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Every car owner is interested in protecting their vehicles from daily damage and harsh environmental conditions. PPF, or a clear bra, is considered to be one of the most efficient impact-resistant means that maintains a car’s exterior, especially factory paint, in an excellent state for years. Let’s delve deeper into the PPF technology to discover its main features, pros and cons, installation process and cost. If you still happen to have queries, do not hesitate to contact Tinting Chicago. It is high time to get a consultation and superior protection of your new vehicle.

What is PPF for cars?

Paint protection film, widely referred to as a clear bra or clear mask, is a thin, transparent urethane film that was originally used in the military. In the 1970s, it was first applied on helicopters, preventing their blades from dirt and debris. In the 1980s, paint protection films were installed on racing cars, preventing their appearance from wear and tear on the tracks. And only 10 years later, the use of the technology was expanded to the rest of the automotive industry.

A clear bra consists of a few layers.

• Elastomeric clear coat. It is a super thin top coat of PPF that is responsible for self healing properties of the PPF and contaminant rejection.
• Polymer-based layer. It is urethane, the main component of car protection film, is a transparent and lightweight material that is highly susceptible to the majority of external damages, from stone chips and other road debris to UV rays. It gives PPF film the necessary strength to protect the vehicle’s paint job.
• Adhesive layer. It is another crucial component of paint protection film that plays a significant role in PPF performance. Typically, manufacturers use acrylic or silicone-based adhesives. The higher quality of this layer results in the ease of installation, strong film bond and transparency.
  

  What does a clear bra do for your car?

Many car owners hesitate about PPF film because of its high cost. However, it is worth considering the PPF application as an investment in future car maintenance. Actually, the market offers a wide range of protective means for the car’s paint – sprays, waxes, and ceramic coatings. Still, invisible car bras have proved to incorporate the longest list of benefits the car owner gets after their installation. With prime PPF products, the car’s paint is safeguarded from a lot of environmental threats: rock chips, tree sap, bird droppings and bug splatter.

This process involves several stages. Actually, this procedure is quite intricate, and if you do not have enough skills and proper tools, you risk getting a messy outcome. Experts split PPF installation into a few crucial steps:

• Vehicle inspection and preparation. The initial stage is devoted to a comprehensive assessment of a car that is to be PPF-covered. It is vital to eliminate any paint imperfections and surface damage that may hinder the proper PPF adhesion. If needed, paint correction is done prior to applying PPF. After it, the vehicle’s exterior is thoroughly cleaned from debris, and wax or sealant remains.
• PPF customization and application. Professional installers will pre-cut every film detail to tailor it ideally to the car. The professional fitting allows to achieve seamless joins and neatly wrapped edges. Then, technicians apply the prepared film to all sections of the vehicle, using a heat gun or a squeegee to achieve flawless coverage.
• Trimming and curing. Upon completion of the installation process, a thorough inspection is carried out to eliminate all potential imperfections. And the final step is to let PPF cure for a required period. It may take from 48 hours to a week.

To ensure the installed PPF lasts for years, it is crucial to follow the care instructions. The main rule is to avoid harsh cleansers and high-pressure washers.

Whether you consider a clear bra for a new car or a used one, you will get a lot of benefits. Here are the main ones:

• Enhanced finish of a car. Modern PPF products allow car owners to contribute to their car appearance. You can opt for gloss or matte paint film protection, making your vehicle look more appealing.
• Superior protection against paint damage. When expertly applied, high-quality PPF can endure throughout the vehicle’s lifetime. This film offers reliable shielding against sun damage, as well as protection from rocks and scratches.
• Guarding against chemical contaminants. Various environmental factors like bird droppings, acid rain, and other natural occurrences can cause stains on the vehicle’s surface. PPF acts as a barrier, safeguarding against these undesirable outcomes that could result in paint discoloration.
• Easier car maintenance. The routine tasks of washing, cleaning, waxing, and upkeeping your car’s appearance can be forgotten after you install PPF. A high-quality paint protection film can alleviate this burden, making car care maintenance really effortless.

Although paint protection film has numerous advantages, unfortunately, there are also some concerns to understand prior to installing PPF, as well as ways to avoid them. The main issues you may face are the following:

• Peeling. The protective film may come off in certain areas. Typically, it happens when a car owner neglects care instructions and exposes the covered vehicle to harsh treatment, for example, high-pressure washers.
• Yellowing. It is obvious that a yellowish film does not contribute to the car’s exterior. It makes it look old and untidy. However, this issue refers to low-quality PPF film products that come with cheap adhesives that are not resistant to UV exposure.
• Blistering. Sometimes, incorrectly installed PPF can result in some bubbling. Usually, it happens when some contaminants get between the film and the car’s surface. It is not a rare outcome of DIY installation or using inferior quality protective films.

These problems are easy to avoid if you entrust PPF installation to professional services who have extensive expertise in applying PPF to all makes and types of vehicles. If you are based in Chicago, feel free to contact Tinting Chicago for more details and an individual solution.

It is a frequently asked question due to the PPF installation cost. The durability of clear bras depends on several critical factors. Foremost, it is the product quality. PPF manufacturers use different materials and construction methods that can influence the overall quality of protective films. On average, the warranty is between 5 and 10 years. If vehicle owners properly follow maintenance rules, this transparent film coverage may last a lifetime. Still, it is recommended to opt for protective film products from reputable manufacturers like XPEL, which offers the longest warranty terms in the industry.

What PPF to choose?

The best optimal car paint protection — is a high-quality film produced by top manufacturers. Tinting Chicago works only with one brand that has proved its quality for almost a decade — XPEL. The film is produced from self-healing material called elastomeric polyurethane; minor scratches would simply disappear from its surface. This PPF comes with a 10-year guarantee. On top of that, Tinting Chicago provides a 10-year warranty for all paint protection work.