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Get Paint Protection Film Installed and Never Worry About Damage Again
The transparent paint protection film (PPF), also referred to as a clear bra, is a robust polyurethane film that is applied to the car’s surface with a safeguard purpose. Its role is to protect the car’s exterior from various environmental impacts and paint damage. It serves as a reliable shield against damage caused by road debris, harsh weather conditions and UV rays. Get Paint Protection Film Installed and Never Worry About Damage Again! Give us a call today at 773-455-0467 or 312-212-0493 to make your installation appointment.
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Importance of PPF
It is natural for vehicle owners to doubt the need for paint protection film installation, especially when it comes to new cars. However, every driver wants to maintain their vehicle’s pristine condition for as long as possible. If it is your priority, then investing in car paint protection film is crucial. The protective film serves as a proactive measure against chips, rocks and other forms of mechanical and environmental damage that could lead to a costly paint job repair.
PPF will efficiently protect your car’s paint from scratches, stains, discoloration and other natural tear and wear tracks. No ceramic coatings or wax procedures can compare with the best paint protection films. After you install paint protection film, minor damages on your car’s surface no longer necessitate the replacement, repair, or paint correction of entire car parts. Instead, a professional can efficiently remove the existing PPF from the affected area and reapply a fresh film over it.
What does PPF protect against?
Here are the most widespread issues you can avoid by applying PPF to your car exterior surfaces:
- Rock chips
- Swirl marks
- Light scratches
- Bird droppings
- Acid rain
- Stains
- UV exposure
- Bug splatter
- Tree sap
Benefits of automotive paint protection film
PPF is not only about long lasting additional protection of paint. A car’s clear coat has much more to offer to vehicle owners. Here are some of the advantages you get with a protective film.
- Enhanced vehicle appearance. By applying PPF to your car’s exterior surface, you can elevate the overall look of the existing paint. PPF instantly contributes to the appearance of your car, enhancing its visual appeal.
- Corrosion protection. The protective film serves as a barrier that prevents harmful substances and chemicals from permeating the paint surface.
- Self-healing of minor damages. Best protection films have a unique self-restoring feature that is activated with heat. Thus, you can easily eliminate minor PPF scratches.
- Protection from UV rays. PPF helps protect the paint from premature fading and deterioration.
- Preserved resale value of a car. By avoiding minor defects and abrasions, PPF helps to maintain your car’s vibrant color and condition. It significantly contributes to the vehicle’s resale value over time.
Are there any shortcomings of the paint protection film?
PPF is not an exclusive foolproof solution. Being excellent protection against minor hazards, it will not always withstand heavy impacts and acts of vandalism. Another thing which may be considered as a disadvantage by many car owners is its rather high cost.
Paint protection film cost
Wrapping your entire vehicle with the best paint protection films can be very costly. Nevertheless, if your vehicle is frequently exposed to environmental influence rather than being parked in a garage, the expense of installing paint protection film becomes worthwhile. However, the cost of full car PPF can vary substantially. Prices can range from a few hundred dollars to well over $5,000.
The cost of a clear bra is dependent on the following variable factors:
- The brand of PPF used
- Area of the vehicle covered
- Difficulty of installation
- Skills of installers that apply film
How to save on the best paint protection film?
If you have a budget to match and it is much lower than the cost of the full PPF coating, there is another efficient solution to consider. It is partial film coverage. In this case, you should prioritize the parts of the vehicles that are most vulnerable to damage – the bumper, the door edge, the fenders, the hood, side mirrors, or rocker panels.
Nuances of PPF installation procedure
If you are looking to keep the paintwork on your new car in pristine condition, then it makes sense to apply PPF to the whole car. If, on the other hand, you are on a restricted budget, you may well decide just to cover certain vulnerable parts of the car. Here are your options:
- Whole car (all exposed exterior paintwork)
- Full front (hood + front bumper + fenders + side view mirrors)
- High impact area (full front + rocker panels + door edges + wheel arches)
- Selected individual parts (any vulnerable part of the car)
Where to install clear paint protection film on your vehicle?
It is vital to find a qualified team to install PPF protection. Experts possess all the tools and expertise to perform it flawlessly. At Tinting Chicago, professionals need 1-2 days to cover any car model and just half a day to cover selected areas of a vehicle.
PPF finish types
Paint protection film is available in various finishes, such as gloss, matte, and satin, allowing you to select the one that best matches your aesthetic preferences. Additionally, PPF comes with different types of warranties, from five to ten years. This provides you with the flexibility to choose a film that aligns with both your desired look and your budget possibilities.
Which PPF finish is the best?
No matter what finish you opt for, all of them will perform their main function – the protection of your car’s paint. The key point is to select films from reputable manufacturers. With numerous brands available in the market, XPEL and 3M are widely recognized as the most popular options.
The best brand of paint protection film
Through the years at Tinting Chicago, we have tested all the leading PPF manufacturers and concluded that XPEL is the highest-quality brand offering the best value for money. Its PPFs are strong, durable, and offer superior protection properties for all types of vehicles.
Options of the best pain protection for car do vary in quality and durability. It might cost more in the short term to opt for a quality, recognized brand, but you will certainly save you money in the long run. We highly don’t recommend choosing the cheapest films as they can compromise the integrity of the original paintwork.
How long do paint protection films last?
Vehicle’s paint protection films are the longest-lasting form of paint protection on the market. The best quality brands like 3M and EXPEL produce films that last up to 7 years and offer warranties of up to 10 years.
Self-healing properties explained
Reputable PPF manufacturers incorporate a top-notch self-healing technology which means that scratch marks and other light PPF damage can self-restore through the application of heat. Such products come with a unique top layer comprised of a self-healing polymer. This remarkable feature enables the film to autonomously repair minor scratches and abrasions when exposed to normal ambient temperatures. If you notice a mark or scratch on the top layer of your film, follow one of these actions to fully repair the film in the affected area:
- Pour hot water over the film
- Apply heat from a heat gun
Do all types of PPF come with a self-repairing ability?
The paint protection film industry offers a variety of paint sealant options. However, not all of them can heal minor damage like scratches. Consider protective films from XPEL ultimate range and 3M to enjoy the perfect state of your car wrap for years.
You have two options to install automotive paint protection film – DIY and professional service. Although the first one looks more affordable, you may not always be satisfied with the potential outcome, especially if you have no skills for this job. A clear bra is best applied by professional installers who have years of training and experience. Protection film must be applied in a dust-free, light-filled workshop and preferably not by one pair of hands. If any dust, grit, or dirt gets lodged between the painted surfaces of the vehicle and a clear bra, the film won’t adhere as well as it should. This could eventually result in the clear coat bubbling or peeling.
Is paint protection film removable?
PPF is easily removable when you need to. You may consider it to be temporary car paint protection film you can always remove or replace. If you notice signs of loose adhesion, it is a signal that maybe it is time to replace the film. But do not do it by yourself – entrust this task to the professionals who can replace the damaged PPF in no time.
Paint protection film maintenance
PPF is easy to clean and maintain if you follow the rules. The key point is to hand wash the wrapped vehicle. Other recommendations include:
- Use a mild soap and water solution when cleaning the surface of your car to avoid damaging the PPF.
- Avoid abrasive cleaners that can potentially scratch or ruin the protective film.
- Avoid using high-pressure water when cleaning your vehicle’s surface, as it may compromise the integrity of the PPF.
- Regularly inspect the PPF for any signs of damage, including scratches or chips.
If you notice any damage, deal with it by having the affected area repaired or replaced. This will prevent further harm to the car’s paint and preserve PPF’s protective properties.
How to prolong your PPF lifespan?
Although an average warranty seldom gives you more than 7 years, you can prolong PPF life. Apply car wax and nano ceramic coating to improve PPF’s strength and durability. Proper and timely care will turn temporary paint protection film for cars into a workable solution for many years.
Asked Questions See more
Yes, it’s not a problem to apply a ceramic coating to your clear bra to give it hydrophobic qualities. While PPF protects car paint from damage, a ceramic coating repels water and makes it faster and easier to wash. A ceramic coating will not damage the clear bra in any way.
No, PPF won’t damage your paintwork at all when it’s removed it will have protected the paintwork beneath it helping your vehicle maintain its resale value. For the best results, it’s best to leave the removal of the clear bra to professionals.
PPF does not turn yellow in the sun because it contains technology that helps it repel the sun’s UV rays. Good quality PPF brands offer 10-year warranties for their films that cover peeling, cracking, and yellowing.