Paint Protection Film, or PPF (sometimes referred to as Clear Bra), is a thermoplastic urethane film which is most often applied to the forward or leading painted surfaces of a vehicle. Originally, this type of protective film was designed for military use on helicopter rotors to protect them from sand particles, and over the years it has expanded to general aviation, racing, and finally consumer vehicles and even electronic devices such as mobile phones. Paint Protection Film has been in use on privately owned vehicles for several years now, and with good reason.
From a maintenance standpoint, PPF is an excellent investment for any vehicle. The clear coated urethane film helps preserve the paint finish while protecting surfaces vulnerable to stone chips, bug damage, abrasion, and weathering. Not only will your vehicle’s paint be preserved from these types of damages, the film will allow your paint to age naturally, and will not yellow from prolonged sun exposure. Additionally, you can clean and maintain your vehicle the same as before. The nearly invisible film can be washed and waxed just like the rest of the painted surfaces to retain that high gloss shine you expect.
These protective films are typically applied to the impact zones on vehicles parts, or otherwise vulnerable areas such as hoods, fenders, side mirrors, bumpers, grills, rocker panels, headlights covers, floodlights, car door protection, luggage areas, rear bumper decks, roof and A-pillars. Most vendors guarantee their product not to haze, yellow or peel and offer a warranty of anywhere from two to five years when properly installed. The film contains ultra-violet stabilizers to prevent discoloration or degradation of the product itself while still allowing the sun’s rays to pass through to the paint so if you do decide to remove the film your vehicle will not be two-toned, or “sunburned”. Unlike leather car bras or plastic shields, these clear protective films are practically invisible and do not substantially affect the overall appearance of your vehicle.
All things considered, a transparent protective film is a far more appealing solution to many consumers. Leather bras and bug shields do what they’re supposed to, but many who enjoy the appearance of their vehicle find that these protective items are not at all appealing. Since paint protection film is virtually invisible, the look of the vehicle is not altered in any significant way, and it performs just as good, if not better, than the alternative. It’s like a second, tougher skin for your vehicle.
Most paint protection films, once applied, are 100% safe to remove from the vehicle at any time without damage to the paint and finish underneath. It is also worth noting that no debris can get underneath the protective coat, since it adheres directly to the paint. It can be applied to any painted surface on the vehicle, and even some areas without paint, such as headlight and tail light covers. The value of the film is clear, and it’s actually cheaper in many cases to apply a protective film coat than to repaint all or a portion of your vehicle later on once it has been damaged and scratched.
The Advantages of Automotive Paint Protection Film
Paint Finishing Booths – Embodying Modern Technological Excellence
Today’s automotive paint booth is a technological marvel. These come in various standard categories. You also have the option of ordering a customized version to suit your requirements. The standard types are the premier variety, a specially insulated variety, the full down draft, the semi down draft and the side down draft types besides the reverse flow and the front flow variants. The special premier variant among these paint booths is made of specially galvanized steel panels in 18 gauge. The panels are punched to precision and formed. This helps in fast erection work at your site. Also standard are white powder coating of the heavy-duty quality and modular fabrication of panels. Whereas the powder coating aids in reducing energy and maintenance costs besides providing a durable finish the modular panels provide an easy method of extending in height and length during customization. The heating and recirculating system is the direct variety that achieves a higher efficiency than the indirect variant. With the recirculation of the heated air further aiding in reduced fuel costs the net effect is one of a highly energy efficient system with significantly lower costs. In these paint booths, the air intake reaches right up to the ceiling with a filtration blanket of 10 microns. The change of filters is easy. The light fixtures are strategically located to ensure the absence of shadows in the working area. The provision of lighting with inside access means that there are no outside covers. This implies that the dust remains outside and the exterior has a clean look. The doors are insulated and of the threefold type. There is one door for personnel at each end. The windows have tempered glass with hinges that can be adjusted. Panic bars have been provided. These paint booths have an exhaust system under the central floor. The filters are easily accessed and disposed of. There is an option for a basement with ramps. The basement can be used in the full down draft spray booth so that you need not dig a separate pit under the floor of the building.
All about Paint Booths
Paint booths are fabricated in accordance with rigorous engineering standards and are made to last. They are capable of painting metal, plastic and or other surface with equal ease. The panels of a paint booth are made of J-beam configuration, which is not only stronger but also lighter when compared to the older and outdated I-beam configuration. The panels are made of 18-gauge size galvanized steel to ensure total freedom from corrosion. The panels used in the walls are powder coated in white to ensure durability, easy maintenance and reduction in energy consumption. They are modular in design, enabling easy extension in length and height of the booth. Computer numerical controlled (CNC) machines are used to prepunch the beams so as to ensure the perfect fit for the nut and bolt assemblies. This facilitates proper finish and swift erection at the site. Paint booths are manufactured keeping economy, ruggedness, environment friendliness and automation in mind. Steel stiffeners are used wherever extra strength is required, eg: when a top mounted air make up system is installed. Spray booths include the industrial, truck and automotive varieties. An automotive paint booth is sub categorized into the premium and insulated varieties, and the full down models. The automotive paint booth of the premium category has a full ceiling air intake, a personnel door, tri-fold doors with large windows, a central floor exhaust system, strategically located light fixtures with inside access and a direct fired heating and re-circulating air make-up system. The direct fire system achieves a 20% greater efficiency than an indirect one and the preheated air in the baking cycle is recirculated, actuating further economy. Use is made of electronically monitored filters, energy saving motor drives and an automatic shut down system for the cooling down cycle, while a central floor exhaust system enhances maintainability. There are also multi-stage powder coating booths, which involve the use of multiple filters designed to trap the excess spray of powder, ensuring recirculation of clean air into your plant.