PAINT PROTECTION FILM 101: EVERYTHING TO KNOW ABOUT CLEAR BRA film

Not 100% sure what it is? Don’t worry; here’s everything you need to know.

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AUTO PAINT PROTECTION FILM HELP GUIDE

Are you curious about getting paint protection film on your vehicle? We reveal everything you need to know about clear bras before making the investment.

What Is Paint Protection Film?

Also known as “clear bra”, "clear bra film", "PPF", or "clear paint film", car paint protection film is a transparent layer made from urethane, a versatile polymer. It looks like plastic, but it isn't susceptible to tears and cracks. Paint protection film is applied to painted surfaces of a new or used vehicles to protect their paint from road debris such as stone chips, bug splatters, and minor abrasions.


Though paint protection film primarily protects against scratches, it’s far more versatile than you might think. Consider the film a buffering layer between your car’s paint job and the elements. It will take more force for debris to cause noticeable dings and dents in your car’s exterior. Even better, the film will protect your car from damage due to road grime and can minimize the corrosive effects of salty air if you’re driving by the ocean. While the film can’t guarantee that your car won’t get damaged, it will make it much more unlikely. This means your paint will continue to look pristine for much longer. 

Benefits of Paint Protection Film (PPF)

Keeps Your Vehicle Looking New and Shiny

Want to keep your car looking as shiny and new as the day you drove off the dealer's lot? PPF provides a permanent protective coat over your car’s paint, which helps you in keeping your car’s look new and shiny for a lot longer. Paint protection prevents your car’s paint from fading and gives it a polished glossy appearance at all times.

Retains Your Car’s Resale Value

Used car buyers often want vehicles with a good appearance. Even small scratches and dings can seriously detract from your car’s appearance, but did you know they can hurt your car’s resale value, too? The more scratches you have and the deeper they are, the less you’ll get for your car when you’re ready to trade it in. Even if your car runs well, a poor appearance can reduce its resale value or deter customers completely.

Auto paint protection is the key to retaining your car’s resale value as it protects your car from the elements, ensuring it looks sleek for longer. Further, PPF saves you money on repairs as it’s extra protection for your vehicle’s exterior. 

Makes Cleaning Your Car Easier

Another benefit of car paint protection is how it prevents dust build-up from occurring. Believe it or not, adding film to your car’s exterior won’t make it harder to clean. Instead, it will actually make it easier to clean. Many use cleaners with harsh cleaners to tackle any grime but this leads to discoloration. Instead, PPF protects damage as it acts as a chemical barrier for your car’s exterior. 

Cleaning your PPF is low-maintenance as you only need a soft cloth to clean your car instead of using soapy water.

Invisible Protection for Your Car

PPF has a high resistance to impact and abrasion. For instance, it protects your vehicle from rock chips, acid rain, and minor wearing, which is fantastic for those who want to uphold their car’s appearance.

Its invisibility is also a significant plus especially as it enhances your car’s paintwork and gives it a glossy finish. The material is also flexible so it can return to its natural state after being stretched or disfigured.

Some PPFs have self-healing properties where you apply a heat gun or direct sunlight to minor scratches, and they’ll completely vanish! This is because the top layer of the PPF is an elastomeric polymer that helps keep its natural shape.

How Long Does PPF Last?

PPF is durable and renowned for its longevity. A professionally installed PPF should last between 5 to 10 years. 

It’s important to get it done professionally as there are various factors that determine how long your PPF will last. For instance, you must prepare the vehicle’s exterior as it is only as effective as the surface it’s being applied to.

Surface Prep is a time-consuming process as any imperfections or contaminations from the paint must be removed before installing the PPF. 

As you can imagine, applying PPF is a delicate task as there can’t be any bubbles or creases in the material otherwise it will warp the layer of film. 

Things to Consider Before Applying PPF

Your Vehicle's Condition

Even if your car comes straight from a dealership, it doesn’t mean the paint is perfect. There may be swirl-marks or defects that must be cleaned up before installing PPF which will affect the duration of prep and the price.

How Much Coverage You Want

The amount of PPF coverage vehicle varies between owners. Some car owners want PPF in the most vulnerable areas like the hood, front bumper, and the rear wheel arch. 

Others may want the entire surface protected and the price will vary significantly between these two projects.  

Your Vehicle's Difficulty Rating

Another factor determining the overall PPF installation price is how hard it is to apply to your vehicle.

PPF is a 2D piece of material that must be molded around a 3D object so it’s manipulated to go around your vehicle’s curves and contours.

This means that if your vehicle has a unique design then it will take more skill and time to apply the PPF which, again, may affect the price of your PPF job. 

Why Paint Protection Film Should Be Installed By The Professionals

Paint protection film has many benefits. For instance, it retains your vehicle’s resale value, prevents damage, is durable, and invisible, which is perfect if you want to maintain your vehicle’s current paint color. But you can buy cheap film kits online and install it yourself, but you will probably end up with inferior protection and will likely need to replace the film in just a few months. In addition, 

the film won’t sit flush against the car’s exterior, making it noticeable in the right light.


You have the flexibility to use PPF to cover your entire car or just vulnerable parts. It’s essential to seek professional help as they will do the surface prep and guarantee that no bubbles or blistering occur. Instead, save yourself the headache and invest in a professional installation with a company that specializes in quality paint protection film products and installations. They’ll be able to make sure the film is installed correctly and as close to invisible as possible. MI Paint Protection has serviced thousands of satisfied car owners and car enthusiasts throughout all of Walker, Grand Rapids, Wyoming, Kentwood, Grandville, Rockford, Cedar Springs, Cutlerville, Jenison, Georgetown Township, and Kent County. Contact MI Paint Protection at (616) 540-1692 to get the protection and good looks you and your ride deserve!

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