There are two types of people in the world when it comes to their vehicles: preventative people and reactive people.
You would expect a brand-new car to be flawless when you take it off the lot. However, that’s just not the case. Most cars sit on dealership lots for days, weeks, months, possibly years before being sold and get beaten by the weather. The less-than-proficient dealership detailers don’t help, either. But regardless, a detail that incorporates a wash and wax is the perfect first step. Adding a buff would be better for many cars that come with swirls. But the BEST final step would be to add a clear bra to the car. If you own a black or other dark painted car, this is almost a non-option.
Throughout the course of normal daily driving, rocks, road debris, and other road particles are going to get kicked up and take nicks out of the paint.
Paint Protection Film
Paint Protection Films (PPFs) are typically made of multi-layer polyurethane material with an automotive-grade clear coat on top. These films are transparent and serve a single purpose: to act as a protective barrier between your car’s paint and the elements. While you may have heard them called “clear bras,” it’s important to note that this is a trademarked term, not a generic one.
Vinyl Wrap
Vinyl wraps, in contrast, are made from polyvinyl (as the name suggests) and are primarily used for changing the vehicle’s appearance, such as adding a new color, pattern, logo, or even a full image. Since they are intended for aesthetic purposes, vinyl wraps tend to be thinner and less durable than paint protection films.
Advantages of Using a Clear Bra:
- Prevents chipping the paint
- Prevents the inevitable rusting of the metal due to the chips
- Prevents initial chemical reactions that eat at the paint
- Easily replaceable clear bra when the first one gets beat up
- Increases resale value by keeping paint like new
A clear bra has many advantages that are hard to ignore. However, there are things to consider when shopping for your clear bra.
What to Consider When Shopping for a Clear Bra
- Find a respected installer who knows what they’re doing
- Decide how much of your car you want to cover.
- Make sure the film being used is the best quality film available. We recommend Suntek Ultra, which is self-healing, hydrophobic, and made in the USA
How Things Can Go Wrong:
- Saving money without a top name brand – Prepare for the yellowing of the clear bra and peeling around the edges
- Don’t pick the right installer – Expect air bubbles, uneven cuts, and lack of coverage in certain spots of the car.
It doesn’t take much to ensure your car is properly protected. A little research and a little money upfront will keep your car’s paint looking pristine for a long time. A clear bra may even get you a little extra money if/when you decide to sell your car.