Key Questions to Ask When Ordering Matte paint protection film

Paint Protection Film (a.k.a. Clear Bra or PPF) is an added aftermarket barrier of protection for vehicle surfaces from an unforgiving world.

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PPF provides protection from:

• Road Impacts
• Light Scratches
• UV Rays
• Chemical Exposure
• Improper wash techniques and equipment
• Daily Life on the Road, Home, or out in the World

The Practical Protection Expectations of Paint Protection Film

While PPF is the best solution to protect vehicle surfaces, it is not 100% full proof.

Heavy and sharp or jagged debris pieces may pierce the protective film layer. While this is a rare occurrence, it does happen from time to time. Overall, Clear Bra protects surfaces from the overwhelming majority of road debris impacts.

It is important to mention that Paint Protection Film is a wearable item that is intended as an added protective measure. It is not a permanent vehicle surface fixture and it will eventually require removal.

Based on Signature Detailing’s clients in northern New Jersey, the average lifespan of PPF, on a frequently driven vehicle, has shown to be in the range of 6-8 years. This lifespan is heavily influenced by factors that include: driving frequency, sun exposure, driving location, vehicle storage habits, and maintenance habits.

When Paint Protection Film reaches the end of its lifespan, its protective aspects may start to dwindle. If you suspect your PPF has begun to lose its effectiveness, it’s best to have it properly evaluated by a trained professional.

Advanced Features of PPF & Clear Bra Films

PPF has evolved rapidly over the last decade. Manufacturers constantly improve their overall quality, appearance, and film features.

Popular features of leading PPF brands may include:

• A self-healing topcoat component within the film, helping to prevent fine scratches over time.
• Added UV protection.
• Enhanced Protection from environmental contamination.
• A possible reduction in the appearance of the original paint’s texture a.k.a. orange peel.
• A Glossier surface – depending on the OEM paint system.
• Some films have aesthetic gains such as tinted colors and matte finishes.

The list above describes some impressive new features to Paint Protection Films. However, it’s important to keep in mind these features are secondary to a film’s ability to adhere to panels, adding comprehensive protection against debris strikes and light impacts.

This is an important point because some films continually add more and more enhanced ‘features’, all the while sacrificing some of the films protection aspects. This is why it is important to consult a PPF professional to uncover the balance between a film’s features, benefits, and limitations prior to choosing which film is best to protect your vehicle.

Paint protection film (PPF), often called a clear bra, is one of the most valuable and most overlooked components of car maintenance. A good product can last up to ten years and keep a car looking like it just rolled off the lot.

The top-of-the-line films won’t blister, won’t turn yellow over time, or peel up at the edges. So what are the best paint protection films for cars, and what makes them so great? Some key questions need to be answered before you go all-in on a clear bra, including:

• What makes a good paint protection film?

• What should you look for in a good clear bra?

• What are the advantages of a car protective film?

• What is the process for buying and installing PPF?

• Does paint protection film damage paint?

• What’s the difference between self-healing and instant healing PPF?

• Which PPF is right for you?

If you’ve thought about having PPF installed on your vehicle, you’ll want to get familiar with some important information that will help you choose what’s best for your ride.

There are four layers of materials that work together to comprise high-quality clear bras:

1. Polyester release liner

   With competitive price and timely delivery, Kingfilm sincerely hope to be your supplier and partner.

2. Acrylic adhesive

3. Polyurethane

4. Clear coat

The polyester release liner is about 3.0 mils in thickness. This is the bottom layer that bonds to a car’s surface. Above that is the acrylic adhesive, which is around six (6) mils thick. The polyurethane layer is next, also roughly six mils thick. This is the layer that adds depth, strength, and protection to the clear bra. The very top layer is the clear coat, keeping everything nice and shiny, approximately 0.5 mils thick.

Manufacturing

The main component of the paint protection film is urethane, which is a strong, versatile polymer. It’s lightweight, flexible, transparent, and highly resistant to impact, corrosion, and abrasion.

Urethane technology was first developed during the Vietnam War to fix the problem of U.S. helicopters crashing from damaged rotor blades. 3M and the military worked together to create and manufacture the technology to save lives, choppers, and money.

The use of urethane film expanded to fighter jets later in the s and continued to be used for an ever-widening array of purposes. Since the technology has been so successful, it is still being manufactured today.

What features separate the best PPF from the not-so-great? Read on to find out!

A High Level of Protection

The most important feature of protective film for cars is, of course, the level of protection it provides. The best films offer a superior barrier against UV damage, oil, bugs, and scratches from rocks, dirt, flying debris, and other hazards.

PPF with a thickness of about 6 mils (not including the adhesive, clearcoat, or release liner) is recommended to provide top-tier protection. Low-quality films are often thinner.

Transparency

The entire purpose of the paint protection film is to keep the paint looking brand-new, not to cover up, distort, or change the look of the paint. Premium films for cars are crystal clear to the naked eye and retain that transparency over the years.

Previous generations of PPF would yellow over time; however, it was eventually discovered that it was the adhesive that was yellowing rather than the actual film. Since then, manufacturers have developed adhesives that are not susceptible to premature discoloration.

Longevity

The best films are those that are backed by industry-leading warranties. For example, XPEL Ultimate is warrantied for ten years after installation and uses Edge Seal Technology to keep the film in place, reducing the risk of lifting and peeling.

Factors that most heavily impact the lifespan of clear bras include appropriate care by the car owner and proper professional installation. The best professionally installed films have a reputation for high performance well beyond the 10-year mark when they are properly maintained.

Self-Healing Ability

Sounds like something from the future, doesn’t it? Well, the future is here with self-healing paint protection films. Small scratches, scuffs, and even spray paint will disappear with a little bit of heat applied to the film.

The heat causes PPF to return to a low-energy state, in which its appearance becomes seamless and smooth. Spray paint and other unwanted substances wipe right off after heat is applied, revealing the perfect finish of the film once again.

What Is the Process for Buying and Installing PPF?

You’ll need to start by deciding how much of your car’s exterior you want to protect. You can choose to cover all high-impact areas, like rocker panels, headlights, side mirrors, and bumpers. Instead, you might choose a full-front application. Finally, you could cover that beautiful car bumper to bumper in a full car application.

Certified experts must do the installation to maintain the integrity and transparency of the clear bra (not to mention to validate the warranty).

Professional installation includes extremely important prep steps you won’t get if you or a friend try to apply PPF on your own. These include surface decontamination and high-accuracy film customizations via advanced machinery and software.

Which PPF Is Right for You?

There are several different companies and brands of paint protection film, but they are not all created equally. Two popular brands are XPEL and 3M. While 3M has been in the industry the longest and is the largest company, XPEL is exclusively about paint protection film and has earned an incredible reputation.

XPEL also developed software for installers with access to hundreds of vehicle templates, allowing experts to apply film without any cutting on paint surfaces. 3M also has developed its own software, as well. Both companies make paint protection film in both gloss and matte finishes. 3M films are warrantied for seven years, while XPEL carries a warranty of ten years.

Contact Auto Cosmetics to choose the best PPF for your ride and get it professionally and perfectly installed. Our experts are certified in and recommend XPEL Ultimate PPF installation to keep your car looking brand-new for the next decade. Give us a call today to learn more!

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Matte paint protection film.