What is “Clear Bra” 3M Paint Protection Film?
Application of Paint Protection Film by a factory-trained installer.
Paint Protection Film (PPF) is a clear urethane adhesive film that is used to protect the paint finish on a vehicle's impact zones, such as the leading edge of the hood and the bumper. This invisible film is strong and durable, providing protection from nicks, stone chips, abrasions and bumper scuffs. Clear Bra Paint Protection Film can also be used to protect headlights from cracks, scratches, chips, yellowing and hazy buildup.
Paint Protection Film is the most effective way of protecting vehicles from road damages. This thin invisible bra is designed to save cars, motorcycles, trucks, vans and other types of vehicles protecting against day to day paint damages. The film forms an invisible shield that can be waxed and maintained just like your paint to maintain the original high gloss shine of modern vehicles. This durable material has been used successfully for years by the military, various auto manufacturers, and NASCAR race teams in rock chip prone areas with incredible results.
Customers everywhere are learning about the benefits, and seeking our professionals to apply Paint Protection Film to their vehicles.
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Shadow Tinting’s Paint Protection Film offers abrasion resistance for virtually all painted surfaces, including:
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The benefits of paint protection film:
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More and more consumers are opting to protect their vehicle investments with Clear Bra Paint Protection Film, and many drivers are even choosing to cover the entire hood of their vehicle for the ultimate level of paint protection.
The paint protection film solved all the negatives of the vinyl bras and improved the benefits of having one. Utilizing the black vinyl bra is just a hassle to put on and take off. Worse, the bras would damage the paint where it was rubbing, and frankly, now they are not very fashionable. The paint protection film is nearly undetectable on the paint, the film does not damage the paint, and it does not require removal for washes.
Perhaps the most unique benefit of the film, aside from its durability against rock chips and road damage, is that you cannot see the protection on the car. It is on the vehicle all the time, rain or shine; ready to repel rocks and pitting.
Overall, the film is more effective at preventing rock chips and road debris than anything else. Over a 3 to 4 year period, the film maintains its clarity, gets damaged and worn out, and is completely removable. Another plus is that with the paint protection film in place, it still allows the paint to fade at the same rate as the rest of the car.
When shopping around for an installer, look for a company with experience. Good work is never cheap and cheap work is never good. Anyone can buy film. The quality of the job can vary widely. It takes years to become competent with installations.
Come by our Shop or give us a call and we can show you why we are the leaders!
Shadow Tinting’s has partnered up with the best in the business by combining use of the best patterns in the Market, XPEL pre-cut kits and 3M Scotchgard Paint Protection Film, enabling us to deliver flexibility, longevity, installation speed, and installation quality without compromise.
Our Sister Company Shadow Shield is also a 3M Authorized Distributor and Training Center.
THE HISTORY OF PAINT PROTECTION
Clear coat paint protection for cars and trucks has gone through many changes over the last several years. In the past, clear coat paint added luster and beauty to vehicles but when it became chipped and scratched it was still a hassle to get the clear coat restored and looking new again.
Paint protection film for cars and trucks has been around for a few years but it's just recently getting the attention it deserves. Auto owners are beginning to learn more about this option and all the advantages it has to offer. This film is made from a thin clear thermoplastic urethane. It's very similar to the window tinting film many people have placed on their windows to limit the amount of sun that enters the vehicle.
Two key challenges have faced Paint Protection installers since the industry began: Customer Awareness and Installation Difficulty. While Customer Awareness has progressed tremendously over the years, Installation Difficulty has continued to suppress market penetration.
In the past, the difficulty of installing paint protection film could only be mitigated through extensive training and a great deal of trial and error. Unfortunately, this process was slow, costly and made it difficult if not impossible for the installer to make a profit while learning the trade.
When it's new, the clear paint protection film designed for cars and trucks can handle a good amount of abuse and protect your vehicle from nicks and scratches. Nevertheless, it's important to realize that eventually, it will need to be replaced. Fortunately, removing the film is a very easy process and a lot cheaper than repairing a damaged paint job.
Removing the old film will not damage the vehicle. Once the old coat is removed it can be replaced with new film. Another great thing about paint protection film is that it can be applied to any part of the vehicle that needs to be protected.
Paint protection film is one of the best options available today when it comes to protecting the paint on your car or truck. It won't prevent every problem that you might encounter but it can cut back on them.
You may already know that maintenance and prevention are very important for your car. One of the best ways you can help protect your car is with a great, dependable car bra. The car bra can protect your vehicle from sun, hail, dirt and even bugs that leave acid that can eat away at your car's paint. However, we're not talking about the big, black bulky car bras that were made famous in the late 80s and early 90s. Some people just don't like the looks of these vinyl or leather car bras.
The best part of it next to the strong protection that it provides is that it is virtually invisible. It's not likely that anyone will even see it is on there unless they know to look for it. The clear bra looks better and does not detract from the overall appearance of your vehicle. It's also better for your car.
When you want auto protection and paint protection at its finest, consider the 3M paint protective film. This clear bra looks great and will protect the front of your vehicle from all of the common things that wear it down and damage the paint, making it look old and used.
To prevent rock chips and pitting on the front of the car, the traditional solution was to install a custom vinyl black bra or you just wait until the bumper is damaged enough and then paint it. Neither solution was very appealing. Now, there is an answer to all the problems of rock chips and road debris. It is generically called paint protection film. Several familiar names are in the business of making the film: Avery, 3M, Venture. The original developer of the film was 3M and it was used in the Korean War to protect helicopter rotor blades. 3M later redesigned it for application to the front bumpers and hoods of vehicles.
With an enhancement in design to adapt the film for the auto industry, the idea took off. The concept was unbeatable. Car owners could now apply the film to bumpers and hoods, and drive the vehicle anywhere without worrying about getting a rock chip in their $100,000 Ferrari. Initially, each installation was custom cut from a bulk roll and carefully applied to the paint. It was time consuming and required lots of experience. The idea took a while to trickle down into the main stream vehicles. As demand increased for the protection, new companies sprung up design kits that could be cut out on a plotter and applied to the car. Hence, another segment of the paint protection film industry was born. The last piece of the puzzle was to have a network of independent, trained installers. Unfortunately, the industry suffers from a lack of skilled technicians.
Most films in the industry carry a 5 year warranty against discoloring or clarity factors related to the film becoming cloudy or opaque. More of a problem of earlier automotive films, this was one of the initial problems. On aircraft, the film is removed every year, and replaced with a new piece. On a vehicle, most people wanted a protection that did not need to be removed and reapplied so the manufacturers went to work to redesign the film to maintain its clarity for 5 years plus.
3M Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film
You’re proud of your vehicle. Now, protect it! Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film (PPF) is a durable, high-grade, colorless urethane film that is applied to the high-impact areas of your vehicle — hood, bumper, mirrors and door edges – that take the brunt of damaging road debris. This virtually invisible barrier against flying road debris, abrasion and weathering also resists yellowing in sunlight. If resale value is important to you, this is a great way to help keep your car's exterior looking like new. PPF is trusted by NASCAR® to keep race cars looking their best.
Shadow Tinting’s Professional applicators can help you decide what parts of your vehicle would most benefit from Scotchgard Paint Protection Film. Plus, they have the know — how to install the film to the exact specifications of your vehicle. Once the job is done, you’ll love the look, not to mention the longer life you’ve given your car's finish.
FAQ'S
Is it car wash Friendly?
Yes, Paint protection film is car wash friendly. It can be run through a regular car wash or Pressure washed with ease. We do however strongly advise that when Pressure washing the jet should be kept about 2 feet from the edges of the film. Getting too close can damage the Film.
Will it damage my car?
No, Paint Protection Film will not damage your car in any way it is specially constructed to ensure no differential fading will take place and will not harm OEM paint finishes.
Is it guaranteed?
Yes, 5 year manufacturer defect & installation warranty.
How do I know it will work?
Significant test data has been published on the internet demonstrating the resilience of these products utilizing gravelometer tests (throwing stones at high speed at a metal plate). These impressive tests illustrate excellently how your car will be protected from stone chips and other road debris.
What does it do? Shadow Tinting’s Paint Protection film provides a non permeable resilient coating to the protected areas, restoring the resilience that used to exist in the older type of car paints and then further enhances this, to provide high levels of protection both against stone chips and surface abrasions.
Where did it come from?
The film was originally developed, to meet a military requirement for the protection of Helicopter rotor blades, against the erosive effects of sand in desert conditions. You could say the product is "combat proven technology"
How long does Installation take?
In most cases no more than an hour large or complex vehicles may take a little longer.