In this article we are going to cover paint protection film. Paint protection film (Clear Bra, PPF) is the only real way to protect

 your car from rock chips and scratches. PPF comes in clear gloss, matte or satin, gloss black, and also has about 30 color and color change options to choose from. Clear bra or protection film also has several properties of ceramic coatings and can have a ceramic coating applied to protect the top-coat layer of the film. With dealerships offering sub-par film at exorbitant prices, let's go over a brief history of the film and talk about the brands available to consumers. 

Paint Protection Film, or Clear Bra as it's more commonly known, got its start like a lot of innovations available today, in the military. During the Vietnam War, the rescue helicopters kept having to replace the rotor blades due to shrapnel, bullet strikes, and debris damaging them. So the US military asked 3M to develop a light-weight, inconspicuous, way to protect the rotor blades of the helicopters. Protection film, or "helicopter tape" as it became known, was developed. The original protection film was foggy, over 10mil. thick, and did not have the application properties of today.

After the war ended, the film was adopted by the racing industry to protect the front end of F1 and Indy cars from being damaged by track debris. According to 3M, " the first films were thicker and less compliant" as they had not undergone the transformation into the contemporary protection films we have today. 

Today's paint protection film is extremely conformable, crystal clear, and comes in a variety of thicknesses, finishes, and colors. Technology in manufacturing has made it possible to create a film made up of several layers and topped with a layer that is self-healing and hydrophobic. This top-coat is capable of reforming itself after being scuffed or scratched while maintaining its clarity for 10 years. Most vendors also add a hydrophobic quality to the top-coat so staining and water spots are not an issue.

The top-coat of the protection film is the layer that has self-healing properties, hydrophobics, stain resistance, and extreme slickness. This layer is capable of expanding and contracting to such a degree as to "heal" itself from minor to moderate defects. Door-dings in the parking lot are no longer an issue. Rock chips damage the film but not the paint underneath. A random piece of road debris is usually no match for this mighty shield around your vehicle.

There are several different options for PPF installation. There is the ever popular partial front which covers the entire bumbler, the front of the fenders, and 12"-18" up the hood. This is the least expensive option and, at anywhere from $600-$1,000, that says something about the quality of the film, labor, and warranty that is part of the process. The next option is the "full-front". This covers all the forward-facing parts of your vehicle, including the entire hood, entire fenders, mirrors, front of the roof, and bumper. Most films come with a 10yr. warranty for the standard gloss film. Warranties vary between companies and film manufacturers.

If you really want to protect your rolling artwork, there is the "ultimate" package option. This covers the entire vehicle in paint protection film. Add-ons for this service include the door jambs, infotainment screen, windshield, and the cups behind the door handles. This installation will run anywhere from $6,500-$15,000. Cost factors include the make and model of the car, the amount of film needed to perform the service, labor hours, and cost of the film from the supplier.

Film is expensive even for us. I am a certified and trained installer for a company here in Phoenix, AZ. For a roll of film that is 60in. wide x 50ft. long, our cost is over $1,000 dollars. After factoring in all the supplies, labor costs, overhead, and paying employees, our profit margins are slim. The training itself is expensive as well. It is definitely an investment for the future of your business and knowledge as a detailer and paint protection specialist. The challenges are non-stop within this industry and PPF is another one of the latest and greatest trends in protecting and beautifying your vehicle.

In closing, whether you call it PPF or clear bra, protection film is an amazing product. People work so hard to earn their dream car, to earn a new luxury car, or to finally buy that C8 Corvette. Clear bra, full body paint protection film is the best option to protect your investment by far. It looks amazing, it comes in a lot of color and finish options, and it offers a 8mil. layer of self-healing protection around the vehicle you've always wanted. Is it worth it? Absolutely! When PPF is installed by a certified and trained installer, your warranty will last 10yrs. and your ride will still look like it just drove off the showroom floor.