The average American drives for a full 18 days a year. Over that time they develop a bond so close that 64% of them consider their car their friend.
Wouldn't you want to do everything you could to protect your friend? One of the best places to start is its most notable feature, the paint job.
Paint protection film, also known as a clear bra, is one of the better options on the market today. It can cover any high-impact area you want to keep looking pristine and provides a range of benefits when installed properly.
Clear bra installation isn't a task for the inexperienced, but it is worth the effort. Read on to learn about the process and the benefits it can provide.
How a Clear Bra Works
The clear bra, also known as PPF or paint protection film, has a long history. It began its life as a urethane film used in the mid-1950s to protect helicopter blades. The first version for cars was invented in 1961 for the Porsche 356. Its ugly black design and previous history gave it the unaffectionate nickname of helicopter tape.
A better version came onto the market in the 1980s for racecars, protecting them from hazards on the track. It wasn't available to the average consumer until years later.
The version we know today was deemed the clear bra because of its transparent appearance. It became one of the most popular paint protection options on the market because it can protect your car without ruining its aesthetic appeal.
Modern paint protection film is made of 4 layers that all serve different purposes.
The urethane layer is the key ingredient because it's versatile, strong, flexible, and resilient to damage. The bottom acrylic adhesive layer makes it even more flexible and keeps it from peeling off. There's also a clearcoat to create the transparency and a polyester release layer.
Clear Bra Installation Process
Each clear bra car installation is different, but they all start with prep work to clean the car and heal any damage. This could be as simple as a car wash and clay bar or as complex as paint correction and repairs.
The next step is cutting the materials to the right size and shape. This is usually performed with the help of a machine known as a plotter but can also be done by hand by an experienced professional.
Once the cutting is complete, the installer can fit each piece onto your car. This is one of the most difficult parts of the process because getting the film to go around every curve requires a skilled hand.
How long the clear bra installation process takes depends on how much of your car you've chosen to cover. This could include just your front bumper and headlights or the entire vehicle. It can take anywhere from hours to days.
Dangers of Improper Installation
Clear bra installation requires multiple steps, and failure in any of them can ruin the final results. Even the smallest mistake can cause issues such as:
- Peeling
- Yellowing
- Oxidation
- Discoloration
- Blistering
Careful installation is essential, but so is choosing the right film. Low-quality products are more susceptible to damage and have shorter lifespans. They're not worth the money you save by purchasing them because you'll soon have to replace or repair them.
Seeking out a professional that uses quality products to complete your clear bra installation instead of attempting to do it yourself is the best way to prevent these problems. They'll have experience with the process and be able to cater the film to the shape of your vehicle and keep it protected for years to come.
Benefits of Clear Bra Installation
There are many benefits of paint protection films when they're installed properly.
As the name suggests, they protect your car's paint job by preventing damage from a range of hazards, including:
- Scratches
- Chips and scuffs
- Bird poop
- Road debris
- Oils
- Bug splatters
Americans' attachment to their cars makes this especially important. Over 1/3 of them would rather have a scratch on their own body than on their car. They won't have to worry so much about coming out to this distressing site if they have a clear bra on their vehicle.
The best part is that a clear bra is self-healing. It's able to return to its original shape if it does sustain any damage, making it appear as if it never happened.
You won't have to wash your car as often after a proper clear bra installation. The film is hydrophobic, meaning that it repels water and allows dirt and dust to slide off. It can also be easily wiped clean if it does manage to get dirty.
Clear bras aren't the most inexpensive form of paint protection, but they will still save you money over time. They'll reduce your repair costs because you won't have to pay to have scratches or dings in your paint job fixed.
Bra installation is also an investment in your car's resale value. Only 5% of used cars are in excellent condition, and paint jobs are an important factor in this rating. Protecting them is essential in making sure you get the best deal when you decide to sell.
All of these benefits make clear bra installation worth it. As long as you find a qualified installer, it's an invisible form of protection that will keep your car looking and running its best for as long as possible.
Finding the Right Installer
The idea of automotive paint protection only came about in the last few decades. Several options have entered the market since then. A clear bra is one of the best. The 4-layer film that protects your car from damage, increases its resale value, reduces the time and money you'll spend on maintenance, and more.
Installation is a complex, multi-step process. Attempting it on your own is dangerous, but hiring a professional provides many benefits.
Top Line Tints and Audio offers a range of paint protection methods for your car. Contact us for a clear bra installation today.
