With so many PPF brands to choose from and so many installers offering various packages and deals, where do you begin? Are you selecting the right type of PPF? How do you know you're getting the best value for your money? Is PPF even right for you and your vehicle?
This guide has been developed by our team of automotive customization experts to help answer your PPF-related questions and help you make the most informed decision regarding installation.
Trident Motorsport's PPF team is lead by two certified master installers, each with years of experience in a wide range of automotive films and applications. From sports, luxury & exotic cars to Texas-sized trucks, our team is well equipped to handle your PPF needs.
Have questions? Need advice? Click Request-A-Quote to have one of our PPF experts contact you to help guide you through this process.
Click a topic from the list below to skip ahead to a particular section.
Paint Protection Film, previously known as a Clear Bra, is a nearly invisible, protective layer that is applied to the surface of your vehicle (though various colors and patterns are now available). The primary purpose of PPF is to protect the vehicle's paint from road debris, scratches, bug splatters, and minor abrasions. It's a thermoplastic urethane film which has self-healing properties, meaning light scratches will typically disappear with heat exposure.
PPF is highly durable and can last many years, depending on the quality of the film, installation, and how well it's maintained. Some warranties for higher quality PPF even extend up to 10 years. It's typically applied to high impact areas like the front bumper, fenders, hood, side mirrors, and rocker panels. However, it can be applied to the entire vehicle for maximum protection.
While PPF was traditionally available in clear-gloss or matte, is now available in a variety of colors and patterns. However, this does not make PPF the same as a vinyl wrap. Vinyl wraps are made of different materials which are significantly less durable. Thus vinyl is primarily used for aesthetic purposes and has a much shorter lifespan.
PPF is constantly evolving, with new brands and options being introduced quite often. Some of the top brands in the PPF market are listed below, all of which are known for their quality, durability, and innovation. With so many new brands and evolving options to choose from, one of the most important differentiators is the warranty. Warranty-related considerations are provided at the end of this guide.
STEK quickly went from being the new guy on the block to an industry leader. The brand has gained recognition for its cutting-edge product development, advanced self-healing PPF technology, and ultra high-performance films. STEK PPFs boast not only superior protection, but also extreme clarity and depth in a variety of finishes, colors, and patterns — making it a popular choice among car enthusiasts and professionals looking for top-tier vehicle protection solutions.
XPEL is another top contender in the PPF market, famous for its self-healing technology that makes minor scratches disappear with heat from the sun or an engine. Their Ultimate Plus series is particularly popular among car enthusiasts for its clarity and longevity.
3M is a well-respected name in the automotive industry, offering a variety of automotive films including their Scotchgard Pro series. Their PPF is known for its high-quality, durability, and excellent clarity, along with a strong reputation for protecting vehicle paint from damages and UV rays.
SunTek offers a range of PPF products that are praised for their ease of installation and high gloss finish. Their films are designed to be hydrophobic, making them easier to clean while offering excellent protection against the elements.
The most common and cost-effective option, this film is almost completely invisible and features a smooth, gloss-enhancing top-coat.
Average thickness: 7-8 mils.
Matte films, sometimes referred to as "stealth" films, turn the underlying surface into a smooth, satin finish.
Average thickness: 7-8 mils.
These films offer the same level of protection as high-gloss or matte films, and are available in variety of colors and patterns - including matte and metallic color-shifting options.
Average thickness: 7-8 mils.
For extra protection even in harsh offroad environments, some film manufacturer's offer this even more durable option — up 25% thicker than traditional films.
Average thickness: ~10 mils.
Common PPF packages are provided below. Pricing is based upon a high quality, high-gloss film. Matte, color/fashion, and extra durable films typically cost about 20% more. If you're looking for less coverage, many installers offer a-la-carte options as well such as front bumper only or partial hood only.
Average Price: $1,300*
Install Time: 1-2 Days*
*Will vary by region and installer
Average Price: $2,000*
Install Time: 1-3 Days*
*Will vary by region and installer
Average Price: $2,900*
Install Time: 1-3 Days*
*Will vary by region and installer
Average Price: $6,000*
Install Time: 5-7 Days*
*Will vary by region and installer
With so many brands and variations of PPF films, you should always review the manufacturer's warranty for specific terms, exclusions and length of coverage. The warranty for a high quality PPF is often 7-10 years. Anything less may be a potential warning sign of a lesser-quality product.
Aside from the manufacturer's warranty, you should also pay close attention to the installer's workmanship warranty. Of course your installer should always offer to repair any defect resulting from an error on their behalf (at least for a specified period of time). However, you should also pay attention to any clauses pertaining to the repair/replacement of PPF resulting from an issue with the film itself. In other words, if your film chips and replacement film is covered by the manufacturer's warranty, will the original installer charge you labor to conduct the replacement? Is this type of coverage offered for free or for an additional fee? If so, for how long is the coverage?
Comparing warranties should help you quickly narrow down the list of both the brands/types of PPF and the installers.
Manufacturer's warranties generally cover…
Manufacturer's warranties generally do not cover…
Read and understand the manufacturer's care instructions for your particular PPF. The tips below are a general guide only. Your PPF may require different care or special considerations. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for care.
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