Automobiles come in different shapes and sizes – they can be anything from an old work truck to a flashy status symbol. Regardless of the vehicle’s purpose, owners want nothing but the best for their cars, especially those that are newly purchased.
Maintaining the fresh look of a car from the day it was bought can be a challenge and wrapping them with adhesive protection is one way of accomplishing this. There are several varieties of car wrapping materials that have very different properties but function in similar ways; these are vinyl car bras and paint protection films.
WHAT ARE CAR BRAS?
First invented in the 1960s, car bras were initially made to “mask” Porsche club’s cars from minor scratches and damage from road debris, inclement weather and more. Today, car bras are not as popular as they once were but still continue to offer long-term paint protection and helps maintain the value of your car.
WHAT IS PAINT PROTECTION FILM?
The technology that led to the production of the Paint Protection Film (PPF) began during the 1980s when NASCAR saw how this technology could be beneficial to the automobile industry, particularly in race cars. This technology was derived from the use of urethane in protecting US helicopters from crashing due to rotor blade damages during the onset of the Vietnam War. The military also expanded the technology’s use with aerospace vehicles and fighter jets, which still serves its purpose up to this day.
MATERIAL COMPARISON
The first car bras prepared for the Porsche club in the 1960s were made of stretchable black polyvinyl chloride (vinyl for short) which is lightweight, thermally stable and rubbery in texture. Due to its dynamic properties, vinyl became effective protection to cars which proved resistance for different weather conditions.
For years since it was invented, black vinyl was the only choice for car owners to preserve the outer appearance of their cars. However, there are car owners who don’t like the design of the black vinyl bras. It also became a problem when the adhesion of this car bra material caused damage to the paint rather than being its primary protection.
PPF, on the other hand, was invented using urethane which was similar to the first helicopter protection tapes. Contrary to the appearance of the original black vinyl bra, paint protection films were made clear and transparent which earned them the term “clear bras.” The early PPF materials applied to cars were prone to drying out and discoloration over time, which led the pioneers of this technology off to a precarious start.
Manufacturers have seen potential in the PPF’s technology as a long-lasting aid in car-protection, which urged them to make thorough developments in the formulation of the material. PPFs being used today are now made of an elastomeric polymer substance which makes them much thinner and more flexible. Since modern cars have different, complex designs, the material of the PPF coating and adhesive is formulated to adhere and fit just right into the curves and edges of cars.
APPLICATION OF CAR BRAS AND PAINT PROTECTION FILM
Both vinyl car bras and PPF can be installed without needing a professional, but this can be difficult. There are manufacturers who provide Do-It-Yourself installation guides for customers who want to install and customize their car bras on their own without the added cost of hiring a professional.
While some DIY guides can prove effective installation in vinyl car bras, it is not always the same case in installing PPF. Installing PPF requires a great deal of knowledge and training, especially on cars that have complex designs. The curves on the car surfaces require the PPF to be stretched in a controlled way so it does not ruin the adhesive while installing. It is highly recommended that PPFs are installed by trained professionals to decrease the possibility of spoiling its design.
The amount of film needed to be installed on a car also depends on the preference of the owner and the type of film being installed. Since some owners prefer to install a car bra to change its looks, vinyl car bras are typically preferred to be applied all over the entire car. Some also want a different level of customization for their car so they opt to install vinyl film in a stylistic way.
PPFs can also be applied over the entire car, but most owners prefer it to be applied only on the front portion of the car which is the most vulnerable to road debris chips.
In terms of the cost of application, wrapping an entire car can take days to finish and may require more than one person to install the bra efficiently, which can be costly. This is mostly the case for vinyl car bras. On the other hand, PPFs are mostly preferred to be installed only on the front part of the car, which is a great reduction in cost. This short application of PPF can also take less than a day. Costs can also vary based on different factors, such as the type and size of the vehicle
DESIGN AND CUSTOMIZATION
The traditional car bras with their black vinyl material are preferred by car owners who are after the customization of their cars. Its black appearance makes a classic difference in the car’s style without having it repainted. Other variants of car bras on the market offer different textures to cars, some of which are leather type and of matte finish.
PPF, on the other hand, are clear enough for car owners who are after protecting their cars while preserving its looks. The concern regarding discoloration of the PPF material from decades ago has been resolved, as manufacturers have ensured that PPF are not prone to turning yellowish over time. Even with its transparent appearance, manufacturers also offer PPF in a glossy and matte finish. The modern material used for PPF has also been developed for it to “self-heal” minor scratches, which is why these clear bras are also referred to as self-healing PPF.
DURABILITY AND LONGEVITY
Depending on the thickness of vinyl car bras, the life span of their coating and adhesive varies from one manufacturer to another. Those who use a fusion of carbon fiber material with vinyl claim a life span of 3-5 years, which varies depending on the thickness of the bra.
As most manufacturers claim, modern PPF are now developed to last for about 10 years from its initial installation with regular service and maintenance. While this claim can vary depending on the way it is installed and maintained, there are many liabilities that car owners need to look out for like yellowing, blistering and peeling of the film over time. The quality of the adhesive is crucial for PPF installation as it will decide the fate of the film on the car.
As for the durability of the films, it highly depends on the thickness of the material. Since the main purpose of PPF is to protect both the car body and paint, it is usually more than three times thicker than modern vinyl car bras, which are used more for stylistic finish. Though vinyl car bras can be helpful in protecting your car from minor damage, its material is relatively thin and more brittle compared to that of PPF, and can be more prone to tears and punctures when it comes in contact with sharper debris.
VERDICT
While serving the main purpose of protecting the looks and quality of the car, the choice between vinyl car bras and PPF all boils down to the preference of the car owner in terms of style and level of protection.
PPF might have been tested over time and are constantly being developed to add extra layers of protection for cars; however, traditional vinyl car bras are still popular owing to the classic style and personality they add while being innovated by manufacturers to improve its durability.
But if durability is the main priority in looking for a protective cover for your car, PPF is currently the best choice. Its years of development has been proven to provide longer-lasting and superior protection for cars which can guarantee you peace of mind.