10 Things to Know About Automotive Paint Protection Film

1. Sun Protection

The clear bra product is manufactured to be highly UV resistant. This means that being in the sun for a long time will take longer to fade or dull the shine of your vehicle's paint job. This is especially important to automobile owners in the sunnier states like Florida and California or the other hotter areas of the American Southwest.

2. Patriotic Origins

What is now considered automotive paint protection film was originally developed for helicopters in the Vietnam War. Aviators were constantly sending in work orders regarding paint and body issues caused by sun damage, shrapnel and debris damage, and obviously the results of landing in a war zone. As a result, 3M originally developed clear bra to help maintain the structural integrity of our equipment.

3. History Repeats Itself

3M is still one of the leading manufacturers of protective car paint. While it is no longer the only choice on the market, it is still a trusted brand used by nearly all purveyors of paint protection. 3M remains a global leader in protection films and adhesive products and backs its stuff with a 10-year warranty.

Depending on the vehicle, your 3M paint protection could have a lower depreciation rate than the vehicle itself!

4. Everything Hurts Exposed Paint

You might think that you'll only need protective film if you live in the desert or drive your sports car up and down a gravel road on a regular basis, but you'll be surprised to know the number of different things that can hurt your automotive paint.

Not only will the above-mentioned stray rock and sun exposure do a number on your paint, but sand, dust, and even bird droppings can do some heavy damage to your ride.

5. It Helps Maintain Resale Value

Aside from having the desire to prevent the above issues, having automotive paint protection film applied also goes a very long way toward maintaining your vehicle's resale value.

When even one little chip in the paint occurs and goes unnoticed, it can open up a huge area where corrosion and other forms of degradation can take hold. Once you get a bubble in the paint or some rust on the body, you might as well be looking at future money being flushed down the toilet if you ever hope to resell the vehicle.

6. You've Heard of Clear Coat, But This Is More

Automotive paint protection film sits atop the car paint's clear coat. This adds a thick and trustworthy layer of protection to help maintain the integrity of both components. Think of it as the jacket over a sweater in the winter weather.

7. You Won't Have To Wash The Car As Often

Believe it or not, protective car paint can also help reduce the amount or frequency of your need to wash your car. This is because the automotive paint protection film repels dust and dirt. Rain can often wash away most of the problem by giving it a natural rinse.

8. It's Self-Healing

You read that correctly - automotive paint protection films are self-healing since it is made up of elastomeric polymers that are designed to return to their original shape once they are scratched. 

9. It Can Be Applied To New or Used Cars

One might assume that protective car paint might only be useful on a new car or that the vehicle must be brand new in order to have paint protection installed. However, automotive paint protection film can be applied to a vehicle, whether it's new or "new to you."

10. It Is Best Applied By A Professional

While cheaper "DIY" alternatives exist, you should have your protective car paint applied by a professional. This will ensure that the job is done correctly and that it lasts for years. After all, if you've made the initial investment in a new set of wheels, there's no sense in skimping on protecting it.