Paint Protection Films

Automotive Paint Films are a transparent, urethane sheet that protects your car’s painted surface from a variety of damages. They also help preserve your vehicle’s paint by reducing chipping and scratching. They are commonly used to protect decorative graphics, fleet markings, and other surfaces from wear and tear.

The most popular type of paint protection film is urethane, a clear, lightweight polymer with incredible elasticity. It was developed during the Vietnam War, when the United States military was struggling to repair rotor blades on its helicopters that were damaged by tree branches and debris. The military partnered with 3M to create a durable, but lightweight urethane film that could replace the entire rotor blade for a fraction of the cost.

Unlike plastic, a urethane film is resistant to corrosion and acidic contaminants such as bird droppings, bug splatter, or mineral deposits and acid rain. It does not oxidize and does not fade, which means it is an excellent choice for your car or truck's paint. It is also a good option for those who do not want to spend money on ceramic coatings or traditional carnauba waxes. Typically, urethane films are more effective than ceramic coatings in keeping your vehicle's paint from fading and maintaining its glossy appearance for longer. They can be applied to any surface that will benefit from protection from rock chips, scratches, or dings. For example, they can be installed on the front bumper cover, hood, grille, side-view mirror covers, and door edges.

Thermoplastic Urethane

PPF is a thermoplastic urethane that goes over any painted surface on your vehicle’s exterior. This type of film is a great option for people who want to protect their car from the elements, but aren’t quite ready to invest in a new paint job or paintless dent repair.

Clear Bra

The first branded term in the automotive paint film industry is “Clear Bra.” You may have seen those thick, clear “bras” that car dealerships applied to hoods to protect them from rocks, gravel, road salt and other debris. The clear bra was a popular choice for the '90s and '00s.

Self-Healing

The top layer of a quality Clear Bra is made up of elastomeric polymers that can return to their natural shape after they are stretched or disfigured, providing the film with its “selfhealing” property. This enables the film to absorb light scratches and keep them from causing swirl marks when the film is removed from the surface.

In addition to its self-healing properties, a quality film will also resist chemical exposure, making it perfect for car enthusiasts who spend a lot of time on the water. It is also UV resistant, guarding your paint from fading and discoloration caused by the sun’s UV rays.

Acrylic Adhesive

The adhesive that binds the film to your car is another critical factor in its long-lasting performance. The old adhesives that were used on many older films would dry out and turn yellow over time, which could have a negative impact on your vehicle’s paint. Modern PPF manufacturers use adhesives that are UV resistant, ensuring that your car’s paint will not get oxidized. Moreover, most new PPFs come with warranties of 10 years against yellowing, bubbling or cracking.

How It Works: Installation

A high quality paint protection film contains a top layer that is comprised of an elastomeric polymer substance. The polymer substance will return to its original shape after being stretched or disfigured, so it "self-heals" if light scratches happen and won't cause swirl marks when cured with a light heat application. It will also not yellow from UV exposure; ensuring protected areas are nearly invisible. This is one of the most significant advantages to this product, and it's why more and more customers are choosing PPF over ceramic coatings or carnauba waxes. Getting your PPF installed is an easy process that should be done by a professional. Typically, a car dealer will be the best place to have this done. They should be able to provide you with a quote for the cost of installation, as well as an estimate for the product itself.

Your dealer should be able to answer any questions you may have about the application process or warranty, and should be able to recommend an experienced technician who will do the work properly. Choosing the right installer can make all of the difference between an expensive repair or an inexpensive one. A good automotive paint film is an investment that can add a lot of value to your vehicle, so take the time to find the right product for you. Consider your budget, look for a product with a warranty, find the color you want, and decide on the best installation method.