Car Bras vs. Paint Protection Film
Car Bras vs. Paint Protection Film
We’ve all seen a car with a thick, leather bra on the front like the one pictured above. Listen, we have NOTHING against protecting a car’s paint – it’s what we’re all about! However, since the front end of a car can make or break the look, we would like to offer an alternative to the leather bra look in the form of Paint Protection Film.
Paint Protection Film, what many also call “clear bras” (as opposed to leather bras), are extremely durable, can be removed and replaced, provide excellent rock chip protection and self healing effects. If you are considering a protection option that blends in, we have 3 packages to choose from:
We understand that different drivers have different requirements, different driving environments, different routes and different budgets. So, let’s take a look.
The Partial Front End Package covers partial hood, partial fenders, full front bumper and mirrors. One of the main questions we receive about this is “If I get a partial front end wrap, will the edge of the film be noticeable?”
Answer: While the edge of the film can be seen from certain angles, people generally do not notice it unless they are looking for it. However, if the car is dirty and dust and dirt is allowed to collect along the edge of the film, it will be more noticeable. Once the car is cleaned, it will be once again difficult to detect unless looking for it.
The Full Front End Package covers full hood, full fenders, full front bumper and mirrors.
The Full Vehicle Wrap Package covers full hood, roof & trunk, full fenders & quarters, full front & rear bumper, full doors & rocker panels and mirrors.
What are some frequently asked questions about our Paint Protection Film?
How Much Does Paint Protection Film Cost?
Because each vehicle varies with size and complexity of the cut, we need to know which vehicle you have as well as if any paint correction needs to be performed before giving an exact quote.
What Is The Expected Life Of The Film?
Our films are warrantied for 10 years. This warranty covers: yellowing, staining, delaminating, cracking, peeling, bubbling, and more.
Can Film Be Applied To Chrome?
Any of our films can be installed on chrome, though the finish will look slightly different than if left unprotected. We recommend applying a small swatch to the desired surface so you can see what it looks like before deciding.
How Deep Of A Scratch Can Film Still Heal?
The clear coat is the self-healing layer and is approximately 13 microns thick.
Can Film Be Installed On Your Windshield?
No. Because of the impact absorbency of paint protection film, the refractive index of the film is too different from that of the windshield. Because of this difference, putting the two together causes a distortion when looking through the glass that would be unacceptable to the vehicle’s occupants.
Can I Cover My Whole Vehicle With Film?
Yes. Any smooth painted surface can be covered with paint protection film.
Can I Run My Car Through An Automatic Car Wash With Film Applied?
Being a detailer, we always recommend against automatic car washes for all of these reasons. However, if you must, you can use an automatic car wash as long as you wait at least 48 hours after installation to allow the film to dry completely.
Can Film Be Installed On Boats And Other Watercrafts?
Yes. Film can be installed on marine boats and water crafts
Can I Install Paint Protection Film Myself?
Application of paint protection film is a process which requires a good deal of experience and training to obtain satisfactory results. The compound curves present on most surfaces require the film to be stretched and compressed in a very controlled way to ensure proper adhesion without distorting the adhesive. As such, it is highly recommended that the film is professionally installed.
Will Removing The Film Harm The Vehicles Paint, Once Removed?
First of all, we recommend having a professional remove the film if you decide you no longer want it. Secondly, it is highly unlikely for paint protection film to harm original equipment manufacturers (OEM) paint. Paint systems used on modern assembly lines today produce a minimum bond strength of 16 MPa and maximum of 25 MPa between the panel and the paint depending on color, iridescence and the system used. Our film’s bond to the painted surface at normal state (immediately following installation) is .0753 MPa. Even after years of heat and sun, the bond between the film and the paint increases to only 0.17 MPa. What that means is in the absolute worst case scenario, the bond of factory paint to the panel is over 94 times stronger than the bond of our film to the paint. In the best case, the paint is 332 times stronger.
Can I Apply A Ceramic Coating, Such as Ceramic Pro, On Top Of The Film And How Does It Affect The Self-Healing Feature Of the Film?
Yes, Coatings can be applied to the films. Adding a coating does not stop the film from self-healing. Coatings can add a protective layer over the film, which, depending on the coating, can provide different properties.
Do you have more questions not addressed in this article? Please send us a note HERE or call 202-380-7100. If you’re ready to schedule your free estimate, please do so by clicking HERE.