What is self-healing PPF/clear bra?
What exactly is self-healing PPF?
Self-healing PPF (paint protection film)?! What on earth!?! This isn’t a myth! This is true. In our video, you can see it in action where we scratch it, apply heat, and the scratches disappear. Now imagine the Copperas Cove/Killeen/Harker Heights heat!
How does this work? We have no idea, it must be magic (just kidding, we had AI tell us how, below)! If you look up self-healing PPF/clear bra, you’ll find analogies to ice cubes and such, but very little explanation of how it works chemically. So, instead of us trying to explain, just watch the above video. It will not heal things that damage the PPF/clear bra/paint protection film, such as car damage from rock chips that make it through the film.
What is the benefit self-healing PPF?
Well, in the course of owning your car you tend to scratch the paint. No one wants that, or else you wouldn’t be here reading about self-healing PPF! Let’s say you do something by accident that would typically put scratches into the car’s paint (superficial scratches) – instead of being an eyesore, they would heal.
You still cannot take the car through an automatic car wash, because the brushes can lift the edges and cause physical damage. However, areas on the car with PPF/clear bra (on our own car, it is the entire car) are easy to wipe without fear of scratching the paint. We love this feature! Despite being auto detailers, we still hate detailing our own vehicles! This makes it SO much faster to clean up.
Visit our aftercare section of the website under the services tab to learn more about caring for your vehicle.
Here are the basic ideas of how it works:
Self-healing PPF is a type of automotive protective film designed to repair itself when it gets damaged or scratched. It’s typically applied to the exterior surfaces of a vehicle to protect the paint from stone chips, scratches, and other minor abrasions. Here’s how self-healing PPF works:
- Material Composition: Self-healing PPF is made from multiple layers of clear, thermoplastic urethane film. The topmost layer is engineered with a self-healing polymer, typically a blend of elastomers and other proprietary materials. This layer is the key to the film’s ability to repair itself.
- Molecular Properties: The self-healing layer has a unique molecular structure allows it to “remember” its original, smooth form. When this layer is scratched or marred, the molecular chains in the polymer can return to their original positions over time when exposed to heat. This process is often referred to as “viscoelasticity.”
- Activation: The self-healing process is typically activated by heat from the sun or artificial means like a heat gun or warm water. The heat softens the polymer and encourages the molecules to move and reassemble, gradually filling in the scratches and restoring the film’s smooth appearance.
- Time and Temperature: The time required for the self-healing process to take place can vary depending on the severity of the scratch and the ambient temperature. The healing process tends to be faster in warmer conditions, while it may take longer in colder environments.
- Limitations: Self-healing PPF is most effective at repairing light surface scratches and swirl marks. Serious or extensive damage may not be fully healed, and the film may not return to its original pristine condition in such cases. Additionally, the self-healing ability of the film may diminish over time as it accumulates wear and tear.
- Maintenance: Keeping the PPF clean and well-maintained is essential to facilitate the self-healing process. Regular washing and waxing can help prolong the life of the film and improve its ability to heal.
- Replacement: In cases of severe damage or if the film’s self-healing ability has diminished significantly, it may be necessary to replace the PPF. Unlike the paint it protects, PPF is designed to be replaceable without damaging the vehicle’s finish.
Overall, self-healing PPF provides additional protection for a vehicle’s paint, helping preserve its appearance and value over time. However, it’s important to note that while self-healing PPF can repair minor surface imperfections, it is not a substitute for proper care and maintenance of your vehicle’s paint. Regular washing, waxing, and other protective measures are still necessary to keep your car looking its best.
