether PPF is worth the cost, Olson’s message is straightforward. “I wouldn’t apply something I know is going to come back in a few years because it failed. If the film is taken care of and you are following the protocols set in place, then there is no reason you shouldn’t be protecting your vehicle.”
Thirteen years after it was applied, this Corvette’s paint is a shining example of what proper protection—and care—can do.