"Clear bra" is the common name for paint protection film (PPF): a clear urethane film applied over your car's paint to stop rock chips, scratches and bug and tar stains. Several brands make it, and the top films are closer in quality than their marketing suggests.
What all good PPF has in common
- Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), typically about 8 mils (0.2 mm) thick, that absorbs impacts from road debris.
- A self-healing top coat. Light swirls and scratches disappear with heat from the sun or warm water.
- Stain and yellowing resistance. Early films in the 1990s and 2000s yellowed; current top-tier films are built not to.
- A manufacturer warranty, commonly 10 years against yellowing, cracking, blistering and delamination when installed by an authorized shop.
- Gloss and matte options. Matte films turn gloss paint satin; gloss films are nearly invisible.
The major brands
XPEL
One of the best-known PPF makers, with a large network of certified installers and a big library of pre-cut vehicle patterns. Its flagship gloss film, XPEL Ultimate Plus, and its matte film, Stealth, are both self-healing. We sell XPEL Ultimate paint protection film by the roll.
3M
3M pioneered PPF, originally to protect helicopter blades. Its Scotchgard Paint Protection Film Pro Series is widely available and self-healing, with a strong warranty.
Other established brands
SunTek, LLumar, STEK and several others make high-quality self-healing films. Many shops choose a brand based on the pattern software and support they get, not only the film.
What matters more than the brand
- The installer. Clean edges, wrapped corners and no lifting come from skill. Ask to see finished cars and whether the shop is certified for the film it uses.
- Coverage. Decide how much of the car to protect: partial front, full front, track package or full body. See is paint protection film worth it?
- Warranty registration. Most warranties require an authorized installer to register the job.
- Paint prep. New cars need little prep; older paint should be corrected first, because film locks in whatever is underneath.
Typical costs
Professional installs typically run about $900 to $2,000 for a partial front (bumper, partial hood and fenders, mirrors), $1,800 to $3,000 for a full front, and $5,000 or more for a full car. Pre-cut DIY kits for small areas cost much less, but full panels are hard to do well without experience.
See how paint protection film is installed and shop wraps and paint protection.
