FAQ
What is CAD?
CAD stands for Computer Aided Design. Our CAD designers can create vector files for any template, signage, or pattern. Further, we can produce those patterns out of any of the products we manufacture.
What is Vinyl?
Synthetic plastic made of polyvinyl polymers. Created cast and calendared, gloss or matte, with varying aggressive adhesives for different applications.
Specialized vinyl. To keep up with today’s market needs, CFT films has created a collection of specialized films from different colored Carbon Fiber Vinyl, Wood Vinyls, and Brushed Metal Vinyls to enhance and fulfill your aesthetic needs. More cost effective than the real thing, yet looks as realistic as overlays and actual products.
Why use window films?
In today’s world of ozone depletion, overexposure to ever increasing UVB and UVA radiation can enter the atmosphere and cause sunburn and other certain forms of skin cancer. Malignant Melanoma is caused by indirect DNA damage which may result in negative health effects on the skin, eyes, and immune system. Prolonged exposure has given the International Agency for Research on Cancer of the World Health Organization reason to classify ultraviolet radiation as a Group 1 carcinogen.
Window films can mitigate dangerous UV rays by as much as 99%. Alleviating the fading of interior furnishings, car panel upholstery, or artwork. Additionally, window films save valuable energy by rejecting unwanted heat and keeping cooler air inside allowing for increased occupant comfort. Safety window films can serve to keep shattered glass intact to protect individuals from sharp fragments. Decorative films can add aesthetic or privacy to fit your needs.
What types of window films are there?
There are metallic, dyed, and ceramic films, sun control films, safety and security films, reflective films, mirror, privacy, and decorative films.
Metallic – Metallic window films contain sputtering technology or deposition technology that creates a metalized coated layer. This metalized layer can control radiation through reflectivity and absorb or reflect heat. Metallic sputter can influence electronic signals by a marginal degree.
Dyed – Dyed window films contain a dyed layer which absorbs heat. While it does not influence electronic signals, the dyed layer can fade over time diminishing the heat absorption properties.
Ceramic – Ceramic window films are non-metallic and do not contain dyes that can result in discoloration over time. Ceramic coatings help by eliminating the need for a metal layer in the films composition to increase the solar rejection efficiency of window films. Ceramic coatings gives CFT films the same or better solar energy rejection without interfering with electronic signals as metallic films do.
Decorative – Decorative window films are any number of films that have varied patterns. They can be clear or opaque, reflective or layered with metallic flakes. Often used for privacy, signage, or glass enhancements.
What is window film?
Window film is a thin, flexible, transparent sheet of plastic used for UV protection, solar heat rejection, heat retention, privacy, decorative, safety and/ or security.
Why use protection film ?
The pursuit of a greener planet has left the paint industry with less options for durable paint. Lead based paints are becoming obsolete and weaker water based paints are the norm. The ease of chipping water based paints is all too easy and paint protection film is the answer.
Electronic devices are an integral part of our lives and as they become smaller and more advanced, the devices are becoming more and more expensive. Protecting them from damage will save the cost and headache of having them fixed or replaced.
What does protection film do?
Protection Film can protect against rock chips, scratches, oxidation build up, physical wear, and erosion by the elements.
How do I Maintain the Surface Protection Film for Vehicles?
Maintenance:
The best way to care for and give longevity to your Surface Protection Films is with preventative maintenance. CFT Films recommends washing and waxing the film as often as possible to add protective layers. Once a week is supremely ideal conditions. Every 2-4 weeks is typical. As the film is nearly invisible, it is recommended to inform hand-vehicle wash personnel to note where the film is and have care in its detail. No polishers with abrasive products (see below) or machines exceeding 1200 rpm. Details/ vehicle washes done by hand generally never have a problem. We do not recommend taking your vehicle through machine car washes.
Do not used heavy abrasives such as rubbing compounds, polish, or heavy duty clays. Use of such products may scratch or mar the film.
Do not let cleaning or chemical products sit on the film or vehicle for longer than as directed. Doing so may stain the film/ vehicle. If the product is caustic or acidic and allowed for use on plastics, do not allow the chemical to sit on the film or vehicle for longer than directed. (generally no more than 1-2 minutes and should be applied in the shade/ cool environment).
It is not recommended to use cleaning products in the sun. Application is best in shaded and/ or enclosed well ventilated enclosures.
If products contain alcohol, it is not recommended to apply and rub on the film. Alcohol reacts with the film and could cause scratches and marring if rubbed to hard. Alcohol products may be used, but should be done in a “soft dabbing” manner.
If bug guts or bird droppings are found on the film, remove as soon as possible. Bug guts and bird droppings that sit on the film or paint in the sun react more potently and will acid etch into the surface quicker. Proper Cleaning: First flush the area with water to remove the loose contaminant. Then lightly rub with your finger while continuing to flush with water. Thereafter, you may use cleaning products while rubbing in a gentle manner. Contaminants often contain grit that if cleaned improperly will act like sand paper when cleaning the surface of your vehicle. Lastly, place a coat of sealants or waxes to protect the surface of the film/ vehicle paint.
Film is self healing and will do so by heat from the sun or heat from a heat gun. Care should be taken if using a heat gun as the film could be melted or damaged. Professional recommended.
It is fine to use power sprays as they will not influence or cause the film to pull off the vehicle. However we do recommend that if you use power sprays, that you shoot in the direction that allows the water to slide off the film’s edge rather than towards the film’s edge.
Should you have a problem with the film for any reason, please don’t hesitate to call for additional advice at +1-949-689-4299 or email sales@cftfilms.com
How long will the Surface Protection Film last?
Longevity of the film comes down to maintenance and care. Film can last quite well on a surface for over 8 years. Of course new technological advances occur throughout time which could warrant the removal of the old film and replaced to have the benefits of the newer generation films. While we don’t typically see a product to the end of its life cycle, we know of films that have been on daily used surfaces for over 12 years. Most individuals will sell or return their products long before the film gives out. Film can and should be maintained on a regular basis with washing and plastic protectants. Just as paint needs care, the elements can wear down any surface material from metal to brick on a house.
Even quick prevention goes along way with a quick wipe down of a detailing spray or soap and water.
Maintenance and care does not, however, cover road wear and tear. If tires, shards of glass, falling objects from trucks or cars hit the paint protection film it is entirely variable on how much damage the film can take. The film is designed for rock chip prevention, not car accidents or 2×4’s falling off of a construction truck. Certain films are thicker than others and can afford more protection in this arena, but it is still luck.
What Sealants and Waxes should I use for the Surface Protection Film?
Surface Protection Film or Clear bra detailing products are fine to use on vehicle paint surfaces.
Not all paint detailing products are recommended for use on Surface Protection Film.
Quality Sealants and Waxes suitable for use:
Clear Bra Sealants
Jetseal 101
Zaino
Zymol
Klasse
Meguiars
Mothers
Quality Detailing Spray:
Clear Bra Film Cleaner
Are there any products I should not use on the Film?
Refrain from using Armorall Tire-shine on or near surface protection film or vehicle paint
Will the film yellow over time?
It is natural for all urethane to discolor to some degree over time. Whether it is the hard plastic lenses of your vehicle headlights or plastic patio furniture in the back yard, it is the nature of plastic to yellow over an extended time period.
Proper film maintenance can also enhance the longevity of the film. As each newer generation film is produced with increasingly superior technology, films are becoming more and more y
it would be to a degree that is not noticeable unless under fluorescent lighting and on white vehicles only.
What was the film designed for?
Originally the film was designed to protect the propeller blades of military aircraft from being pitted by rocks, pebbles, and debris during takeoff and landing to maximize the blades edge and produce more efficient thrust. As time progressed, the film was introduced into the automotive, electronic, home improvement, and medical markets. Today Surface Protection Film is utilized on everyday items and you have likely encountered them 4-5 times a day.
For all the above categories, it prevents scratches, abrasions, chips, mechanical damage, and chemical damage. In the medical markets it also prevents germs and microbes from spreading by being resistance to their sustaining and propagating needs.
Can it be washed / waxed?
The film is meant to be maintained by washing and waxing on a regular basis.
Will there be a two-tone effect if the film is ever removed?
As long as the uncovered portions of the paint were regularly washed and waxed, then there would be no indication that film was ever installed if it were to be removed. Our film is UV stable allowing the effects of the sun to result equally on film covered and non-film covered surfaces alike.
Can the film protect my vehicle from a car crash?
Most emphatically, NO. The film is not designed to protect against the impact of other vehicles. That said, we have seen a customer’s vehicle get into a fender bender wherein the film and paint were completely intact without damage. This appeared to be more of a side swipe than on-coming impact. This is very rare, but possible. Often in car accidents, the film has held the broken pieces of the car together, preventing further damage to the car itself and preventing shards from falling off the car and damaging other cars on the road behind it. But the surface protection film is designed to protect against rock chips not car crashes.
Can it be washed / waxed?
The film is meant to be maintained by washing and waxing on a regular basis.
Can I put vehicles through an automated car wash?
While it is possible to have your car and film cleaned by an automated car wash, we do not recommend it. The automated car washes use recycled water and brushes that clean hundreds of cars daily. The brushes will pick up dirt and debris that will scratch your paint and film surface. For the best maintenance, bring it to a detailer or clean the vehicle yourself.
Do you have to order the kits?
No, we do not. We have a software program with up to date makes / models ready to laser cut onto the film within minutes.
How long does it take to install a full kit?
With precut kits, installations are typically completed in 3-4 hours. At the custom level, it would depend on exact coverage to determine the amount of time. Full Front Quarters will take about 6 hours. Race kits will take 8 hours. Full Body Wraps will take about 3 days.
Can I order templates or shapes of any size?
Yes, we can cut out anything as long as you have a picture or vector file for us to use. Our material is a maximum of 60” x 100’ and we can produce any shape smaller than this.
Do I need to prep the surface before installation?
It is imperative to wash and clean any surface prior to Surface Protection Film installation. Doing so will ensure a clean surface so debris, lint, polish, dust, and other contaminants won’t be trapped under the film allowing for a beautiful pristine look.
Some say that the clearer films are easier to install. Is this true?
Yes and no. It depends on the installing company’s standards. Yes, it is easier to install due to its elasticity, but that does not necessarily mean the quality of install will be ideal. In actuality, the film is more difficult to work with to bring out a truly invisible installation. Due to the film’s clarity, it does not hide any type of installation flaw that would normally be hidden by film with excessive orange peel texture.
I just had my vehicle repainted. How long do I have to wait prior to film installation?
Recommended cure time would be 30 days. Most important aspect of repaint is the painters’ standards. 95% of paint work that we see are far from acceptable, which means there is a likelihood of the paint to be pulled up if the film needs to be removed for any reason. This is the reason we stress painters’ quality.
I have an aftermarket bumper, can you cover this?
Yes. Approximately 50% of installations are custom projects. Contact a specialist to have help with installation. Call +1-949-689-4299 or email sales@cftfilms.com
Is the application of the film permanent?
This is the benefit of paint protection film. It is not a permanent application; however, does require professional removal. Inexperienced hands could potential damage the vehicle paint if the removal is not handled properly or if there is sub-par paint on the vehicle.
What can be done about wax build up along the seams and how can I avoid it?
Most installers do not inform their customers about the “wax lines”. It is important for the vehicle’s owner to understand that wax will leave a white line on the seam. We would recommend not waxing over the seams and wax the film and uncovered portions separately to keep from wax buildup. If you accidentally wax over the seam, just use a wet towel and rub it off. Another caution is to avoid buffing over the seams, which creates a noticeable wax line as well. An alternative option would be to get a custom wrap to minimize most seams leaving less edges exposed to wax build up or hire a professional paint detailer.
What are the differences of all surface protection films on the market?
There are 8 main categories.
Self healing (light swirl marks and scratches will disappear on their own)
Clarity vs Orange peel vs Matte films (optical clarity or lack thereof)
Thickness
Anti-yellowing
Etch coating resistance (against tree sap and acid rain)
Adhesive strength and aggressiveness
Hydrophobic properties
Anti-microbial properties
We carry several different film product lines each containing varying degrees of the aforementioned properties. Email us at sales@cftfilms.com or call us at +1949-689-4299 to have your specific questions answered about our films or any films on the market. We are very knowledgeable about our industry.
Each of these categories can affect the end result of an install and longevity. Strong adhesive will not allow for easy lifting without leaving behind stretch marks or installation flaws. When installers go to clean dirt debris during installation, adjusting and re-lifting the film can cause problems. Thickness affects rock chip protection. Clarity and anti-yellowing is self-explanatory and important for surfaces that wish to look pretty and shiny. Etch coat resistance is a factor for surfaces that are heavily used and constantly exposed to harsh weather elements or chemical elements.
One film having perfect marks in all these categories is very difficult if not impossible. As adding to one property sometimes negatively affects another property. Etch coating resistant films have more orange peel but have good anti-yellowing properties. Self healing films work well with clarity but have less etch coating resistance. All films have all properties but more or less of each individual category
What are the technical specs of the Surface Protection Film?
The white sheets can be found under Resources Assets of the Service Center. Or you can speak with a specialist by calling +1-949-689-4299 or emailing sales@cftfilms.com.
What is paint protection film?
Paint Protection Film is a polyurethane material with a chemical resistant and scratch resistant surface, and an adhesive backing. The film is used to protect paint surfaces, glass surfaces, and liquid crystal displays.