Paint Protection Film, clear bra, PPF, etc are all names for an amazing product that changed the automotive industry over 15 years ago. The last 10-12 years these films have gotten extremely good looking in terms of texture and installation, as well as overall performance and durability. Most of the films from reputable brands have had great UV protection and self-healing properties for the last decade and in the last few years we saw improvements in stain resistance, easier installation (which leads to less marks during install) and hydrophobic characteristics. So what are some pros and cons of the film? Here are a few thoughts I have after working with it for about 8-9 years now…
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I’ll start with the disadvantages because I feel they’re more of a debatable and subjective issue rather than a “con”, but I’ll list them regardless. and let me explain. These couple things are aesthetics and maintenance.
In terms of aesthetics, PPF will never look as clear, deep and texture free as paint. It’s usually 6-8+ mil thick and it’s practically a piece of plastic, so of course it’s going to have some texture. That said, some films out there (such as old “regular” Suntek C) are much better looking in terms of texture than others, so the difference with covered and uncovered paint is minimal.
Also, sometimes film can’t wrap around certain crevices on the paint, so the edges of the film will show. This is most easily seen on silver cars from my experience. A good installer will make these edges as close to the panel edge as possible (sometimes right on the curve of the edge) so it simply disappears.
Going back to these being debatable cons… This is just the nature of the material so if you want the protection you have to deal with it. That said, a proper install with good film will make you forget you have film on your car in a matter of days. I’d compare this to actual glass on a car. For example, as clear as windshield glass is, you don’t see through it as you would without it, but you need glass to protect from wind and the elements. In short, it’s not a disadvantage of the film, rather you simply have film on your car to do a specific job and it does it really well.
The other disadvantage is maintenance. If you get a scratch, staining or similar other defects in the film, they may be in there permanently. If you get such defects in paint, they can many times be polished and corrected bringing the paint back to how it was before the defects. This could be seen as a con, but again the film is there as a sacrificial layer to protect from scuffs, rock chips, scratches, etc.
Also, you have to be careful around the above-mentioned edges of the film when doing just about any maintenance. One of the biggest issues I’ve seen is using a pressure washer near the edge as it may cause it to lift, especially if angled right into the edge. Some common sense quickly solves this issue. Other than that edges will obviously collect wax, polish, etc. so you may need to tape them off or not go near with certain products.
I can’t really think of anything else that can be seen as a disadvantage for PPF. However, there are definitely advantages.
I’d love to say there are MANY advantages, but simply put there’s just one… you have the film and it does what it’s meant to do really well. The obvious one is how there is no tons of rock chips and that “peppered” look on the front end or rocker panels. Then there’s the fact it protects against random scratches that may happen daily such as kids walking next to the car with bikes, loading stuff into the trunk and simply opening the door too far and hitting a wall. It also has other specific uses like using it on sensitive interior trim that may scratch easily, engine bay areas where hoses/wires may rub the paint off and headlight lens to prevent yellowing (along with chips of course). Even more random uses for film are in different areas around the car where stuff like plastic door sills will rub the paint, window trim will touch the top of the door, roof rack area to help prevent scuffs when stuff is moving around up there.
Lastly, there’s a plethora of uses for PPF outside the automotive industry. I’ve personally wrapped my own as well as clients’ bicycles, motorcycles and even helmets. You can do key areas on each of the above or the whole thing and it does an amazing job keeping the surface in great condition. On bicycles it helps a ton with cables rubbing, rocks popping from below, chain smacking the frame, etc. On my motorcycle it’s great all around but most noticeably on the gas tank where your legs rub the sides as well as the top when filling up.
Not to mention we’ve done quite a few installs on table tops with expensive materials that need protecting, random carbon fiber pieces and expensive home appliances to protect the paint from scratching due to daily use.
All in all, I’m a huge fan of PPF and would recommend it for anyone on anything haha. There’s of course a cost involved and that’s usually what guides coverage on a client’s vehicle, but any film is definitely better than none.
You love your vehicle. The thought of the truck in front of you spitting out a highway rock gnarls your stomach.
You’ve probably heard about paint protection film (PPF). You’ve considered wrapping your car and protecting it from chips and scratches, but you’re not sure if it’s worth it.
You don’t want to get scammed with an unnecessary expense. And does PPF even work?
It can be tough to know who to trust. There’s a lot of misinformation out there and enthusiasts, professionals, and everyday drivers seem divided.
Luckily, Bemac Collision and Service are your local Ottawa experts when it comes to paint protection film and protecting your vehicle.
In this article, we’ll discuss:
Let’s get into it!
Whether you have a vintage collector car, a luxury vehicle, or just bought a brand-new ride, the last thing you want to deal with is rock chips, scratches, paint peeling or other types of damage from Ottawa roads that can affect the resale value of your vehicle.
PPF is a transparent film with self-healing properties that can go over any painted surface of your car’s exterior. It reduces the risk of damage to your car’s paint job, such as light scratches, rock chips, chemical stains, bug splatter, or hard water spots and swirl marks.
Car owners used to protect the front end of their vehicles with material such as leather—not the best look! Now, technology has advanced enough that a “clear bra” can be applied to the front end of the car, protecting the headlights, front bumper, side mirrors, fenders, and even the grille.
As experts with over 60 years of autobody experience, we can confidently say:
Yes, paint protection film is absolutely worth it on many vehicles.
Let’s break it down.
If you have a new vehicle, a luxury car, a vintage collector car or even a newer used one in great condition, and you want your front end looking as great a year from now as it does today, protecting with PPF is essential.
It makes a huge difference. After a year, the parts of your vehicle protected by PFF won’t have a single rock chip. The other parts likely will.
Now on the other hand, if you’ve bought a used car and the front end is already chipped up from highway rocks, then PFF probably isn’t worth it. Protective wrap won’t enhance the way your car looks.
Another factor is the value of your car. If you have a high-end vehicle, it’s probably worth it to protect the entire thing. We’ve seen what happens when these cars aren’t protected.
If you have a newer car but not as high-end, a front-end protective wrap that keeps the high-impact zones protected can also be a great alternative.
Save yourself the gut wrench of watching a highway rock hit your hood and knowing you aren’t protected. Keep the resale value. Get it wrapped.
PPF maintains the pristine appearance of your vehicle by preventing paint damage. This ensures that your car retains its glossy finish, enhancing its resale value. The film acts as a barrier against road debris, including gravel, pebbles, and insects, protecting against chips and scratches.
Also understand the long-term cost savings: While the initial expense of PPF installation is a factor, it will likely save you money down the road with expensive paint repairs.
Unlike traditional wax or sealants, PPF requires minimal maintenance. It can be washed and waxed along with the rest of the vehicle.
PPF is safe to apply to a new car and can be easily removed. It provides long-term, invisible protection and will keep your vehicle looking pristine for a long time.
Paint protection film can be applied to vehicles using three methods: gel application, soap application, and sealant application.
With gel application, a gel-based adhesive is evenly applied to the vehicle’s surface, creating a protective layer. This layer makes it easy to reposition the film and line it up perfectly, as once placed onto the gel, the film floats on the gel layer.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website Kingfilm.
Once in place, any air bubbles and imperfections are smoothed out and the gel is activated through heat, which bonds the film securely to the original paint.
Soap application involves using a soapy solution as a temporary adhesive to position the PPF onto the vehicle’s surface.
Once in place, excess water and soap are squeezed out from under the film using a squeegee, ensuring a smooth and secure fit. As the soap solution dries, the adhesive properties of the film activate, adhering it to the paint surface.
In sealant application, a liquid sealant acts as both a protective barrier between the paint and the PPF and an adhesive for the PPF.
Once the sealant has been applied and allowed to cure, the PPF is carefully positioned on the surface. Any air bubbles or imperfections are smoothed out, and the sealant helps bond the film securely to the paint.
Each of these methods offers advantages and may be preferred based on the specific requirements of the vehicle and the preferences of the installer.
While an entire car can be wrapped in PFF, high-impact zones benefit more than others from its protection.
The front bumper and the hood are the two most vulnerable areas to damage from rocks.
Applying PPF to the bumper prevents chips, scratches, and discoloration, keeping the bumper looking new for longer. PPF on the hood will preserve the paint finish and reducing the risk of rust formation.
Headlights are another high-impact zone that can be protected from rocks.
Fenders are often exposed to debris kicked up by the vehicle’s tires, especially on rough roads or during off-road driving. Protecting your fenders is a great idea.
Side mirrors are susceptible to damage from flying debris, as well as scratches from parking lot bumps and car wash brushes. PPF on your side mirrors will prevent damage and keep them looking clear and glossy.
Door edges are prone to chips and scratches from contact with other vehicles, walls, and objects. Applying PPF provides added protection against damage, preserving the paint and preventing rust.
The lower parts of the vehicle, such as the rockers or sills, are often exposed to gravel, mud, and other debris kicked up by the tires. PPF applied to these areas helps prevent chips, scratches, and abrasions, extending the life of the paint finish.
Applying PPF to the trunk or cargo area can help protect against damage from loading and unloading cargo.
When applying paint production film to a vehicle, the installer shouldn’t leave any visible seams or edges.
You’ll know they’ve done a great job if you can’t even tell the vehicle has been wrapped in PFF at all.
If seams aren’t tucked, when the car gets dirty, those seams become more and more visible — not a good look. Over time, the seams and corners will even start to keep dirt and be visibly stained.
Make sure you choose a professional PFF installer who won’t leave visible seams on a bad install.
Yes, PPF can be removed from a vehicle’s surface through heating and peeling off the film.
In many cases, paint protection film will last five to ten years if installed properly.
There are a variety of factors that determine how long the installation will last. If your car is stored in a garage, away from harmful UV rays, dust, and rain, the paint protection film will last longer than if the car is parked out on the street.
Most importantly, having a professional install PPF will give you the best results. Anything less might result in peeling, yellowing, or air bubbles.
As with anything vehicle-related, the costs can vary quite dramatically – from $300-2,500. If your car is exposed to the elements instead of tucked away inside a garage, the cost of paint protection film will be worth it compared to the cost of a car paint job if you go to trade in or sell your vehicle. If you’re looking to just get a basic level of protection against paint damage and aren’t worried as much about stain resistance and UV exposure, you can get away with a more cost-effective option.
There are several factors that play into the cost of paint protection films:
Whatever you decide, it’s best to get a quote from an experienced, reputable Ottawa dealer like BEMAC. Keeping new cars looking new isn’t always cheap, and spending more money on a PPF installation is typically a better choice than going for the lowest quote you can find.
Paint protection film, vinyl wrap and ceramic coatings are three of the most popular options for exterior car care. All will protect the paint, but no option will be a bulletproof way of keeping your car’s finish pristine, so it’s important to choose the right option for you. Learn more about paint protection film and ceramic coating here to help you decide.
Paint protection films offer superior protection against potential hazards to vehicle surfaces, such as scratches, tree sap, or rock chips. It’s thicker than a ceramic coat and isn’t permanent, which means you can easily remove it if you need to.
PPF installations should be done by a professional, even if you see DIY kits out there. While it is removable, you can’t reapply the same film again once it’s been taken off. PPF also isn’t as hydrophobic as a ceramic coat.
Paint protection film is primarily used for protecting the vehicle’s paint finish against damage, while vinyl wrap is more commonly used for aesthetic customization and temporary colour changes. While both options offer some level of protection, PPF provides superior durability and impact resistance compared to vinyl wrap.
Rather than applying a vinyl wrap to the car, this type of clear coat protection bonds with the paint itself. This means there’s no need to reapply like you would with a high quality wax or powder coating. The nano-coating makes your car look amazingly glossy, and it repels water like nothing else on the market. A quick rinse with a hose will give you a spotless, shiny finish.
The downside to this choice is the potential for scratches, flying debris, and other imperfections to damage cars. A ceramic coating is also quite time-consuming and difficult to apply, and it can be more expensive than getting paint protection film installed.
Once you’ve taken the plunge on applying PPF, it’s important to keep your vehicle in mint condition by properly maintaining the PPF installation.
At BEMAC, we use XPEL Paint Protection Film in glossy ULTIMATE PLUS™ or satin finish STEALTH™ options.
One of the most advanced paint protection film products on the market, and available in three different thicknesses to suit your needs, it’s a high-performance acrylic adhesive that’s formulated to resist delamination.
Find out which PPF brand is better – 3M or Xpel?
With 6 locally-owned full-service auto body, collision repair, service facilities and detail shops, BEMAC has over 60 years of experience in keeping your car protected from headlights to tailpipe with the best paint protection film Ottawa has to offer.