Paint Protection Film (PPF) AKA Clear Bra is a thermoplastic urethane film that is applied to the leading painted surfaces of a new or used car in order to protect the paint from stone chips, bug splatter (love bugs) and minor abrasions. This film is also used on airplanes, RVs, cell phones, electronics, screens, motorcycles and many other areas. The racing industry followed suit and filtered in to daily-driven automobiles.
Paint Protection Film is OEM approved by virtually all car manufacturers.
A lot of paint protection film is installed by manufacturers on various pieces of cars at the factory (e.g. the rear arches of Porsches).
The film is generally installed by certified trained professionals who work on their own out of a shop or mobile and get supplies from distributors and dealers in most markets. Some detail shops also add it to their offering.
In the UK, Europe and Asia Paintshield Ltd, are an independent supplier who supply, design and install paint protection film kits. In the USA, Clearshield Protection Services, Inc. located in Stuart, FL is certified paint and headlight protection installation facility. In Australia, OziShield is the oldest independent Clear Bra design company who supply, design and install paint protection film kits from 3M and VentureShield.