Clear urethane film on the panels that take impact — the only product that actually stops stone chips.
Paint protection film, also called clear bra or PPF, is a thick transparent urethane applied over the paint. Unlike a coating, which is measured in microns and protects chemically, film is a physical barrier measured in thousandths of an inch. It absorbs the impact of stones, road debris and bug strikes so the paint underneath never gets hit.
It is the only product in this category that genuinely stops rock chips. Coatings are excellent at what they do, but a stone off the Southern State at 60 miles an hour goes straight through one.
Partial front — the leading edge of the hood, front bumper and mirrors. The best value package, covering the highest-impact areas, though the visible line across the hood bothers some owners.
Full front — entire hood, full front bumper, both fenders and mirrors. No line across the hood, and it is the most popular choice on a car being kept long term.
Full vehicle — every painted panel. The maximum, and priced accordingly. Common on high-value and exotic cars.
High-wear pieces — door edges, door cups behind the handles, rocker panels and the rear bumper loading ledge. Inexpensive, and they address the spots that look worn first on a used car.
Quality modern film has a self-healing topcoat: light swirls and fine scratches in the film disappear as the surface warms in the sun or with warm water. That is the film healing, not the paint, and it is one reason a filmed hood still looks new years later.
Good film is also optically clear and yellowing-resistant. The stained, cracked, peeling clear bras people remember from the 2000s were early-generation product. Current film should be effectively invisible for its warranty period, and quality film carries a manufacturer warranty of roughly a decade.
They are complements, not alternatives. Film handles impact on the front end; a coating handles chemical protection, UV and easy cleaning everywhere. The common setup on a car someone plans to keep is full-front film plus a ceramic coating over the entire vehicle, film included — coating on top of film adds slickness and makes bug removal easier.
Film is precision installation work with the vehicle indoors in controlled conditions, so it is scheduled at a fixed location rather than as mobile service.
We are based on Erick Ave in Hewlett, just off Broadway and a few minutes from the Hewlett LIRR station. Rug drop-offs and pickups are by appointment — call before you come by.
Book today and get same-day service in Hewlett and the Five Towns.