One of the most popular paint protection films available, ceramic tint offers a wealth of benefits to car owners. So what makes it so special? What are the benefits that we speak of? Should you invest in them?

We break down the important details that come with ceramic tinted windows.

Learn more about our window tinting services.

Everything You Need To Know About Ceramic Tint

What is it?

Ceramic tint is considered the highest quality window tint, and therefore, one of the most expensive available. Part of its success is due to its materials.

For details, see our 3M Ceramic IR window tint.

While most regular paint protection films are made with thin laminate, or polyester sheets, and are dyed to specific gradations, ceramic tint sheets are coated with ceramic particles as the result of emerging, nano-ceramic technology. It is nonconductive and nonmetallic, making it a high-end compared to other options.

What are the benefits of ceramic tint?

Excellent Protection From UV Rays

Thanks to the fine sheets of nano-ceramic particles, these window tints can protect you from 99% of UV rays, reducing heat and potential heat-related damages. This makes it safer to drive with no sunlight glaring impacting drivers. With varying shades, you can find the right balance for your personal needs and driving styles.

Super Heat Resistant

Following on from the UV rays, ceramic window tints to block heat coming into the vehicle, making it a more comfortable drive. It usually cuts from 45% to 50% of the solar heat, saving you money and energy on your car’s AC.

Doesn’t Interfere With Gadgets

Because there is no metal involved, ceramic window films do not interfere with cellular or gadget wi-fi or cell tower reception. Therefore, it allows maximum efficiency in the functioning of radios, cell phones, GPS systems, and all other such devices being operated from inside the protected space. That means – when you’re pulled over or using bluetooth – you won’t have any issues while driving.

Applying tinting foil on car window in garage

Durable, Tough & Long-Lasting

Just like 3M paint protection film, ceramic tinting provides plenty of value in the long-term. The quality materials, resistance to glare and fading, and highly shatter-proof design means that you’re protected for years without any issues occurring.

Ceramic Tints Keep Your Car Private

No one could easily see what’s inside the car when you have ceramic windows due to the various shades that you can choose from. And if you’re wondering, the dark tint shade outside does not affect your vision, which makes it still safe to drive at night.

Invest In Ceramic Tinting Today

Ceramic window tints might be the most expensive option available, but considering the benefits, it is a worthwhile investment. All this expense will be worth it once you see all the good it does to your vehicle.

Schedule your next appointment in and enjoy the benefits of ceramic tinting in Calgary.

Be sure to treat your vehicle right by contacting the experts at Calgary Paint Protection Film. You can always expect friendly and prompt service. We work around your schedule to provide maximum convenience. Keep your car looking like new, the easy way! Phone: 587-324-1993

Rustproofing your car is crucial to protect its lifespan and quality. From the underbelly of your vehicle to your 3M paint protection, you have to take the initiative and ensure that your vehicle is protected against the damaging effects of rust.

The question that arises is how often should you rustproof your vehicle?

Learn more about our ceramic coating for rust prevention.

Before we get to that, let’s consider how rust forms and the types of protection you can get for your vehicle.

Why Do Cars Rust?

For details, see our paint protection film.

We touched on this in a previous blog post (“What Is Undercoating & Rust Proofing?”), but we’ll go through a quick overview one more time.

In layman’s terms, rust occurs on vehicles when oxygen and iron come in contact and begin an oxidation process. This ultimately results in rust developing.

See our book an undercoating appointment for the full breakdown.

Exposure to water, snow and humidity can speed this process up, which is why rust tends to occur to vehicles with damaged parts during the winter.

How To Protect Your Vehicle Against Rust

There are a few ways in which you can protect your vehicle against rust developing. Consider the following tips below:

Invest in Rust Proofing Coating

Rust proofing coating helps protect your vehicle panels and wheel wells from rusting. It should be your first line of defence. Select from multiple options, including 3M Rustproofing.

Get Panel Repairs ASAP

If there are damages, dents or scratches to your vehicle, then get them repaired as soon as possible. The longer you leave the dent, the more the rust can develop, causing more extensive and expensive repairs down the line.

Rust on the body of the car. A view of the saeredi. Red. Fragment of the wheel.

Wash & Clean It

It’s best to wash and wax your car every two weeks to prevent rust from developing. The more often you wash your vehicle, the less likely it will develop the wetness that can create rust. This is especially important during the winter months.

Invest in Undercoating

Undercoating is the process of covering the bottom of your vehicle, preventing rust developing in the process. You can choose from numerous options and brands, including 3M Undercoating.

When Should I Rust Proof My Car?

Now that you know why rust occurs and how you stop it, you now can know that you should implement rust proofing in your vehicle once a year.

Ideally, it’s best to do this at the start of the winter months, so you can safeguard it against the most turbulent time of the year. At the same time, you should double-check it again at the end of the season. That way, you can see if your vehicle had any exposure to rust during the winter.

If you have not started rust proofing your car, then now is the time to do it. The longer you leave it, the higher the damages and dangers you can experience.

Pricing ranges wildly in Calgary for various 3M Vehicle Wraps. The first thing to unpack, is what type of 3M Wrap are we talking about? There are three different categories of vehicle wraps available:

1. Paint Protection Film Wraps
2. Colour Change Wraps (Vinyl Wrap)
3. Printed Graphic Wraps

Paint Protection Film Wraps are constructed of transparent thermoplastic urethane. Generally available in standard transparent gloss, or transparent matte/satin. These wraps are not meant to change the colour or appearance of a vehicle, but to protect it from rock chipping, road debris, door dings, swirl marks and scratches. The best versions of these films have self-healing surfaces that can recover from scuffs, scratches and swirl marks for long terms protection. Famous brands like 3M, Xpel, Suntek and STEK have become mainstays in the Calgary scene.

Learn more about our vehicle wrap services.

You can explore our vinyl wraps in Calgary page for specifics.

Local prices in Calgary for high end PPF Wraps (Paint Protection Film) can start at $550 for a basic Bumper-Hood-Fender-Mirror package in cheaper, single layer films like 3M 946 PPF or Xpel 9300. Or $750 for the same install in high end, self-healing films like 3M Pro Series PPF, or Xpel Ultimate Plus.

For details, see our paint protection film pricing.

Visit our our pricing guide page to learn more.

Check out some more prices below:

View all price options for Calgary Vehicle Wraps here

Colour Change Vehicle Wraps, or sometimes called Vinyl Wraps, are not protective films at all. They are not transparent. Rather, they come in a vast assortment of colours and patterns. These wraps are designed to change the appearance of your vehicle. You can change a black vehicle into a white vehicle, carbon fibre, matte blacks, colour flips and more. 3M has over 100 different patterns in their library of vinyl wraps. The downside to colour change vinyl wraps is that they are thinner than paper and do not last very long. In climates like Calgary, these wraps can sometimes expire in less than a year, often looking worn, scuffed, scratched and faded. The only way to protect these wraps for the long term is to literally wrap over top of the in a high end PPF such as 3M Pro Series or Xpel Ultimate Plus. Sadly, vinyl wraps are otherwise a very poor option to consider in Calgary without this protection.

Local Calgary Prices for vinyl wraps and colour change vehicle wraps in Calgary can start as low as $2000.00 for cheaper brands like Avery, Vvivid or Inozetek. This does not include any protective PPF over top. Prices for higher end vinyl wraps like 3M 2080 Colour Wrap film can start at $4000.00. In the most ideal situation where a colour wrap vinyl is installed first, and then a high end PPF installed over top for protection like 3M Pro Series or Xpel Ultimate Plus, prices can exceed $10,000.00. These are the best options, generally designed to last as long as the vehicle itself. A super durable outcome.

Printed Graphic Wraps. Sometimes called company wraps or corporate wraps, are actually printed, custom designed with artwork either created by the customer or with a design team. These wraps are famously seen from brands like Red Bull or Mcdonalds, adorning cars, commercial vans, and even semi truck trailers. These printed wraps are even availble in perforated form for windows.

Local Calgary prices for printed graphic wraps can be as low as $1,500.00 for a partial vehicle on the sides with no laminated surfaces. These are invariably short term and will not last much more than a year. Laminated options are better and start at around $3000.00 in Calgary for the same coverage. A laminated, printed graphic wrap on a commercial van with complete coverage can easily exceed $10,000.00 or even far more for much bigger commercial trucks and trailers.

For a complete list of Calgary prices on vehicle wraps, vinyl wraps, 3M wraps and more, visit the shop page by clicking the button below.

SHOP PAGE

Though there are now over one hundred PPF film types being sold around the world today, most are abysmal variants coming out of China or the developing world. For the purposes of this article, we will focus only on the leading brands being sold and installed regularly throughout Canada and the United States. This article will focus only on TPU (thermoplastic urethane) based films. There are cheaper PVC based films, but these tend to be the lowest quality in the market.

3M Pro Series PPF Installation in Calgary

First, a short history on the product itself. As many in the industry know, paint protection films were originally a military/aerospace creation by the 3M company for American military purposes as early as the Vietnam War. At some point even as early as the 1990’s, people began experimenting with these films on other surfaces such as vehicle hoods and bumpers to protect them from stone chipping and road debris. This burgeoning industry really started in the early 2000’s when new car dealerships started to up-sell this product to their customers. As more dealerships standardized this product, the 3M Company then developed a partnership with a third party software company to create pattern templates for vehicles to reduce install time and labour costs.

For details, see our best PPF brands in Calgary.

Check out our PPF installation services for more information.

For years there was only one manufacturer of PPF, 3M. Of course as the popularity of the product grew, this could only last so long. The very software company that had partnered with 3M, then went to market with their own competing product under the new brand name, Xpel. Immediately terminating the partnership, 3M and Xpel became vicious competitors. This competition drove innovation in the marketplace, and the advent of the self-healing top coat became the new normal. These new films not only could recover from scuffs and scratches just by heating up, the top coats also fixed the yellowing, discolouration issues of the earliest products. This competition culminated in a drawn out lawsuit with 3M accusing Xpel of stealing their patented adhesive molecule. This eventually culminated in a settlement in 2017.

Let’s fast forward to present day, as much has now changed in the industry. The proliferation of competing brands exploded worldwide as demand for these products increased exponentially around the world. Here is a short list of manufacturers currently popular around North America:

3M
Xpel
Eastman Co
Avery Dennison
Matrix Films
STEK

To make this even more complicated, all these manufacturers make multiple product types. As price competition has driven the market’s lust for cheaper films, it is typical to see both a 10 year warranty, self-healing, colour-stable PPF, as well as a 5 year warranty film with no top coat. Films without top coats have the upsides of being much cheaper, but also the downsides of yellowing over time, and acquiring swirl marks and scratches, leading to these films looking worn and beat up. after only a few years.

Here is a breakdown of these options, separated by brand and subtype:

3M Pro Series Gen 5.0 (Self-healing, colour-stable PPF)
3M Original 946 Series (No top coat)
Xpel Ultimate Plus (Self-healing, colour-stable PPF)
Xpel 9300 (No top coat)
(Eastman) Suntek Ultra/Llumar Platinum (Self-healing, colour-stable PPF)
(Eastman) Suntek PPF-C/Llumar PPF (No top coat)
(Matrix Films) Premium Shield Elite Self-Healing (Self-healing, colour-stable PPF)
(Matrix Films) Premium Shield Elite (No top coat)
(Avery Dennison) Supreme Defense (Self-healing, colour-stable PPF)
(Avery Dennison) Supreme XI (No top coat)
(STEK) Dynoshield (Self-healing, colour-stable PPF)
(STEK) Dyno Lite (No top coat)

Is your brain hurting yet? So which option is the best for you? For long term vehicle ownership, obviously the 10 year, self-healing options are going to look the best for longest, but which brand is the best? This is of course, a question that cannot be answered outside of your own experience as every dealership and shop trying to sell you these products will invariably tout their brand as the best. In terms of sales, 3M and Xpel still dominate the market, but the world is changing fast, and with new brands constantly emerging in the market, new technologies are quick to follow. Always make sure you do your due diligence and know exactly what you are buying. Brand, sub-type, warranty information, and obviously the local reputation of the installer. Google reviews are always a good indicator

Take a peek at local Calgary prices here.

When you have a beautiful vehicle, protecting it becomes a serious priority. More than that, it almost becomes a duty. A duty to your prestige and style, of course, but also a duty to the manufacturer of the automobile. Protecting their hard work and ensuring your vehicle looks like it just came off the lot is rewarding and enjoyable.

Plus, there are lots of ways to protect your car. Specialty cleaning products, seat covers, after-market modifications for durability and much more are available to make the most out of your vehicle. Among these excellent offerings is an established and fantastic protection product, namely, paint protection film.

Visit our paint protection film page to learn more.

Why are we talking about paint protection film and protecting your vehicle? Because we are currently in the midst of the most dangerous season for vehicles; the winter months. During these months, salt, rocks and other road debris become numerous and can cause significant damage to your vehicle just driving around.

Though, it isn’t only the flying debris that poses a threat. No, there is also the road itself. When roads get icy, they get slippery. This can increase the likelihood of your vehicle skidding or sliding, which may lead to disastrous consequences and body damage. With all of these hazards potentially affecting your vehicle, it begins to make sense why so many car protection products exist.

See our ceramic coating protection for the full breakdown.

Isn’t Paint Protection Film Just for the Hood of Vehicles?

This is a common misconception with the paint protection film. Sure, it acts as a durable and steadfast defence on the hoods of vehicles, but there are many other places on the exterior of your vehicle where it may provide protection—for example, the accents and edges of your doors. With the right application of paint protection film in these locations, those stubborn chips and localized rust spots can become a thing of the past.

Learn more about our vehicle undercoating.

In fact, you can cover the entire front portion of your vehicle in a protective film. If you have a custom paint job or just care about your vehicle, this can be the best option available. For a full list of your options, contact us today!

There can be shortcuts when it comes to protecting your vehicle and ensuring you have the right defence for all scenarios. This is especially true in the winter months when potential hazards skyrocket and your vehicle is most at risk of developing exterior damage.

With so many paint protection films on the market today, it can be confusing to know what’s going on. 3M, Xpel, Suntek STEK, etc. What makes them different? If at all? The answers may surprise you. Here is a deeper look at the paint protection films available.

2 sub-types of PPF from each manufacturer

10 Year Warranty, Self-healing, Colour-Stable PPF

Check out our PPF installation in Calgary for more information.

These are the high end paint protection films. Each major film brand has a variant of this technology. All built around the same theory. The following 4 sub-types are the leading brands in the western world as of 2020.

You can explore our compare PPF brands page for specifics.

3M Pro Series Paint Protection Film Gen 5.0
Xpel Ultimate Plus
STEK Dynoshield
Suntek Ultra

5 Year Warranty PPF films with no top coat

These films are substantially cheaper, but have a few drawbacks. With no self-healing top coat, they quickly accumulate swirl marking, scratches and general wear and tear, leading to a dulling of the film over time, and a generally beat up appearance. Because these films have no top coats, they are all prone to discolouring and yellowing over time. These films are indicated only for short term vehicle ownership under 5 years. Also, as these films look quite good after a fresh installation, they are routinely used to bait and switch unsuspecting customers, so do your due diligence and know what you are buying. Here are the leading 5 year warranty films in the western world as of 2020:

3M 946 Series
Xpel 9300 Series
Suntek PPF-C
STEK Lite
Avery
Premium Shield

10 Year Warranty, Self-healing, Colour-Stable PPF

So which brand is the best after all?

All 4 leading manufacturers, 3M, Xpel, Suntek, STEK are making good quality products, and generally offer the same two sub-types. We believe the 10 year warranty products such as 3M Pro Series Gen 5.0, or Xpel Ultimate+ to be the better options over the 5 year materials, unless you only intend to keep your vehicle a maximum 5 years. The 10 year warranty products are the thickest paint protection films available fin the world, and they provide a high level of durability and protection for most applications — though 3M Pro Series films, installed by our Calgary certified team, deliver comparable performance with a manufacturer warranty. Take advantage of the edge seal technology employed by Calgary PPF to get lasting protection that just won’t quit.

Get Started with Self-Healing 3M Pro Series Paint Protection Film Today!

The paint protection film of your dreams awaits. Contact Calgary PPF today to gain the benefits of 3M’s great products.

It is easy to love our vehicles. They provide us with transportation, storage space and, ultimately, access to a better quality of life. It makes sense to spoil them as a result. Spoiling your vehicle doesn’t necessarily mean literally adding a spoiler to the back, but it certainly can refer to this action.

Instead, when we talk about spoiling our vehicles, we are referencing all of the add-ons, cleaning and maintenance we perform to ensure its optimal condition and performance. A good example of this is 3M paint protection film, which keeps the exterior of your vehicle looking new while also providing a critical layer of protection. Detailing is another method of spoiling our transportation solutions.

Learn more about our auto detailing services.

Below, we have a list of some of the best products for detailing your vehicle. Although it doesn’t include all of your favourite brands and products, this list does include the items you need to get into every fibre of your vehicle and give it the cleansing it truly deserves.

Detailing Items for Your Vehicle

Microfibre Wash Mitts

In the past, mitts like these were used to paint surfaces. However, microfibre versions are a relatively recent invention, though they are no less fantastic for their newness. With these, you can clean every part of your vehicle without struggling to keep your cloth or wash rag clean. Plus, they are machine-washable, making their clean up easy and straightforward.

For details, see our ceramic coating.

Clay Bars

Although the quality of clay bars can vary, when you find a brand or product you really enjoy, nothing is like it. For keeping the exteriors of your vehicle in mint condition, sparkling and beautiful, use clay bars. They will not disappoint, and they are ideal for 3M paint protection film cleaning also!

Elbow Grease

Our final item is you! Your vehicle deserves a pampering that reflects its valuable service. Only you can provide this level of dedication and cleanliness, and the appreciation that your hard-earned efforts will glean is also your own. A reciprocal cycle like this is often hard to come by!

Yout Best Car Detailing Solution

Of course, doing the work of your car detailing can be a fun and rewarding experience in its own right. However, sometimes we simply do not have the time to get into all of the nooks and crevices of our vehicles. During these situations, consider taking it to a professional detailing service instead. This can save you time and money when done correctly.

Cars and rust don’t mix. It’s why people invest so much money in rustproofing their vehicles.

But what is undercoating & rust proofing? What causes a car to rust, and how do you protect yours against it?

This blog has the answers for you.

What Causes A Car To Rust?

In basic terms, it occurs when oxygen and iron come in contact and begin an oxidation process, which develops into rust.

You can explore our get an undercoating quote page for specifics.

External factors, such as water, snow and humidity, can speed this process up, which is why rust tends to occur more during the wintertime. Other elements, such as road dirt, grime, road salt, and other corrosives, can wear down the waterproof barrier and contribute to the rust’s growth.

Thankfully there are ways to protect your automobile.

Do I Need To Rust Proof My Car?

Absolutely you should consider it. While car paint and car films will protect the vehicle from any damage occurring (including rust), an accident or dent can result in rust developing. The same applies if you have a ceramic coating or 3M paint protection film.

There is also the factor that we live in Alberta, and it’s a province where winters can be brutal, and road salt is practically considered a condiment.

The only time it is not valuable to invest in undercoating or rustproofing is when your vehicle is too old, and therefore not worth the expense, or if the car is already damaged by rust (as the cost itself for the auto body repairs can be expensive).

How Do I Protect My Car from Rust?

There are several different options for drivers, depending on their needs:

Wash & Wax Every Two Weeks

The more often you wash your vehicle, the less likely it will develop the wetness that can create rust. Often people get this done once a month, which gives rust plenty of time to get into the vehicle. It’s best to aim for every two weeks.

Invest in Paint Protection Film, Undercoating and Rust Proofing

Just like a 3M paint protection film, the 3M undercoating works to a similar effect. It prevents rust and corrosion of the vehicle undercarriage, guaranteeing your vehicle is protected during the winter months.

Invest in 3M Undercoating, Rust Proofing & Paint Protection

3M Rust Proofing protects your vehicle panels and wheel wells from rusting better than any other coating on the market today. It is the best piece of protection that you can get for your vehicle.

Drive Carefully & Safely

Avoiding the following can reduce your chances of scratches and dents, therefore, reducing the chances of rust occurring:

Avoid driving over potholes and roads that are under construction
Avoid parking over gutters or watered areas, such as puddles or snow mounts
Do not park close to other cars in the parking lot
Park the car under shade to avoid snow and wet weather

While investing in these options might not seem like it’s worth it, it will be when you avoid rust developing in your vehicle. Repairing rust can be very expensive so add precautions to your cars with these suggestions.

A clear bra is another name for a paint protection film. The names are interchangeable, and both of them provide the same primary function, which is to protect your vehicle from small amounts of damage. Typically, you would apply a clear bra to the elements on the front of your cars, such as the bumper, headlights, and detail areas.

However, to truly understand why a clear bra is necessary, you will need to know about a few other things. Firstly, the likelihood that your vehicle will get unsightly scrapes and scratches, and secondly, how easy it is to prevent this damage from occurring. More information is below.

See our clear bra installation in Calgary for the full breakdown.

Why You Need a Paint Protection Film

How likely is the damage?

Damage to the front of your vehicle is very likely. Just take a moment to consider it. Firstly, when you drive behind other cars on the road, their tires will naturally throw up rocks, which is also the cause of windshield chips. Additionally, if you live in a crowded urban centre, chances are people will have to perform complicated parking maneuvers near your vehicle, and not everyone is as careful with your car as you would be in the same situation.

How easy is prevention?

The prevention of this type of damage to your car or truck is effortless. All you need to do is find a qualified and licensed 3M paint protection film installer near you, and book an appointment. Then, show up to your appointment and speak with the professionals who can advise you on the best areas to apply the clear bra as well as general maintenance and upkeep tips. However, it is fair to note at this point that the upkeep of your clear bra should be fairly minimal.

Learn more about our clear bra pricing.

For details, see our best PPF brands available.

Installing a protective film on the car body

How to protect your clear bra?

Protecting your clear bra should involve only one simple step. Don’t tailgate your fellow drivers. Yes, it is really that simple. When you leave the professionals to install your clear bra, it will be smooth and free from any blisters or defects. This process essentially makes the paint protection film a permanent part of your car, and any damage it sustains will not carry through to your vehicle.

How to Find a Paint Protection Film Installer

Finding a paint protection film installer is also relatively simple. At Calgary PPF, we have the tools you are looking for to complete this installation, and we would love to hear from you. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff can answer any questions you may have.

3M paint protection film is a great way to protect your vehicle’s beautiful paint job from unnecessary weathering or damage. It appears as a clear film that is barely visible when installed correctly and can last over a year. However, like most modifications to vehicles, it is best done by professionals who have the tools and equipment necessary for correct installation.

With that being said, learning about the process can still be fun and rewarding. Knowledge is power, after all, and learning more about this product can give you imaginative ways to utilize it in your daily activities. Therefore, you can follow the steps below to understand the process and share the information with friends and family alike.

See our our PPF installation process for the full breakdown.

The Process of 3M Paint Protection Film Installation

The process of 3M paint protection film installation begins with cleaning your vehicle. Proper surface preparation is an essential part of many vehicle enhancements as it allows you to work on a clean surface, free of harmful dust and grime.

Visit our professional 3M PPF installation page to learn more.

After your vehicle is suitably cleaned, prepare two solutions in spray bottles. The first bottle should be mostly water with a few drops of baby shampoo, and the second will be a mix of water and isopropyl alcohol (60%/40%). If you don’t have baby shampoo, don’t worry. Most soaps will act as a surfactant, which is what is important to reduce the surface tension of the water.

Next, it is time for you to remove the protective backing of the paint protection film. During this process, soak the film with your water/ soap solution, and then align it to the desired application area. After you have correctly aligned the piece to the appropriate section, spray under the film with the water/ alcohol solution, which will begin the curing process of the adhesive.

Finally, use the provided squeegee tool and pull away from the centre to remove any air bubbles. Take your time with this step as it is here that you will be finalizing the position of the paint protection film. After the installation, remember not to wash your vehicle for at least 24 hours, which will give the film time to adhere correctly and cure on your car.

Trust the Experts with 3M Paint Protection Film Installation

Now that you understand the process, you should be able to appreciate the difficulty involved in proper application. If you do not have the right amount of each solution or the film is not aligned correctly, you are likely to install an inferior system, which may cause the film to fail prematurely. Therefore, your best option for installing this product is to leave it to the experts as they have the experience, tools, and understanding necessary to complete the job successfully every time.

Author: Calgary PPF