NEW Vancouver ClearBra Blog Click Here Will have the newest specials and information   Frequently Asked ClearBra Questions? What is PPF or Clear Bra? PPF (Paint Protection Film) or Clear Bra is a urethane thermoplastic film that is professionally applied to the most vulnerable areas of a vehicle to prevent costly damage from rocks, sand, road debris, and insects, thus preserving the value and beauty of the painted finish and preventing rusting. Where did it Clear Bra originate? Clear Bra paint protection film was originally developed for the military to prevent damage to helicopter rotor blades. Clear Bra paint protection film eventually moved into the aircraft and racing industry to protect the sponsor clad paint jobs that used to require a repaint after every race.  Now it is available to our clients to protect their daily drivers, RV's, exotics, motorcycles and race cars. What can I get covered in Clear Bra? There is almost no limit as we can cover with Clear Bra paint protection film, just about every square inch of the vehicle if desired. Our typical pre-cut clear bra kits are available for the most common areas of damage; Hoods, fenders, mirrors, bumpers, headlamps, wheel wells, door sills, rocker panels, etc... Can Clear Bra Paint Protection Film be removed? Yes the Clear Bra paint protection film can be removed at any time with no damage to the paint.  The covered portion of the vehicle will remain pristine.  The rest of the vehicle will depend on how it was maintained and as long as it had been regularly and properly washed and waxed there would be no indication that a Clear Bra paint protection film was ever installed. Can the Paint Protection Film be seen? A slight line is visible from certain angles where the film ends on the hood and fenders unless a whole hood and fenders package was installed. The headlamp and bumper kits are virtually invisibly as they follow body lines. For those who are apposed to the line the 2 options remain; chipped and pitted paint or a very apparent black bra. How long will Clear Bra Paint Protection Film last? While Clear Bra paint protection film manufactures offer a minimum 5 year warranty tests have seen an average lifespan of 6 or more years with no loss of appearance or protective function on Clear Bra paint protection film. What is the advantage to me if I lease my car?  As reported in Motor Trend Magazine, 'A Clear Bra paint protection film may even offer a good return on investment for those who lease their cars, as compared with possible paint touch-up costs or reduced vehicle value (most lessors deduct for damage and excessive wear and tear) at lease turn-in.'  And since a Clear Bra paint protection film from Vancouver ClearBra is virtually invisible, you can appreciate the beauty of your car while protecting your investment.  How do I care for the Clear Bra Paint Protection Film? Simply wash and wax the Clear Bra paint protection film as you would the rest of the vehicle. After waxing a once over any edges with a micro-fiber or q-tip prevents wax build up. How long does a Clear Bra Paint protection Film installation take? Typical installations range for Clear Bra paint protection film from 1-2 hours for most cars.  I found a guy that will do a Clear Bra Paint Protection Film for $50 cheaper, will you match his price? We do not price match. The fact is that Vancouver ClearBra uses premium pattern designs, film coverage, Clear Bra paint protection film and install techniques. While there are time and monetary costs associated with those facts we are proud to provide the highest level of installation excellence to our clients. We offer a premium service at a very fair price. Be sure you are educated and aware of the different Clear Bra paint protection film coverage's and options before you price shop. See example below of what competitors consider hood and fender coverage.  Competition Infiniti FX35 Hood &Fender Kit Vancouver ClearBra Infiniti FX35 Hood &Fender Kit What is the Clear Bra Paint Protection Film Warranty? Our Clear Bra paint protection film are guaranteed to be free from defects in materials for 5 years from date of purchase as covered by the manufacturer. This warranty does not apply to damage caused by misuse, accident, or ordinary wear. We provide our clients with a lifetime warranty on our Clear Bra paint protection film installations. No fine print or hoops to jump through, just 100% customer satisfaction. What if my car has been repainted or touched up? We can install the Clear Bra paint protection film over repaints but most body shops will recommend about 30 days for the paint to fully cure. The paint job is only as good as the prep job and because there is no way to be sure of the prep job, Vancouver ClearBra will not be held liable for any paint damage associated with a repainted vehicle. Do I need to prep the car before our appointment? Although we do a thorough cleaning process before installation we appreciate and recommend a vehicle that is clean and from dirt and road grime for the best cleanest Clear Bra paint protection film installation possible. Can I install this Clear Bra Paint Protection Film myself? It is of course possible to do a self install but with the Clear Bra paint protection film however, we do not recommend it. The film is expensive to begin with and gets even more expensive when you have to replace a Clear Bra paint protection film piece due to a mistake. Proper installation is an art and requires a great deal of understanding and experience with the Clear Bra paint protection film. We are constantly reminded of this when we see other Clear Bra paint protection film installations that leave much to be desired. What are some characteristics of a poorly installed clear bra paint protection film? The idea is to basically install a one dimensional piece of film on a 3 dimensional object. This creates plenty of issues for all but the most competent installers: Stretch marks- Visually significant change in adhesive texture due to improper stretch technique.  A small amount is acceptable but should be very minimal. Silvering- Tiny white or silver looking specs clumped together caused by an adhesive disturbance in the clear bra paint protection film were it adhered unevenly to the body panel and stuck during installation. Misalignment- Excessive gap from body edge to film end caused from improper alignment and stretching or poor pattern design.  1/16 gap is what your looking for. Air / water bubbles- Poor squeegee technique has left either air or water where it shouldn’t be. Very little if any water should remain under the film Lift marks / stop marks- A straight line raised slightly represents where the film was improperly pulled back up after adhering thus disturbing the adhesive at the point it was pulled back to. Dirt or Hair- Dirty installation leaving unwanted matter underneath the clear bra. Razor cuts on paint- self explanatory! Below are pictures of Bad ClearBra installations we have seen 3M Paint Protection Film ClearBra FAQ
Q.	Can I purchase Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film directly from 3M?
A.	3M sells larger rolls of film to selected 3M Authorized Distributors and Converters and not to end consumers. 3M does not manufacture vehicle-specific clearbra kits nor does 3M install kits on consumer vehicles. Vancouver ClearBra is 3M trained and Certified and there are hundreds of professional certified installers throughout the United States and about 14 in Canada of which we are 2.
Q.	How much does it cost to have Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film installed on my vehicle?
A.	There are many makes and models of cars, trucks, RVs and boats. On personal vehicles Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film is most often used to cover the front portion of the hood. 3M film is also commonly applied to painted bumpers, mirror backs, truck bed rails, door edges, rocker panels, mirror backs, wheel openings, etc. Any painted surface of a car, truck, van, SUV, RV, boat or motorcycle that is susceptible to bug damage and rock chips can be covered with paint protection film. Since the amount of film required and difficulty of application will vary by vehicle model, we suggest you contact us for recommendations and price quotes.
Q.	Can I install Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film myself?
A.	3M strongly recommends that Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film be installed by a fully trained and certified, professional certified installer. These are skilled certified installers in applying the film around compound curves, challenging grillwork, wheel openings, bumpers and all other areas on today's vehicles.
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Maintenance and Removal
Q.	Will Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film harm the painted surface if the film is removed?
A.	If the Clear Bra paint protection film is properly applied to a fully cured painted vehicle, it can be removed, usually in one piece, without damaging paint surfaces beneath the clearbra.
Q.	Can Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film be applied over a vehicle that has had the paint touched up?
A.	3M recommends that any repainted surfaces on your vehicle be professionally painted and fully cured before applying paint protection film. If you have touched up scratches or chips with a tube of "touch-up" paint and then apply paint protection clearbra over it, the film will protect that area until it is removed. If the paint protection clearbra is removed, it is possible that the area around the non-professional touch-up paint could peel off.
Q.	Will the paint smear if Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film is applied over a newly painted vehicle?
A.	The paint on a newly painted vehicle must be cured according to manufacturer's recommendations.
Q.	Can you paint or apply a clearcoat over the Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film?
A.	No, this is not recommended and is at your own risk. 3M film is supplied with an OEM-approved clearcoat which is not formulated to be over-printed, painted or clearcoated.
Q.	Can I cover the whole vehicle with Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film?
A.	It is possible, but the application would be difficult and expensive. This product is really intended for the most vulnerable areas of the vehicle.
Q.	Can Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film be applied over graphics?
A.	The clearbra film will not interfere with vinyl or painted graphics and is designed to match the gloss levels of today's automotive factory clearcoat paint systems, providing virtually invisible protection. However, if the Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film is removed, damage may occur to the underlying graphic during the removal process.
Q.	Does Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film stick to bumpers?
A.	Yes.
Q.	Does Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film stick to plastic?
A.	Yes.
Q.	Can Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film be used on boats or other watercraft?
A.	Yes. Marine requirements are different than automotive, so it is important to contact 3M's Marine Trades Division for information on these applications. For specific information, please call 3M Marine at 1-877-366-2746 for assistance.
Q.	Can Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film be used on aircraft?
A.	Aircraft requirements are completely different than automotive, so it is important to contact 3M's Aerospace Division for information on these applications. Please call 1-888-364-3577 for assistance or use the on-line 3M Aerospace Contact Us form.
Q.	Can Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film to used for signs?
A.	The film would probably stick, but you would need to test any specific application. 3M has no specific testing data for signs, so no warranty can be offered.
Q.	Does Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film resist yellowing?
A.	Yes, it resists yellowing because the film is constructed of thermoplastic urethane, a tough, conformable material that is covered by a clear coat layer. The film and clear coat layers contain UV protectants to counteract harmful ultraviolet rays that can cause yellowing.
Q.	Does Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film come in colors?
A.	Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film is available only as a clear film. This feature makes the clearbra virtually invisible while protecting the beauty of your vehicle.
Q.	How is Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film maintained?
A.	Once applied, refrain from washing the vehicle in an automated car wash for 48 hours. Washing after that time presents no problem, and no special care need be taken for the film. (Vancouver ClearBra would suggest you put a sealant or wax onto the film to protect the clearbra)
Q.	Can I use wax over Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film?
A.	Yes. When waxing the vehicle, some wax may build up along the film edges. This can easily be removed when dry with a soft cloth, such as a 3M™ High Performance Cloth. Do not use any waxes containing dyes or waxes that are not recommended for urethanes. Abrasive polishes and/or rubbing compounds are not to be used.
Q.	What products does 3M recommend to best maintain Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film?
A.	3M makes a variety of products to help maintain the beauty of your vehicle. 3M™ Car Wash Soap (3M Part #39000), 3M™ Show Car Paste Wax (3M Part #39526 and 3M™ Perfect-It Show Car Liquid Wax (3M Part #39026). The best surface cloth to use is the 3M™ Perfect-IT™ III Detailing Cloth (3M Part #39016) since others may scratch the surface of the film.
Q.	How is Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film removed?
A.	If desired, film can be removed at any time by picking up a corner of the film and pulling the film off the vehicle surface at a 90-degree angle. If the film has been present a long time, or if the film and vehicle are cold, a heat gun or hair dryer may be used to soften the adhesive, allowing easier removal. If any adhesive remains on the vehicle after removal of the film, it can be removed by using 3M™ General Purpose Adhesive Cleaner (3M Part #08984), according to the package directions.
Q.	If Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film is removed from the vehicle, can it be re-used?
A.	Once the film has been applied and set, the adhesive will not stick a second time.
Q.	After Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film has been removed, how do I get any excess adhesive off my vehicle?
A.	If any adhesive remains on the vehicle after removal of the clearbra film, it can be removed by using 3M™ General Purpose Adhesive Cleaner (3M Part #08984), according to the package directions.
Q.	What if Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film is installed incorrectly?
A.	Contact your Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film professional certified clearbra installer immediately.
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Warranty
Q.	What is the Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film warranty?
A.	3M warrants that Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film, installed after November 1, 2003, will be free of defects in materials and manufacture — including yellowing, bubbling, or cracking — for five (5) years from date of purchase. This warranty does not apply to damage caused by misuse, accident, misapplication, or ordinary wear, nor does it apply to dents caused by physical impact of rocks or road debris.
Q.	How do I make a ClearBra warranty claim?
A.	To make a claim under this warranty, simply contact 3M at 1-800-643-0955. 3M will direct you to an certified installer selected by 3M to have your Scotchgard Paint Protection Film inspected and, if your claim is covered by this Warranty, 3M will have the certified installer remove the old and reapply new Scotchgard Paint Protection Film. Remedies and Limitations: The 3M warranty and limited remedies stated in this document are exclusive and is made in place of all other express or implied warranties, including any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. 3M shall not be liable for any other damages or costs, including incidental or consequential damages, arising out of the use of inability to use Scotchgard paint Protection Film or any vehicle to which it has been applied.
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