Paint Protection Film 101: Everything to Know About Clear Bras

Americans spend around $9,282 on their vehicle every year. It's clear we shower our cars in TLC whether it's washing or waxing them regularly. 

But we must protect our vehicle’s paint from everyday use, which is why paint protection film is so handy.

Not 100% sure what it is? Don’t worry; you’ve come to the right place. Here’s everything you need to know.

What Is Paint Protection Film? 

Otherwise known as “Clear Bra”, car paint protection film is a transparent layer made from urethane, a versatile polymer. It looks like plastic, but it isn't susceptible to tears and cracks. 

3M developed it during the Vietnam War when helicopters were crashing because of damage on the rotor blades. The military wanted a cost-effective, resilient technology instead of replacing an entire rotor blade, and PPF was created. 

Nowadays, PPF is solely used for car paint protection and is applied to the clear coat of painted surfaces on new and used vehicles. You can choose from an array of appearances like a matte finish or an optically clear version, the most popular option. 

Benefits of Paint Protection Film (PPF) 

A clear bra for cars has many advantages. For example:

Retains Your Car’s Resale Value 

Used car buyers often want vehicles with a good appearance. Even if your car runs well, a poor appearance can reduce its resale value or deter customers completely.

Auto paint protection is the key to retaining your car’s resale value as it protects your car from the elements, ensuring it looks sleek for longer. Further, PPF saves you money on repairs as it’s extra protection for your vehicle’s exterior. 

Makes Cleaning Your Car Easier 

Another benefit of car paint protection is how it prevents dust build-up from occurring. Many use cleaners with harsh cleaners to tackle any grime but this leads to discoloration. Instead, PPF protects damage as it acts as a chemical barrier for your car’s exterior. 

Cleaning your PPF is low-maintenance as you only need a soft cloth to clean your car instead of using soapy water.

Invisible Protection for Your Car 

PPF has a high resistance to impact and abrasion. For instance, it protects your vehicle from rock chips, acid rain, and minor wearing, which is fantastic for those who want to uphold their car’s appearance.

Its invisibility is also a significant plus especially as it enhances your car’s paintwork and gives it a glossy finish. The material is also flexible so it can return to its natural state after being stretched or disfigured.

Some PPFs have self-healing properties where you apply a heat gun or direct sunlight to minor scratches, and they’ll completely vanish! This is because the top layer of the PPF is an elastomeric polymer that helps keep its natural shape.

How Long Does PPF Last? 

PPF is durable and renowned for its longevity. A professionally installed PPF should last between 5 to 10 years. 

It’s important to get it done professionally as there are various factors that determine how long your PPF will last. For instance, you must prepare the vehicle’s exterior as it is only as effective as the surface it’s being applied to.

Surface Prep is a time-consuming process as any imperfections or contaminations from the paint must be removed before installing the PPF. 

As you can imagine, applying PPF is a delicate task as there can’t be any bubbles or creases in the material otherwise it will warp the layer of film. 

Things to Consider Before Applying PPF 

Before getting PPF professionally installed there are various factors to consider. For example:

Your Vehicle's Condition 

Even if your car comes straight from a dealership, it doesn’t mean the paint is perfect. There may be swirl-marks or defects that must be cleaned up before installing PPF which will affect the duration of prep and the price.

How Much Coverage You Want 

The amount of PPF coverage vehicle varies between owners. Some car owners want PPF in the most vulnerable areas like the hood, front bumper, and the rear wheel arch. 

Others may want the entire surface protected and the price will vary significantly between these two projects. 

Your Vehicle's Difficulty Rating 

Another factor determining the overall PPF installation price is how hard it is to apply to your vehicle.

PPF is a 2D piece of material that must be molded around a 3D object so it’s manipulated to go around your vehicle’s curves and contours.

This means that if your vehicle has a unique design then it will take more skill and time to apply the PPF which, again, may affect the price of your PPF job. 

If You Want Extra Protection 

Alongside PPF, you could also consider window tinting as it fortifies windows, gives you UV protection, and gives you necessary privacy. Doing so ensures your entire vehicle is safe and maintains an excellent appearance; and using a professional to get it installed will also ensure the work is done correctly.

That's Why You Should Get Paint Protection Film Installed 

Paint protection film has many benefits. For instance, it retains your vehicle’s resale value, prevents damage, is durable, and invisible, which is perfect if you want to maintain your vehicle’s current paint color.

You have the flexibility to use PPF to cover your entire car or just vulnerable parts. It’s essential to seek professional help as they will do the surface prep and guarantee that no bubbles or blistering occur.

Do you want PPF installed on your vehicle? If so, Xtreme Auto Glass & Window Tint would love to help. Contact us here for further details.