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Downtown Auto Spa Inc. E-Newsletter |
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3M Paint Protection Film aka. Clear Bra. It looks like our fellow drivers to the east are on to some real good protection and we here in Vancouver are just catching up. The protection we are speaking of is 3M's Paint Protection Film, also known as PPF, Clear Bra, Rock Chip Protection and more. This film started out being used on helicopters to protect blades from damage by debris such as sand, rocks etc... It made it's way from this to airplanes landing gears and areas of high impact from rocks. At some point about 7 or so years ago someone, somewhere came up with the idea to put this film on automobiles. This film has caught on heavily in areas like Edmonton, Calgary. Toronto etc... with sand and salt use in the winters. In some dealerships they have 1 out of every 2 cars get the film installed. If you go out to your car you will likely see a piece of the film as manufacturers use PPF for high impact areas in front of rear wheels and other areas. Now this is great that they have taken the time to do this but there are three little problems with this. They use the old film that turns yellow and, the film is generally a cheaper, thicker old generation film. Lastly the coverage it provides is sometimes very limited. What is 3M paint protection film (PPF) aka. clear bra? The 3M Paint Protection Film (PPF) with scotchguard we use is a Urethane film toped with a clear coat. It is very thin and see though. The PPF is used to protect your cars impact areas from flying rocks & sand, bug guts and scratches. Will 3M PPF really stop rocks from chipping the paint? Yes. The film was
originally developed for the leading edges of helicopter blades in
the Vietnam War to protect against Take a look at this video, you will soon see 3M PPF in action protecting paint from extreme flying rocks. How is the 3M PPF installed? The film is put on in a similar manner as tint. Water soap and an alcohol solution is used during the process to move the film in place and stick it. Downtown Auto Spa Inc. has invested in the resources to cut our kits on by computer in house. This eliminates the need to cut the PPF on the car; thereby eliminating the risk of damage from a razorblade on your cars surface. It also lets us have the kits available immediately with not wait for one to be delivered. How long will it take to install 3M PPF? Depending on the pieces and complexity of the kit we are installing in can take anywhere from 20 minutes to 5 hours. Headlights typically will take around 25 minutes. Bumpers may take from 1-4 hours. Hood, fender and mirrors are from 1-2 hours How long does it take to get the 3M PPF kit? There is no wait as we cut our kits in house. It will only take the time it takes for you to book an appointment with us. Can the 3M PPF be removed? Yes, the 3M PPF can be removed the day of the installation, or five years after, and it will not damage the paint. What is 3M PPF used on? Typically the film is used on the leading edges of an automobile such as he hood fender mirrors bumper and headlights. Some cars have kits that can include rear bumper impact zones, a-pillar, grilles, rocker panel covers and more.. What warranty comes with the film? Headlights covered with PPF from Downtown Auto Spa Inc. are covered for up to $1000 for replacement of the headlight assembly in the case of the lens being cracked. Please see our warranty card in store for more details. The 3M PPF installed by Downtown Auto Spa Inc. on the paint in warranted for a period of 5 years against cracking, yellowing, bubbling, and/or peeling. Doesn't the 3M PPF yellow? NO, the old 3M film without clear coat would turn yellow due to dirt impregnating the pores of the film and making a yellowing tinge to the film though light reflection. How is the 3M PPF cleaned? You treat the film as you would any other painted surface on your car. You wash wax, or seal it like a clear coat since the top layer of the film is actually a clear coat. This clearcoat layer is what stops the film from absorbing dirt and turning yellow as previously mentioned. How thick is the film? 3M PPF is 8 Mil's Will my paint fade under the film? NO, your paint will not fade or age any different then the non protected surface. However you will have a difference when the film is removed since the surface under the film will not be scratched or chipped and the non protected surfaces will have some scratching and swirls from washing. This is not a concern as a polish will quickly make both surfaces look the same. What types of vehicles are PPF kits made for? There are kits for almost every car or truck from about 1997-2006. We have new kits added daily to our database. There are also kits for some limited motorcycles and RV's Where do I find out if a kit is available for my car? Have a look here to look up your 3M PPF kit http://catalog.downtownautospa.com Or you may give us a call at 604 689-1550 and we will be more then happy to help you select the right kit for your car. If there is no kit for your car a custom job can be done. Please contact us for details on this. Jurgen |
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