Author Topic: Paint protection film / Clear bra / PPF  (Read 2783 times)

Rahul

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Paint protection film / Clear bra / PPF
« on: November 22, 2020, 16:20:46 »
Hey there, I saw this question was asked in 2015 but did not receive many responses. I am hoping there are more members that have explored this route since then.

I am about to have my hood repainted, and am considering applying a clear bra to protect the car once that is done.

I know this treatment is very effective for modern cars in protecting against rock chips, dings, scratches etc.

Has anyone done this for their classic? Anything to be aware of, any disadvantages, issues, regrets, bad experiences, etc?

Thanks!
1971 280SL auto #571 over parchment

bwiele

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Re: Paint protection film / Clear bra / PPF
« Reply #1 on: December 03, 2020, 20:59:30 »
I would expect your experience to by the same whether on a modern car or classic car.  Bottom line is, it's a sacrificial layer that protects the paint.  I've used it quite a bit on my modern cars, and it's very effective.  One piece of guidance - you should wait at least 30 days for the paint to cure before applying the film.  Otherwise, when the time comes to take the film off to replace it, you will have issues with the paint peeling away with the film.

Rahul

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Re: Paint protection film / Clear bra / PPF
« Reply #2 on: December 03, 2020, 21:00:20 »
Thanks bweile, appreciate the response
1971 280SL auto #571 over parchment

Sigman

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Re: Paint protection film / Clear bra / PPF
« Reply #3 on: December 28, 2020, 20:44:24 »
I would say getting the paint ceramic coated with CQuartz Finest Reserve or  Ceramic Pro.

Cheers,
Michael

Michael Lara
www.bluecapgarage.com
1969 280SL 4-spd - 717 Papyrus White w/ Blue MB-Tex (unrestored)
1986 560SL
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zoegrlh

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Re: Paint protection film / Clear bra / PPF
« Reply #4 on: December 28, 2020, 21:18:56 »
My daughter’s car has the paint protection film. She has a Honda that she has had for 10 years+, the problem with the films that over time it will dull, and turn a mold like look to it. I would not recommend on a classic car that will be in your stable, or passed to a new owner, the film will yellow for sure in time. New cars not so much of a problem because most owners don’t keep a new car for years and years, they get traded for newer cars. My two cents.
Bob
Robert Hyatt
Williamsburg, VA.

W113, 1970 280SL, Red leather 242 on Silver Gray Met. 180, 4-speed stick, Euro spec, restored
R172 2012 SLK350, Black Premium leather 801 on Mars Red 590, 7-speed auto
W211, 2007 E320 Bluetec, Cashmere MB Tex 144 on Arctic White 650, 7 speed auto

Rahul

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Re: Paint protection film / Clear bra / PPF
« Reply #5 on: December 28, 2020, 21:37:02 »
Yep that's true Bob, but I think the decent quality films are supposed to last up to ~10yrs without yellowing, at which point it becomes a decision to peel it off and reapply a new one.

Certainly is tempting to avoid the hassle/cost of fixing up door dings, minor scratches and rock chips over 5-10 years.

I do regret not doing it on one of my other cars, amazing how much damage the paint can collect on a longer drive due to grit/roadworks or just carelessness from other car owners.
1971 280SL auto #571 over parchment

johnk

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Re: Paint protection film / Clear bra / PPF
« Reply #6 on: December 29, 2020, 00:04:08 »
I would say getting the paint ceramic coated with CQuartz Finest Reserve or  Ceramic Pro.

Cheers,
Michael

I thought ceramic coating protected against dings and chips but it really doesnt.  Had the front of my jag covered in Expel clear bra amd then the entire car including the clear bra coated with ceramic pro. I since learned Ceramic pro doesn’t even protect the car from washing with a course rag let alone paints and chips. My Alfa is covered with ceramic pro as well.

Just go with high quality clear bra material. That is what I am doing to finish my restoration.
John Krystowski
Avon Ohio
1968 Euro 280sl under restoration
2016 Jag F-Type R sold june 2021
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2008 E350
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Cees Klumper

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Re: Paint protection film / Clear bra / PPF
« Reply #7 on: December 29, 2020, 02:49:29 »
Our white 2011 BMW Z4 had a bra on the hood. It had somewhat discolored and wasn't pretty to look at so I took it off, car looked better after that. Our white 2008 Volvo C70 has similar miles (100K) and never had a bra, and the hood looks great. I would not put one on.  Our cars don't see that many high-speed miles anyway.
Cees Klumper
1969 Mercedes 280 SL automatic
1968 Ford Mustang 302 V8
1961 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Coupe 1600
1962 FIAT 1500S OSCA convertible
1972 Lancia Fulvia Coupe 1.3
1983 Porsche 944 2.5
1990 Ford Bronco II

johnk

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Re: Paint protection film / Clear bra / PPF
« Reply #8 on: December 29, 2020, 02:56:01 »
The product they sell today is much better than what they sold ten years ago. I would not compare them. Also white can be touched up with a brush for those that have it, however a metallic paint like mine is much more noticeable to touch up.
John Krystowski
Avon Ohio
1968 Euro 280sl under restoration
2016 Jag F-Type R sold june 2021
1950 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 SS For sale
2008 E350
2007 GL 450
2019 BMW 540

zoegrlh

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Re: Paint protection film / Clear bra / PPF
« Reply #9 on: January 11, 2021, 18:28:00 »
Has anyone taken off film?  What is the procedure?  Have a Honda that needs to have film off. Thanks
Robert Hyatt
Williamsburg, VA.

W113, 1970 280SL, Red leather 242 on Silver Gray Met. 180, 4-speed stick, Euro spec, restored
R172 2012 SLK350, Black Premium leather 801 on Mars Red 590, 7-speed auto
W211, 2007 E320 Bluetec, Cashmere MB Tex 144 on Arctic White 650, 7 speed auto

specracer

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Re: Paint protection film / Clear bra / PPF
« Reply #10 on: January 13, 2021, 02:01:35 »
I have, cross your fingers...... It could be not too bad. Hook with your finger nail and start to pull carefully. You will want heat, the sun, or heat lamp. I found on some films, you actually want to pull the film AWAY from the direction you are removing. It keeps more of the adhesive on the film. You will want to be sure you have a quart of 3m adhesive remover on hand. you might need it.

Now if your not lucky and its some of the nasty films 10+ years ago, you might have quite a fight to get it off, and a LOT of adhesive to get off the paint once the plastic is gone. 

Has anyone taken off film?  What is the procedure?  Have a Honda that needs to have film off. Thanks