Paint Protection Film is a thermoplastic urethane film (TPU). It is optically clear and has a pressure sensitive adhesive backing. It has UV inhibitors which prevent the sun from turning the film yellow.
A clear bra is the trade name for paint protection film applied to a vehicle. It replaces the traditional leather or black vinyl car bra and it is invisible when installed and thus the name “clear bra”. It is also called paint shield and clear mask.
It is 6 mil (.006) thick with 2 mil adhesive backing. It is considered to be 8 mil material.
The purpose for installing a clear bra on your vehicle is to prevent damage to paint. This damage could be flying road debris which chips your paint or insects that cause dulling of paint from acids or scrubbing to remove them. It is intended to help maintain your cars value and therefore should be considered an investment.
You can have the entire vehicle covered if it you would like. Typical packages include the front bumper, mirrors and 24″ of the hood. If the line across the hood bothers you, then just cover the entire hood. Rocker panels, door sills, trunk lid openings and door handle cups are other commonly protected areas.
The material has a liner which must be removed prior to application. When the liner is removed the adhesive side is exposed. This adhesive is wetted with a slippery solution allowing the film to be properly positioned on the vehicle. It is then squeegeed down which removes the slip solution and secures the film.
Yes and no. After 48 hours the film will have bonded well enough to the vehicle that you can pressure wash it without any problems. (This practice is not recommended) At any time however, it can be removed. This occasionally done prior to selling the vehicle.
With the new technology in our polyurethane films, it is possible to produce films that resist yellowing indefinitely. The length of time that your film will stay crystal clear also depends on how you maintain the film. The cleaning products used on the film, as well as environmental factors such as sunlight and air pollution also play a key role in the aesthetic longevity of the film.
Whenever possible. Occasionally due to after-market body kits or older vintage vehicles we have to use bulk films and custom fit the clear bra. All new vehicles have pre-cut kits available and are used primarily because the machine cut corners give it a clean OEM look .
There are have several different companies that we use based on the design that we feel gives the best coverage. Most patterns come from Xpel, Diamond Shield and SunTek.
There are several factors involved, but a typical install takes 4-6 hours. We wash and clay bar all surfaces prior to installation. All water is removed with air to make sure all the small pieces of dirt that hide in headlight recesses etc., are removed insuring a blemish free install. If the vehicle has blemishes in the paint such as swirl marks, we machine polish the area so that it blends in with the film. Once the film is installed we like to let it sit for 30-60 minutes and then go over every edge to insure that it is positioned and bonded properly.
