Certified Installation Facility serving South Florida and the Treasure Coast

Paint Protection Film (Clear Bra) - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q : Is paint protection film (Clear Bra) really invisible?    A : The film is over 99.5% clear and very difficult to see once it is properly applied to your vehicle.  Most people will not even notice that it's on the vehicle. On any color darker than bright white, you can’t see the film.  On a stark white car, you can see less than 0.5% of color, which is from the adhesive. So, it is practically invisible.

 

Q : How long a time period to install a full (hood, fenders, mirrors and front bumper) kit?    A :  With precut kits, installations are typically completed in 3 - 8 hours.  We recommend the vehicle be dropped off the night before in our “Certified” Air Conditioned Clean Room and we will usually have your vehicle done by end of business the following day.   We allow the vehicle's paint to cool down since the high engine temperatures dry the installation solution prematurely.  We prep all vehicles prior to film installation.  Dependent on the vehicle color and pattern selections we may require the vehicle for an additional day.   Any custom work would depend on coverage to determine the amount of time.

 

Q : Do you have a film for matt paint or matt racing strips finishes?    A :  Yes - we call this stealth paint protection film. pic

 

Q : What product do you use after the your install Paint Protection Film on a client’s vehicle?    A :  First let me begin with all paint protection films are porous and as such require sealant after the film is installed on a client vehicle.  This is an additional step many installers ignore.   We use XPEL purpose made acrylic sealant and finishing solution.  The XPEL sealant is offered to each client for the best protection and prolongs the life of the film.   The XPEL finishing solution is made for the certified installer (not used for daily use) and is used only for initial sealing after the installation.  These products fully cure under UV light.

 

Q : How do I care for the Paint Protection Film?    A :  Proper care and maintenance of the film will prolong the life of the material. Frequent washing and waxing is recommended.  Always remove bugs and sap as soon as possible as you would your painted surfaces..  We recommend the use automotive grade soaps with lubricity additives to wash the film along with the balance of your vehicle.  Do not use any harsh solvents (toluene/xylene/naptha/kerosine) or any waxes/sealants with dyes and avoid products with petroleum distillates.  We highly recommend waxes/sealants which are low dusting so the edges do not collect buildup.  Polymeric and/or acrylic sealants – offer the best protection and durability.  For large coverage vehicles (motor homes) we recommend 303 Aerospace Protectant be applied before any trips to provide UV screening protection, repel dust, soiling and staining and each time you wash the vehicle. Apply sealant protection at least every three months.  We sell all these products in our store.

 

Two new products are: 1. "Purpose Made" XPEL Paint Protection Film Sealant   2."Purpose Made" urethane film cleaner manufactured by XPEL - this product deep cleans the paint protection film prior to application of a protective sealant for superior protection.  To insure you understand the care required we provide each of our clients a Maintenance & Care Flyer with specific recommendations and products recommended for use on your specific film.

 

Always check your automotive/truck wash facilities for the use of harsh chemicals which may have the ability to damage the urethane films.  Automated wash facilities rely on chemicals which lay on your vehicle for a period of time to help loosen debris from the surface prior to being high pressure rinsed off.  Staining and damages caused by film etching are not covered under the warranty.   Automated facilities do not take the place of regular hand/machine applied wax/sealants which offer better long term protection for the film as well as the balance of your vehicle.

 

WE CARRY ALL YOUR PAINT PROTECTION FILM CARE AND MAINTENANCE PRODUCTS

 

Q : Does the paint protection film carry a warranty?    A : Yes, all our films come with a manufacturer and shop installation warranty. You can view all the warranties under the Warranty Section

 

Q : I here more and more about " Wear and Tear" Paint Protection Packages.  What is this protection?    A :   This is basic coverage to protect your vehicle for the "WHEN's".  A "WHEN" is IF the a scratch WILL happen but it's a matter of WHEN the scratch will occur?  We protect your vehicle against the "WHEN's".  This is "WHEN" you get a door edge chip, "WHEN" you scratch your trunk ledge, "WHEN" you scrap you heel on the painted door sill and "WHEN" your nails or ring scratch the paint inside the door handle zone. Or when you load something in your pickup truck and nick the paint on the bed ledge.  We protect your vehicle against the "WHENS". Pic

 

Q : Can the Paint Protection Film be removed?    A : Yes, The paint protection film is designed as a semi-permanent application and can easily be removed if desired.  For removal of the film, simply heat the surface to approximately 170°F and begin by working a corner of the film with your fingernail. After you have enough film to hold onto, pull the film slowly away from the surface. If any adhesive remains, simply use automotive grade adhesive remover (We these products in our store).   For the DYI’er, we can provide the instruction and products to assist in film removal.   We also offer professional removal. 

 

Q : Will Paint Protection Film damage my factory paint?    A : No, absolutely not. Our Paint Protection Films are designed to protect your paint, not damage it.  OEM’s (original equipment manufacturers) approve the use of these products and many new vehicles have film installed at the factory to protect lower doors panels, lower truck beds, behind mud flaps etc.

Q: How long will the Paint Protection Film last, when will I have to replace it?   A:  All too many times I get asked, “how long is the warranty and will the paint protection film look the same 5 to 7 years later from the day it was put on?”  Now to answer that question I like to ask this simple question in return. If you were to go and buy a brand new car directly off the show room floor, will it look like the day you drove it off the show room floor 5 to 7 years later?   He or she usually laughs and says “well I guess that depends on how well I take care of it”, which is exactly how I respond to their initial question regarding the product life.

Applications of high quality purpose made automotive sealants after installation and at frequent intervals will help retain the luster and performance of the product.

An example: if you took three black painted fenders and set fender A outside for a period of one year, waxing it daily, fender B outside never touching it, and fender C inside an enclosed dark room that all three will look different after on year? Fender C will look like the day you placed it in the room, fender B will look slightly different from fender A because of the damaging elements of outdoor exposure, and fender B will more than likely show some harsher damage from the same elements of outdoor exposure. What everyone needs to understand is that these protective films are porous and so is the paint on your vehicle!  Both will expand in the hot sun and can absorb dirt and moisture which makes it important to keep both surfaces clean when possible. When it comes to paint protection films, you need to understand that the use of waxes and polishes containing dyes will cause the film to discolor, primarily turning yellow, gold, or a light brown color.

 Q : What is "Urban" Paint Protection?    A : Client awareness has increased on the benefits of paint protection films. Many are interested in protection for the doors, rear bumper and quarter panels.  This protection is called referred to as "girlfriend" protection.

 

Q : Do you offer coverage on the rear bumper?    A :  Yes,  Many consider this “urban” protection.  On many higher end vehicles we offer a rear bumper protection.  However, more and more clients have requested rear bumper protection so we are seeing more patterns available. We can also offer custom installations.

 

Q : Can I see a edge where the film stops?    A : A slight edge is barely visible at certain angles. We also recommend bikini cuts for the hood/fenders which further enhances the invisibility of the edge. There is a balance between optimum protection and visibility of an edge.  We also offer full hood coverage with bikini cut fenders which often resolve the edge issue for many clients which keeping the cost down.  

 

Q : I just can't live with the edge on the hood and fenders;  What are my options?    A : We offer full coverage hoods and fenders on many vehicles.  We are one of a few installation facilities in Florida which have the capability to use up to 60" master rolls on our computer cutters for design of full hood and fender coverage.

 

Q : Does the film yellow or discolor?    A : Recent testing indicates the many films do not turn yellow from aging or UV exposure alone.   Many early generation films yellowed prematurely (when reviewing online forums insure your reviewing upto date information) to some degree over time and is highly dependent on film maintenance and environment. The newer technology films contain improved UV inhibitors to counteract harmful ultraviolet rays and have a protective coating for additional surface protection.  None of the latest paint protection films have any real advantage with regard to yellowing. Why? Because yellowing is nothing more than dirty film. The film itself is perfectly clear.  What you are seeing are the oils from the road, diesel smoke, and other environmental contaminants (absorption of the yellow color of poll with a thick yellow dust casting a hue on the film).  The only exception to this is where certain petroleum distillates (wrong wax/sealant/bug/tar removers etc.) have been used on the film cause a yellowing reaction with the polyurethane (kerosine, xylene, toluene and some others).   All paint protection films are porous (some more than others) and absorb the dyes thus introducing color effects. Certain petroleum distillates within the wax/sealants open the pores of the films and allow product to be trapped within the film - add time, temperature and sunlight and you have the start of film discoloration. It is recommended by all film manufacturers not to use dyed waxes (i.e. Meguiar’s #26, colored carnauba waxes etc.) which contribute to film discoloration which is more pronounced on white and lighter colored vehicles.  

 

Do not use non-coated films for daily drivers in Florida.

 

We have a few recommendations.  1. Maintain the Paint Protection Film with regular washings and always remove stains as soon as possible.  2. Use the new "purpose made" urethane film cleaner manufactured by XPEL - this product deep cleans the coated and non-coated paint protection films from most of the elements.   3.  Use "purpose made" sealants for superior protection such as XPEL Paint Protection Film Sealant to reduce stain absorption..   We provide a Maintenance & Care Flyer to each client during the turnover process to provide the client information on the care of their film and offer special maintenance of paint protection films.

 

Stark white vehicles are the most challenging for yellowing/discoloration effects.  We recommend the use of coated films on white vehicles period.  White vehicles with paint protection film inherently have what is called a prism effect taking place.  This is best explained using an extreme example by taking 1" thick Plexiglas (similar to your 8 mil paint protection film) and laying the Plexiglas on your hood.  As you look through the Plexiglas you notice an off white tint.  The refracted light passes through the Plexiglas (made up of 3 primary colors) with yellow (a primary color) tints your white paint every so lightly and background light around the vehicle causes a slight change in color. On those cars, your best bet is to seal the pores of the film with a purpose made" sealants to slow the absorption of the contaminants and then clean it with a purpose made cleaner each time you wash your car

 

 

Q : I have heard some films stain?    A : Films with no topcoat protection are much more susceptible to stains since base urethane is not covered by a protective top layer.  (non-top coated films are great for vehicles which are not daily drivers and we would not recommend them in the Florida enviroment.)  Staining occur when the films pores are open and not sealed. That being said all film typles need to be cleaned and sealed.  

 

We recommend regular washings and always remove stains as soon as possible.  Use the new "purpose made" urethane film cleaner manufactured by XPEL - this product deep cleans the coated and non-coated paint protection films from most of the elements.   3.  Use "purpose made" sealants for superior protection such as XPEL Paint Protection Film Sealant to reduce stain absorption.   We provide a Maintenance & Care Flyer to each client during the turnover process to provide the client information on the care and special maintenance of paint protection films.  Many times the staining will bleach out over time in the sun.  Some customers have had success on 3M and earlier Avery top coated films with Wesley's Bleach White.  Refer to the section on yellowing and discoloration above.

 

Q : Who makes patterns and which ones should I use for my vehicle?    A : Always review the pattern designs and pattern options with the installer to determine your protection coverage.  There are many design pattern companies; XPEL, Proform, FirstCut, DD, Precisioncut, and IP. The top two pattern companies, hands down, are XPEL and Proform.  The differences between pattern design houses are: client service, quality, fitment, and coverage protection, number of pieces to complete the coverage and ability to offer pattern options.  Inferior patterns do not fit quite right and usually come in multiple pieces and relief cuts which simpler and less time consuming to install ( less installed cost) however the draw backs are numerous films edges, butted film at relief cuts which poor protection and sub par fitment.  We only use XPEL, Proform, DD and IP patterns.

 

Q : I have an aftermarket bumper, hood, can you cover this?    A : Typically yes, we offer custom installations.  We can develop a pattern specific for your coverage needs.  We would need to see the project to determine the viability and to provide an estimate. Refer to our page: "Other Film Uses"

 

Q : Will there be a two-tone effect when the film is ever removed?    A : No, the latest paint protection films are UV stabilized and new paints today offer greater UV protection so the underlying paint will not fade.   The unprotected paint as well as the paint protection films should be regularly washed and waxed/sealed and there would be no indication that film was ever installed.  That being said, we may recommend a full machine polish to remove any micro marring, swirling etc. on the unprotected paint to match the superior gloss of the paint finish under the removed film. We offer these services to our clients during the removal process.  We also sell products should the client which to perform the removal and polishing function.

 

Q : Can I have the Paint Protection Film installed on my repainted bumper and/or hood, etc. ?    A: Yes, we recommend cure time al least a minimum of 30 days to ensure that any residual gassing out is complete alleviating the risk of bubbles forming under the film.  Check with your body shop and ask them how long they would recommend you wait to have the film installed on your repainted parts.  Some body shops recommend up to 90 days for full paint cure.  Times will vary based upon the curing rates of the various hardeners and other solvents used in the painting process.  Please note some film manufacturers do not recommend their film be used on repaints.   3M, Nano Fusion, and XPEL films do not have these restrictions as long as the proper painting guidelines are followed for repainting automotive components.

 

We always recommend using a professional bodyshop.  Remove the parts to be repainted from the vehicle and have them fully keyed and primed.  Also inform your painter up-front Paint Protection Film will be installed over the repainted parts.

 

Q : Do I need to prep the vehicle before installation?    A : No special prep is required.  We ask that your vehicle be completely washed and remove excessive dirt, debris or bugs.  An additional charge may apply if excessive cleaning is required.

 

Q : I have a few paint chips can you apply the film to these areas?    A : Yes - we recommend at least 48 hours for these areas to cure. Repaired chip areas have no firm paint adhesion and there is always some risk the paint plug may not adhere in the repaired area while the film is being installed.   That being said, we have been successful with a few special techniques to prevent paint lift on chip repaired areas.  We make no guarantee however we make ever effort to install the film over these locations without removal of the paint plug.  For the best results, let us inspect the paint before the chips are repaired so we will take few pictures and map the chipped areas.  Should the film be installed over the paint plug successfully at the time the film is removed the paint plug may not stay adhered. There is no installation warranty coverage should the film lift a paint plug.

 

Q : Can I install  a Paint Protection kit myself?     A : Yes and no.  Many clients are able to install flat pieces however 98% of the kits, a one time installer would likely ruin the film.  For a professional installation we recommend your kit be installed by a Certified Professional Installer.  A Certified Professional Installer would also provide a manufacturer's and installation warranty.  Please also review Purchasing Paint Protection Kits Online  should you consider purchasing a kit.

 

Q : Can you apply Paint Protection Film to plastic?  A : Yes.  We also cover cell phone screens, laptops, vehicle and marine navigation screens and ITouch, IPhones and the new Apple Ipad etc.

 

Q : Can you apply Paint Protection Film to chrome?  A : Yes.  We have a special paint protection film which will work over chrome.

 

Q : Can you apply Paint Protection Film stainless steel?  A : Yes.  The film looks great on all brushed or polished aluminum and stainless steel parts. Stop by the shop and we can apply a sample piece on your material.

 

Q : I have heard some vehicles are offered in a painted matte finish - is there are paint protection film for painted matte finishes?  A : Yes. We call this “Stealth Film".  This film is perfect for clear bra protection over painted matte finishes and matte vinyl raining stripes.   The stealth film protects without gloss and is great for race cars, hot rods, customs and exotic factory paints.  We can even apply to a gloss paint for a retro Matt look. pic

 

Q : What about wax build up along the seam and how can I avoid it?    A :  There are many professional sealants which do NOT leave residue, so this issue can be eliminated.  We can assist in the proper selection of waxes/sealants.  However, some waxes/sealants will leave a white line on the seam.  We recommend a light wipe movement in the direction of the edge with an automotive grade micro fiber.   We recommend not waxing "into" the seams but 90 degrees across them.  Never apply a concentrated rubbing action at the seam edges as this may groove the paint/gel coat and be unnoticed until the film is removed.  We provide each of our clients a Maintenance & Care Flyer with specific recommendations and products to use on the films.

 

Q: What do the VW and Land Rover Certified OEM Installer Logos on our website mean?  A : Volkswagen and Land Rover have OEM (original equipment manufacturer) paint protection packages offered via the dealerships and are installed either by employees at the dealership or contracted out to a paint protection film installation facility.   Automotive Candystore completed hands on and exam training to qualify as a VW and Land Rover Certified OEM Installer.

 

Q : Should I purchase clear bra from my car dealership?    A :  While buying products directly from the dealership at the time of vehicle purchase has its benefits, i.e., the costs can be included in the financing, some believe it is the only way to get the products, some believe it is just easier, and finally, some believe the cost will be about the same so they might as well just get it all at the same time and from the same place.  Most of these reasons are incorrect.  Here are some of the downsides:

1.  Often, installers at the dealerships are not properly trained.  We have seen examples where the installer did not use computer-cut kits, but rather used “bulk film” and attempted to cut to fit the contours of the car with razor blades!  Why?  This is a least cost option.  This can lead to cutting through the clear-coat and often the color coat as well.

2.  Most importantly, dealerships may use inferior films and kit designs.  These kits offer minimal coverage which often miss the critical protection areas.  We provide each of our clients’ one-on-one interaction with the certified installer, we go through all the options available for our clients' vehicle, and most importantly, we discuss our clients' specific needs.

3.  Dealerships may not provide you with a warranty card.

4.  Knowing that this will be included in your vehicles' purchase, the dealerships may charge an absorbent cost for the clear bra.

5.  Dealerships want to get the job done quickly and as inexpensively as possible in order to get the car out the door.  This benefits the dealership and not the client.  For more information read the question below:  Why is there a difference in cost between installers?

 

Q : Why is there a difference in cost between installers?    A :  There are five factors which affect the overall cost of a paint protection film installation:  experience, film, pattern design, coverage and location. Consider all these issues when deciding on an installation shop.