To prevent rock chips and pitting on the front of the car, the traditional solution was to install a custom vinyl black bra or you just wait until the bumper is damaged enough and then paint it. Neither solution was very appealing. Now, there is an answer to all the problems of rock chips and road debris. It is generically called paint protection film. Several familiar names are in the business of making the film: Avery, 3M, Venture, Llumar. The original developer of the film was 3M and it was used in the Korean War to protect helicopter rotor blades. 3M later redesigned it for application to the front bumpers and hoods of vehicles.

With an enhancement in design to adapt the film for the auto industry, the idea took off. The concept was unbeatable. Car owners could now apply the film to bumpers and hoods, and drive the vehicle anywhere without worrying about getting a rock chip in their $100,000 Ferrari. Initially, each installation was custom cut from a bulk roll and carefully applied to the paint. It was time consuming and required lots of experience. The idea took a while to trickle down into the main stream vehicles. As demand increased for the protection, new companies sprung up design kits that could be cut out on a plotter and applied to the car. Hence, another segment of the paint protection film industry was born. The last piece of the puzzle was to have a network of independent, trained installers. Unfortunately, the industry suffers from a lack of skilled technicians.

Most films in the industry carry a 5 year warranty against discoloring or clarity factors related to the film becoming cloudy or opaque. More of a problem of earlier automotive films, this was one of the initial problems. On aircraft, the film is removed every year, and replaced with a new piece. On a vehicle, most people wanted a protection that did not need to be removed and reapplied so the manufacturers went to work to redesign the film to maintain its clarity for 5 years plus. Now films come with a 7 year to lifetime warranty on the clarity stability.

The film has never had problems with its adhesion principles. It does not peel off or peel back. While the film does not require any special treatment, it should be cared for through regular waxing. Also, keeping the car in the garage at night will extend the shine of the film as well as the vehicles paint job. All the film requires is basically good vehicle maintenance. That should include waxing the car 3 to 4 times a year and regular weekly or biweekly washes.

The benefits of paint protection film:

The paint protection film solved all the negatives of the vinyl bras and improved the benefits of having one. Utilizing the black vinyl bra is just a hassle to put on and take off. Worse, the bras would damage the paint where it was rubbing, and frankly, now they are not very fashionable. The paint protection film is nearly undetectable on the paint, the film does not damage the paint, and it does not require removal for washes.

Perhaps the most unique benefit of the film, aside from its durability against rock chips and road damage, is that you cannot see the protection on the car. It is on the vehicle all the time, rain or shine, ready to repel rocks and pitting.

Overall, the film is more effective at preventing rock chips and road debris than anything else. Unlike the paint, when the rocks hit the film, they just bounce off. It does not get marred up and scuffed from the day in and out driving. Over a 3 to 4 year period, the film not only maintains its clarity, but it does not get damaged and worn out. Another plus is that with the paint protection film in place, it still allows the paint to fade at the same rate as the rest of the car.

The ideal customer for the film is someone who cares about keeping up their car. Secondly, the daily commuter will fully utilize the film every day they get on the freeway. Lastly, this film is for the car owner who keeps their vehicle longer than 5 years and is concerned about maintaining the vehicles resale value at high blue book.

When shopping around for an installer, look for a company with experience. Good work is never cheap and cheap work is never good. Anyone can buy the film. The quality of the job can vary widely and there are a lot of people who try out the industry and find out how difficult it really is. It takes years to become competent with installations. After all, the last thing you want to do is invest lots of money into a new car and then skimp on the quality job. Once the film is professionally installed, it will not require any further maintenance.

On the subject of price, this service is never cheap. The average coverage on the bumper alone can range from $350 to $450. Think of this as an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Most bumper repaints will run into the $600 to $700 range.

Bill DeBever is the owner of Transhine, located in Whittier, California. For almost 30 years Bill has been using the latest automotive technology, such as paint protection film, paintless dent removal, auto detailing, window tinting, etc. to protect and preserve thousands of vehicles. Please visit his website to see how Bill can assist you with your vehicle.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bill_DeBever

Clear coat paint protection for cars and trucks has gone through many changes over the last several years. In the past, clear coat paint added luster and beauty to vehicles but when it became chipped and scratched it was still a hassle to get the clear coat restored and looking new again. Today, there is a new option called paint protection film and it opens up a new innovated way for auto owners to protect their investments.

Paint protection film for cars and trucks has been around for a few years but it’s just recently getting the attention it deserves. Auto owners are beginning to learn more about this option and all the advantages it has to offer. This film is made from a thin clear thermoplastic urethane. It’s very similar to the window tinting film many people have placed on their windows to limit the amount of sun that enters the vehicle.

It comes in sheets or rolls that will need to be cut down to size. However, there are a few companies now making custom fit paint protection film that is already pre-cut to fit certain makes and models. This makes it much easier to use especially if you try to put it on yourself but this will also be more expensive than the sheets.

Unless you’re familiar with this type of work it’s recommended that you find a shop which specializes in this type of service. Having it done professionally will ensure the job is done correctly. It’s vital that the film be applied in a clean dust free environment. Otherwise, dirt, dust and other particles can be trapped underneath the film. Not only will this look bad but it can also damage the paint.

When it’s new, the clear paint protection film designed for cars and trucks can handle a good amount of abuse and protect your vehicle from nicks and scratches. Nevertheless, it’s important to realize that eventually, it will need to be replaced. Fortunately, removing the film is a very easy process and a lot cheaper than repairing a damaged paint job.

Removing the old film will not damage the vehicle in any way. Once the old coat is removed it can be replaced with new film. Another great thing about paint protection film is that it can be applied to any part of the vehicle that needs to be protected such as, headlight and taillight covers, not just the painted parts of the car.

Paint protection film is one of the best options available today when it comes to protecting the paint on your car or truck. It won’t prevent every problem that you might encounter but it can cut back on them. If you have a custom paint job, it’s definitely something worth considering.

About the Author:

Learn more about how to protect your car or truck from the elements with clear bra paint protection film today.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lisa_A_Mason

I am sure that you have been hearing all about these permanent paint protection for your cars that can stay there for several years, but that is too far expensive that some of us can no longer afford. Well, if you are looking for the right solution to the problem that you will have, you can actually look on for these paint protectors in the Internet. It comes with a kit, which will make it more convenient for you to apply it yourself.

Huh? You will now ask yourself on what am I talking about. I am talking about applying these paint protectors yourself even if you are a lady at that. Yes, you are not exempted from this. You may never want to go to someone and have it applied, and you will still end up paying more and more for this job to be done, which could actually done by you, without wasting a single penny.

Now, let us stop fussing at how you could do the job because you really could. Let us now deal with the real thing. As soon as you have the kit in your hands, you will now be able to start by reading the manual that comes with it, if it does not have one, you might as well log on to the website indicated at the bottle or box to get those easy instructions, just to be guided to do the right thing, because in these very easy steps, there will be no room for mistakes already. Now, as you have the manual, you can now start anytime of the day. It won’t even take you the whole day to finish the whole thing. You can do it all afternoon long or in the morning after you drink your coffee.

As you have finished applying the thing, you can now see the results. Typically, it is very evident that you will now have a glossy car as if it had just gone to waxing by a professional person. Another thing that you can expect is when you are washing your own car after applying the paint protection, you will not have a hard time getting the dirt off from your car because the dirt just do not cling on to the paint of your car anymore. They will just glide of, when they come past by it. Can you now imagine the miracle that it holds?

Well, you can really see the results that your car will have as soon as you will apply this paint protection. There are so many advantages that you can get from it, without even spending a lot of cash out from your pockets. Truly, this is one of the best deals that you can have, when you are taking good care of your car and have it maintained just the way it should be. So, what are you waiting for, go for it and apply it now on your car and you will never cut short with your expectations.

Yes! Lots more info on Paint Protection, waxing, and cars visit us at squidoo.com/carpaintprotection

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dennis_Mayfield

It doesn’t matter if you just bought a new car with a gorgeous paint job or just had your old car freshly painted, you need to protect it from the elements. One of the best ways to do that is by installing car paint protective film. This is a thin clear film that is actually placed on the front of the car to prevent the paint from being chipped, scratched and damaged by flying gravel and bugs as you drive from one destination to another.

You can have the car paint protective film installed by a professional or you can do it yourself if you have patience and can follow the basic directions. You can buy the protective film in rolls or kits. If you’ve ever handled window tenting film, then you have a good idea of how this film works. It’s the same principal because this thin thermoplastic urethane film adheres to the surface by means of an acrylic adhesive that’s pressure sensitive.

The steps for installing car paint protective film are listed below:

1. Have a clean dust free environment. You cannot install this film in an area that is not spotless.

2. Gather together all of your supplies. This includes the roll of film or kit, knife, squeegee and application solution.

3. Now measure and cut out the film to fit your car. This step can be difficult because it must be precise. If you’re not sure if you can cut the film to the right measurements, then it’s recommend that you buy the custom designed kits. In these, the film is already pre-cut to fit certain models.

4. Now that everything is ready, you need to prepare the vehicle. It must be completely spotless because any dirt and dust left on the car will be trapped under the film.

5. Use the application solution to wet the area thoroughly. Remove the backing from the film and gently place it in position without applying any pressure. Once it’s in place, take the squeegee and smooth out the water and air bubbles. Begin in the center and work your way outward for the best results.

6. Once the film is in place and all the bubbles have been squeezed out, use the knife to trim off any excess film.

After completing these steps you’re ready to enjoy driving your car around without worrying about it being damaged by the elements. It can be a tedious job installing car paint protective film but if you take your time and have patience, you’ll soon be enjoying all the benefits from your hard work.

About the Author:

Learn more about how to protect your car from bugs and other damage with clear bra paint protection film today.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lisa_A_Mason