Paint Protection Film Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions about paint protection film? We’ve got answers! Below we’ve compiled some paint protection film frequently asked questions including what it is, it’s benefits and how it’s applied.

What is paint protection film?

Paint protection film (also known as PPF or clear bra) is a thermoplastic urethane film applied to painted surfaces of a vehicle, offering a barrier of protection against rocks, road salt, bug splatters, and scratches and abrasions from road debris.

How is it installed or applied to my vehicle?

PPF has to be bonded to the surface of your vehicle and to prep for application, we’ll ensure that the surface is clean, free of debris and damage with a thorough wash and clary bar treatment. We’ll then use our cutting software (more on that below) to cut the film to the exact measurements of your vehicle and the coverage option you’ve chosen. We then spray the coverage area down with an application solution that will allow us to adjust the piece of film as we work. We then carefully lay down and glide the cut film pieces into place on your vehicle. Once it’s in place, we use a squeegee to remove excess application solution from underneath the film. All that’s left now is drying, which allows the adhesive to restrict and create an incredibly tight fit.

How do you get the film to fit my vehicle?

We carry SunTek PPF and that gives us access to their exclusive pattern cutting software ensuring ideal fit and smooth installation. It’s an easy to use platform with powerful design tools giving us an extensive library of patterns shaped to match a vehicle’s particular make, model, and year.

Can I install or remove it myself?

Paint protection film is absolutely not a DIY project. Our PPF technicians are specially trained by SunTek in the ins and outs of application and removal to ensure it’s done properly and professionally every time. We do not recommend trying this yourself at home.

Should I wax my car prior to PPF application?

It’s not recommended to apply wax or any coatings to your vehicle prior to having PPF installed. We do go over and try to buff out blemishes and clean the exterior of the vehicle before we apply the film. Any extra waxes or coatings can interfere with the proper adhesion of the film to the vehicle.

How soon after install can I drive my vehicle?

We like to the keep the vehicle for about 24 hours after application to monitor the film for any lifting edges or imperfections before releasing it to you. Once you pick up your ride, you’re free to drive it!

What are my coverage options?

Our most popular options include:

• The Clear Bra – partial hood, partial fender, mirrors, and bumper coverage.
• The Full Front End – full hood, full fender, mirrors, and bumper coverage

You can also pick and choose exactly what you want covered. We can help you in store or you can check out different options using the Paint Protection Film Viewer on our website: HERE.

Will I see the seams on my car?

Depending on the coverage you choose, the most common answer is yes. But, those seams are not all that noticeable. (It is a clear film after all).

Can I take my car through a pressure wash with PPF?

It’s best practice to wait 3 days before washing your car after application. You can use a pressure wash eventually, but use caution near the edges as it can cause lifting.

My PPF has a stain that won’t come off, what do I do?

If a stain won’t wash off with a regular car wash, you can apply some isopropyl alcohol to a microfiber towel and clear the stain. If that doesn’t work, we recommend you use a mild-abrasive wash and polish the surface of the film to restore the original appearance. Of course, we can always help you with this!

PPF is “Self-Healing”, how does that work?

SunTek PPF contains a proprietary top coat that protects the urethane against surface scratches. The majority of surface scratches will self-heal when exposed to heat (the sun, a warm panel, warm water, etc).

Will my paint protection film turn yellow?

The ultra series is protected against yellowing. SunTek’s top coat protects the film against harmful solvents that are in gas, oil, bird droppings, car exhaust, etc. that can absorb in the film and cause yellowing.

Will areas without PPF on my vehicle fade differently than the areas with PPF?

PPF is a clear film, so your vehicle’s paint will fade at the same rate whether it’s protected or not.

Polarized sunglasses make PPF look iridescent, is this normal?

Absolutely. This is purely an interaction between light reflected from the car surface through the film and polarized glasses. You’ll see this with most window tint film too.

Got more questions about paint protection film? Contact us today and we can talk you through the entire process.

Window Tint in the Winter

Thinking about getting your windows tinted but not sure if winter is the time of year to do it? We get this question a lot and yes, you can definitely get window tint in the winter weather.

Benefits of Window Tint (Year Round)

• It blocks the sun’s harmful UV rays. While UV exposure is the greatest in the summer, it isn’t nonexistent in the winter. UV rays reach Earth every day of the year, and snow can reflect 85 – 90% of those rays too.
• Tint reduces glare, helping with driver visibility. The sun’s glare can be a nuisance any time of year, but it’s often worse when it’s reflecting off snow. Window tint can drastically reduce glare, making it safer and easier for you to drive.
• Window tint protects the car’s interior. You already know it can keep our UV rays, but that also means it can keep your vehicle’s interior from fading. This will keep your interior looking newer for longer. No matter what time of year it is, you never want your interior to fade.
• It can deter theft. A burglar is less likely to break into your car if they can’t see what you’ve got inside. Window tint makes it harder to see into the vehicle from the outside, keeping your personal contents hidden and protected.
• Tint film strengthens the windows if the glass breaks. The film keeps the shards together, preventing shattering which can be even more dangerous.
• It provides a layer of insulation for the vehicle. This helps keep your vehicle’s interior cooler in the summer, and warmer in the winter. On cold mornings, window tint can actually help your vehicle warm up faster, so you can get on the road quicker.
• Window Tint adds flair and custom style to any ride. With 4 films to choose from and many darkness shades available, we can customize your tint to your ride. Go as light or as dark as you want to get that special look that’s just yours.

Understanding the Process

The window tinting process starts with us cleaning your windows inside and out. Then, the film is cut to the exact size of the car’s window. Our trained installers will place the film on the window and then work to remove any bubbles, wrinkles, or other imperfections, all while making sure it’s a perfect fit. After this, the film needs time to set and cure. For best results, we recommend avoiding rolling your windows up and down for a few days after install just to be safe.

Now you might be wondering how weather and time of year can affect the window tint install…

The spring brings rain, summer has high humidity, and the winter has ice and freezing temps, but if your install is done inside, away from the elements, it will turn out just fine! We bring your vehicle into our climate controlled garage, let it warm up to room temperature, and then install the film.  This guarantees that no matter what time of year it is, or what the weather is like, you’ll be getting a professional window tint installation.

Contact us today for more information and to schedule your installation!

How to Give a Remote Starter as a Gift

Thinking of gifting someone a remote car starter this year for the Holidays? (We think that’s a great idea by the way!) But not sure how to get their car, bring it here, and have it installed? Don’t worry, we can help you easily gift a remote starter.

Shopping for a Remote Starter

First, you’ll need to pick out which remote car starter system you want to gift. Here are the things you’ll need to consider when shopping:

• Where do they park their car normally? If they typically park close to their house or work you might only need to get them a one-way remote start. If they park further away, like a large parking lot, they may benefit from a two-way remote starter with further operating range.
• Do they want/need extra features like trunk release or rear defrost? Adding those extra conveniences sometimes really makes a difference between a good gift and a great gift! (*Not compatible on all vehicles).
• Will a simple starter meet their needs or do they need full control of their vehicle? We offer simple one button systems to start, lock and unlock. We also have systems that come with LCD/LED remotes so they’ll have access to manage all their car’s alerts. Or, you can give them the ultimate in vehicle control with DroneMobile, letting them control their vehicle from a smartphone app.
• Take a look at our selection on our website: HERE

Not sure where to start or what they might need? We can walk you through all these decisions and help you pick out the best remote car starter for everyone on your list.

Technical Stuff We Need to Know

You might think it’s as easy as just picking one out but there are a few technical things we’ll need to know about their vehicle too. With this information, we’ll be able to ensure a smooth installation of the remote start system you pick out for their gift.

• What is the year, make, and model of their vehicle?
• Is their car a push to start or a key start?
• Do they drive a standard or manual transmission?

Once we have this information we’ll be able to guide you on exactly the right remote start system for their vehicle.

How to (Actually) Give the Remote Starter as a Gift

Now, you might be wondering (or worried) about how you’ll actually give the gift to them, or how to get it installed in their vehicle. Good news is you can definitely put a remote start under the tree and there’s no need to bring us their vehicle beforehand. You have a few options for giving the gift:

• Once you pick out and purchase the remote start system, we’ll simply give you the box with the remote start and parts (so they’ll have something to open!). Plus, we’ll give you a certificate to put with it that explains it includes installation and how they can reach out to us directly to schedule the installation.

• If you couldn’t pick one out or maybe couldn’t give us all the technical information we needed, we can give you a rough estimate and you can purchase a gift card in that amount for them to use and pick out their own system.

We make giving the gift of a warm and toasty car extremely easy and we’re here to help you make holiday wishes come true! Visit one of our stores or contact us today to start shopping for everyone on your list.