Paint Protection Film (PPF) is a thermoplastic urethane film that is applied to the painted surfaces of a new or used car to protect the paint from stone chips, bug splatters, and minor abrasions. PPF is also known as clear bra, clear film, or clear paint film. It is highly conformable and optically clear, and is available in a variety of thicknesses and colors. New products are multi-layered and offer a self-healing top coat capable of reforming itself after being scuffed or scratched, maintaining clarity for more than ten years. Some vendors also offer hydrophobic properties, similar to those provided by a ceramic paint coating.
PPF is designed specifically for physical protection against light road debris and scratching on paintwork. It is different from sealants which are usually in liquid form and are designed for UV and chemical resistance. Sealants harden up the clear-coat on your paintwork, but are not designed to protect your vehicle from physical damage.
PPF is completely safe to apply to a new car, and is often used instead of ceramic coatings, traditional carnauba wax, or paint sealants due to its safe application. PPF is a thin film that uses a unique adhesive substance that bonds solidly to the substrate. PPF provides better protection against physical damage than ceramic coatings, but ceramic coatings offer multiple benefits such as protection against UV rays, heat, salts, brake dust, industrial fallout, bug guts, bird poop, tree sap, cement, and road tar and other contamination. The ceramic coating also does a better job at beading off water due to its hydrophobic properties. The ultimate protection for your paint is a combination of paint protection film and ceramic coating.
