When you first buy a car, you probably don’t think about how it will only look worse as the days go by. In fact, that's probably the last thing you want to think about! Here at I am Detailing, we not only think about it, we have the perfect solution to help you keep your car looking as good as it did the day you bought it.
Avoid chips, scratches and scuffs with our paint protection film and clear bra solutions.
There are many ways you can protect your car’s glossy finish for years to come. One proven way is by getting Paint Protection Film (PPF) or a Clear Bra applied.
There are many different styles and applications for these products. Some choose to just put a film over the fender or front of the hood, while others will cover the whole hood or even the whole car. No matter what, some protection is always better than no protection.
The film is not noticeable from afar and will shield the body from rock chips, bug splatters, and minor abrasions.
There are many reasons to further protect your investment when dealing with your automobile purchases. Whether it is a brand new car or a used one, installing a PPF preserves its value over time. Think of it as sort of an umbrella, giving your car surface protection on the messy days. Shielding your car with protective film can help extend the life of your paint for many years to come.
Due to the complexities that rise with the shape and contours of varying vehicles, some jobs may take more time than others. After many years of expertise working with these products, we have the application process perfected at this point and always give our customers the satisfaction they seek.
I AM Detailing carries both glossy and matte clear bras. This caters to matte vehicles that require protection or can be used as customization to protect while also change your vehicle's paint from glossy to matte/satin.
A. Paint Protection Film is a thermoplastic urethane film (TPU). It is optically clear and has a pressure sensitive adhesive backing. It has UV inhibitors which prevent the sun from turning the film yellow.
A. A clear bra is the trade name for paint protection film applied to a vehicle. It replaces the traditional leather or black vinyl car bra and it is invisible when installed and thus the name “clear bra”. It is also called paint shield and clear mask.
A. It is 6 mil (.006) thick with 2 mil adhesive backing. It is considered to be 8 mil material.
A. The purpose for installing a clear bra on your vehicle is to prevent damage to paint. This damage could be flying road debris which chips your paint or insects that cause dulling of paint from acids or scrubbing to remove them. It is intended to help maintain your cars value and therefore should be considered an investment.
A. You can have the entire vehicle covered if it you would like. Typical packages include the front bumper, mirrors and 24″ of the hood. If the line across the hood bothers you, then just cover the entire hood. Rocker panels, door sills, trunk lid openings and door handle cups are other commonly protected areas.
A. The material has a liner which must be removed prior to application. When the liner is removed the adhesive side is exposed. This adhesive is wetted with a slippery solution allowing the film to be properly positioned on the vehicle. It is then squeegeed down which removes the slip solution and secures the film.
A. Yes and no. After 48 hours the film will have bonded well enough to the vehicle that you can pressure wash it without any problems. (This practice is not recommended) At any time however, it can be removed. This occasionally done prior to selling the vehicle.
A. With the new technology in our polyurethane films, it is possible to produce films that resist yellowing indefinitely. The length of time that your film will stay crystal clear also depends on how you maintain the film. The cleaning products used on the film, as well as environmental factors such as sunlight and air pollution also play a key role in the aesthetic longevity of the film.
A clear bra typically looks good and lasts as long as it is properly cared for. It is much like paint in its type of care. For example, it will last much longer if the vehicle is stored in a covered garage and is frequently washed and waxed. Typically manufactures have a 5-7 year warranty against cracking and yellowing and we recommend replacing it after that period of time.
A. Whenever possible. Occasionally due to after-market body kits or older vintage vehicles we have to use bulk films and custom fit the clear bra. All new vehicles have pre-cut kits available and are used primarily because the machine cut corners give it a clean OEM look .
A. There are have several different companies that we use based on the design that we feel gives the best coverage. Most patterns come from Xpel, Diamond Shield and SunTek.
A. There are several factors involved, but a typical install takes 4-6 hours. We wash and clay bar all surfaces prior to installation. All water is removed with air to make sure all the small pieces of dirt that hide in headlight recesses etc., are removed insuring a blemish free install. If the vehicle has blemishes in the paint such as swirl marks, we machine polish the area so that it blends in with the film. Once the film is installed we like to let it sit for 30-60 minutes and then go over every edge to insure that it is positioned and bonded properly.