paint protection film Calgary Archives - Calgary Paint Protection Film

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.

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.

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.

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

One of the best ways for you to protect your vehicle is through the application of a 3M paint protection film. The original use of these films was protection for helicopter rotors. The military had issues with debris and small objects damaging their helicopters and asked 3M to find a solution. Thus, the film we know was born, and it has become a commercial success.

Now, several companies have different versions of the original product, and even 3M has different versions. For example, a less well-known version of the product is available in custom cuts for bicycle frames. This product helps prevent the same damage that pilots face for bicyclists, which is a great boon overall.

The cost of a 3M paint protection film is a variable one. There are several aspects that you must take into account when purchasing this product. These aspects include the size of your application, the type of film you apply, and the vehicle you are installing the product on.

The Cost Aspects of 3M Paint Protection Film

The Size of Application

The size of the application will play the largest role in the price. Some people prefer to protect only the highest risk areas, such as the lip of the hood, fenders and side mirrors. However, there are people who recognize the full value of this product and apply it over every exterior surface of their vehicle.

As a result, the size of the application can vary the cost from $429 to $4,799. Overall, you will have to decide what you consider the best value, and choose a level of coverage that reflects that decision.

The Type of Film

The type of film will also play a role in the cost. Unfortunately, there are indeed inferior versions of the product available at unauthorized dealers. These may look less expensive at first, but when you have to reapply them or replace them frequently, the overall cost may not vary overmuch.

The Vehicle

The vehicle will also play a part in determining the cost. For example, pickup trucks simply have more areas to cover, and the price will be higher as a result. Similarly, the complexity of a vehicle’s exterior can play a role. The electric vehicle brand Tesla is a good example of this. Their cars have a multitude of sensors that you must consider during the film installation, and the price for paint protection film is higher to compensate.

Find Your 3M Paint Protection Film

The best protection for your car is nearby. All you have to do is book an appointment, wait three hours, and your vehicle will have a new lease on life. For such a simple process, not picking up the phone seems barely worth consideration.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

One of the hardest parts of owning a vehicle with a matte finish is the maintenance involved. It requires maintenance over and above that of a gloss finish, and can really detract from the aesthetics of your vehicle if not properly maintained.

Luckily, there is a new solution for your matte finish, and it takes the form of a paint protection film. The XPEL Stealth system is a unique product that was specifically designed to protect matte, flat, magno, frosted, and frozen paint colours.

Installed in much the same fashion as traditional paint protection films, this system is applied over a wet vehicle, and smoothed out for an even, smooth finish. This guarantees a quality product that looks beautiful and endures anything you can throw at it.

Plus, it has a variety of other benefits that include:

Benefits of the XPEL Stealth Paint Protection Film

One of the key benefits of the XPEL Stealth system is that it has the ability to self-heal. This means that if there are minor scratches or swirl marks from cleaning, the paint protection film can heal itself. All that is required is a little heat and time.

Secondly, the XPEL Stealth coating is easy to apply and can be made for custom applications. Two benefits make this possible. First, the design access program (DAP) that is part of the XPEL experience allows technicians to find the right pattern for your vehicle. Secondly, they can modify it to accentuate the look of your vehicle as you choose. This means you can stylize your flares, splitters, trim, headlights, or whatever else you want to finish with a great-looking matte finish.

Finally, another great benefit of the XPEL stealth system is the ease of maintenance. Rather than the expensive salves and ointments that typically are required for matte-finished cars, a simple wash is enough with this system. Plus, with its sleek, satin finish it will look great even with a little bit of mud on it.

Find Your Authorized Dealer

If you have been considering the best way to protect your satin or matte finish, there is nowhere else to look than the XPEL Stealth coating. Now, all that is left for you to do is to find an authorized dealer. Make sure they carry this brand and that they are sufficiently experienced in the installation of this system.

Next, make sure that they understand what you are expecting. For this, you should have a clear vision of what you want your vehicle to look like, and a plan to make it a reality. This will make the process go smoother for both you and your installation experts, and you will be that much closer to a beautiful satin finish with protection that just won’t quit.

Now that we are in December and winter has finally engulfed us, you have to take extra precautions with your vehicle. The exterior of your car is going to go through a lot during winter, including freezing weather, dirt, rocks and gravel, hard salt, mud and much more.

So to ensure that your vehicle is protected during the wintertime, it is a smart idea to install paint protection film in Calgary. You might be wondering: how does this help? If you keep reading this blog, you can see the advantages of getting paint protection film in Calgary this winter.

4 Reasons To Get Paint Protection Film For Winter

1- It helps protect against all marks, scratches, and dents

As we mentioned above, your vehicle is going to be exposed to a lot of debris (dirt, rocks and gravel, hard salt, and mud) that can damage the paint of your vehicle. But with a thin coat of paint protection, your vehicle will be protected throughout winter against any of these external forces.

2- Protects against temperature changes in winter

There is no doubt that your vehicle is going to go through a lot of temperature changes in winter, and a paint protection film can help with that. It will protect your paint against any changes in temperature, so it does not damage in either extreme warmth (like washing your car) or extreme cold (when we hit those -30s).

3- The paint will be as good as new in springtime

Not only is 3M paint protection film (the recommended choice for your vehicle) utterly invisible to the human eye, but when applied on your car provides full protection to the original paint. Come springtime; your vehicle will look as good as new.

4- A smart investment

It is not overly expensive to get paint protection film in Calgary. When you consider the costs of paint repairs to the exterior to your vehicle, it is a wise investment to get paint protection film. From anywhere between $300 to $800, you can ensure your vehicle is protected and that you won’t have to pay for repairs down the line.

Don’t miss out on the chance to provide your vehicle with extra protection this winter by getting paint protection film, especially 3M paint protection film. It can make a huge difference to your vehicle and ensure your car is perfect coming springtime.

Your vehicle is going to go through a lot during the winter months. From your engine to your wheels, you have to take extra precautions so that your car remains in peak condition and is safe to drive.

Part of protecting your vehicle in winter is to look after your windshield and window tinting in Calgary. Here is how you can go about protecting both during winter.

5 Ways To Protect Your Windshield & Window Tinting in Calgary During Winter

1.Replace Any Dangers Immediately

A small little rock chip is enough to develop into a full-on crack as winter goes along. If you have any chips in your windshield, make sure that you get it repaired as soon as possible. If your window tinting film is damaged, take it to your window tinting expert to get it replaced.

2.Avoid Sudden Temperature Changes

You should never mix extreme hot and cold on your windshield. Doing so can lead to your windshield cracking and damaging to the point that you need a replacement. So if your windshield is covered by ice, don’t throw boiling water on it to defrost it quicker. The best way to go about this is to let your car heat up and have the defrosters on, before scrapping off the ice when it is softer.

3.Keep Your Glass Clean

Just as you would keep your paint protection film clean, the same goes for your window tinting and windshields. Windshield wipers have to work twice as hard to clean a dirty windshield, meaning double the chance that it scratches the glass too. Keep it as clean as possible.

4.Replace Old Wiper Blades

Worn out wiper blades can end up scratching and severely damaging your windshield. Make sure that you replace your old wiper blades as soon as possible, so you don’t damage your window tint.

5.Buy A High-Quality Ice Scraper To Remove Ice

Don’t settle on cheap ice scrapers for your vehicle, as they tend to do more damage than expected. Invest a few dollars more and get an ice scraper that effectively takes off the ice, and doesn’t scratch or chip the window tinting.

These tips should help you avoid any damage on your windshield and protects your window tinting. If you suspect that a crack is happening or that your window tint is starting to suffer, take it to your best window tinting expert in Calgary for repairs.

With winter a few months away, the time is coming to look after your paint protection film. Although 3M paint protection film is a reliable and valuable film, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t protect it during the wintertime. Here is how you can go about doing it.

5 Tips To Protecting Your Paint Protection Film in Calgary During Winter

1.Wash Up Your Vehicle

While 3M paint protection film is resistant to scratches, marks, and salt, it is still imperative that you wash your car as often as possible. The more you wash it, the less chance you have of salt staying on your vehicle, developing rust.

2.Wax On – Don’t Wax Off

Don’t ignore the importance of car care during winter. You should always put on a coat of wax during winter as it creates a barrier between the body of the car and the snow, ice, salt, gravel and grime. Think of it as another layer of protection for your vehicle.

3.Cover Up/Park It

If you are lucky enough to have a garage, make sure you always park your vehicle in it during the wintertime. Parking it in your garage will ensure that the 3M paint protection is covered from snow and salt. However, if you don’t have a garage, it is best always to cover up your vehicle. A car cover specially designed for cold weather protection will keep moisture and ice off the paint.

4.Brush Off/Scrap Off Carefully

We tend to brush and scrape off snow aggressively in the morning. But that is only going to cost more problems. Be careful with your approach, as using scrapers and hard brushes can scratch the surface of the paint. Instead, opt for a brush with soft bristles, so your paint is protected.

5.Get A Professional Check-Up

Before winter hits, you should get your paint protection film checked by a professional in the industry. Although the quality is of the highest order, it is essential to note if there are any upgrades or changes that need to be made. The professionals can help you decide if anything needs to be changed.

Using these tips will ensure that your paint protection film in Calgary will last throughout winter and come out looking brand new. Don’t risk your paint – take care of it as much as possible.

When it comes to protecting the exterior of your vehicle, car owners usually find themselves choosing between ceramic coating and paint protection film in Calgary. While both provide you with layers of protection, they are different in specific ways too.

What Is Paint Protection Film In Calgary?

Made of a transparent urethane material, paint protection film is applied to the exterior of your vehicle like a sheet. The process is simple and effective, with the film being made up of thousands of different film sheets, ensuring its protection. There are many options available including, Suntek, Xpel and 3M paint protection film that can work for your vehicle.

What Is Ceramic Coating In Calgary?

Just like paint protection film, the ceramic coating is applied to the exterior of the vehicles. The coating bonds with the vehicle’s factory paint, establishing a layer of protection with a hydrophobic surface. The hardening of the hydrophobic layers ensures that it is harder for damage to occur to the vehicle.

How are Paint Protection Films & Ceramic Coatings Similar?

Even though they are made of different materials, both ceramic coatings and paint protection films have similar attributes.

Both products are designed to protect your car’s paint for longer and to give it a layer of additional protection. At the same time, they are both reduce damage from UV exposure and any acidic contaminants.

Regardless of which product you choose, you will be adding value and protection to your vehicle. It is always a wise decision to get one or the other.

How are Paint Protection Films & Ceramic Coatings Different?

Despite the similarities, ceramic coatings and paint protection films are very different in numerous ways.

Getting ceramic coating in Calgary means getting a stronger material in terms of the hydrophobic surface it creates, while it also enhances the gloss of the vehicle. It also makes cleaning the car easier, with the clean look lasting longer than before. While these are great benefits, it does not compare to what paint protection films offer.

Paint protection films, such as 3M paint protection film, are thicker and has a composition that allows it to return to its normal if it is dented or damaged in any way. It means it can absorb the impacts of rock chips, scratches, marks and water spots, without being permanently damaged. The invisible coat of polyurethane film also ensures that the value and integrity of your vehicle lasts for years.

It’s the same old question: should I buy paint protection at a dealership or an independent shop?

How do you separate the two and know you’ve made the right decision? The differences between the two will impact your decision. Here is what you expect from each of them.

Paint Protection Films At Calgary Dealerships

Here is what you can expect from a dealership when it comes to getting paint protection film in Calgary:

Dealerships specialize in repairing and maintaining specific car brands only. If you have a car that is another model, they won’t be able to help you work on it.
Technicians are ‘factory-trained’ and can only work on specific models or vehicles. In most cases, they are in their apprenticeships and are not as trained and certified as other experts in the field.
Dealerships also use factory-made equipment and parts from the manufacturer, meaning you’ll have direct access to the factory each time.
Since dealerships work on hundreds of cars a month, they have to churn out and deliver a lot, impacting the quality of each job. It will be more about “getting it done” than having a personalized service.
You’ll most likely speak to the customer service agent, as opposed to the technician working on your vehicle.
Dealerships are franchises, which means corporate headquarters fix their services and rates. This leads to high overheads as they have to cover the costs of running not just the franchise, but the company as a whole.

Paint Protection Films At Independent Shops

Next time you take your car to get paint protection film in Calgary at an independent shop, here is what you can expect:

Independent shops might not be able to attend to a large number of cars, but they can provide a more personalized approach to each client.
Their services, such as paint protection and window tinting in Calgary, can be adapted to all cars and vehicles. You will be able to get more customizations with all your requests, from window tinting to 3M paint protection film.
As they only have to focus on themselves, that means less overhead to cover, so lower prices for clients.
You will speak directly to the technician working on your vehicle so you will know who is going to apply the process for you.
The technicians are trained to handle all types of situations and vehicles, as they are exposed to it (unlike technicians at dealerships). They’re more experienced than you think.
Independent shops still get their products from the original manufacturer, so you know the quality and reliability is still there.
They will offer you guarantees and warranties on all their workmanship.

When it comes to dealerships or independent shops for paint protection films, it is all down to what you want. However, in most cases, drivers tend to go for independent shops because of their personalized approach, reliable service, and flexibility.