Paint protection film was first discovered in the late 1960s by the 3M Company. The film's original purpose was to protect the USAF F-4 Phantom jet fighter's leading edges from abrasion, and other damage caused by sand and debris kicked up during take-off and landing.
Over the next decade, 3M continued to develop the technology, and by the late 1970s, the product was ready for commercial use. The first paint protection film was a clear urethane film with a special adhesive that would protect the paint of cars from scratches, chips, and other damage.
In the 1980s, paint protection film began to be widely used on a variety of surfaces, including cars, boats, motorcycles, and aircraft. The film was especially popular among car enthusiasts who wanted to protect the paint job on their vehicles.
In the 1990s, paint protection film technology advanced to include new features such as self-healing properties, where the film would repair itself after being scratched or damaged. This led to even greater popularity for the film, and it is now widely used on a variety of surfaces.
Today, paint protection film is used on cars, motorcycles, boats, aircraft, and even cell phones and tablets. It is a popular choice among car enthusiasts who want to protect their vehicles from the elements and keep their paint job looking great.