Paint Protection Film (PPF) Wraps
Looking to keep your car's paint looking fresh and new? Or maybe you want to add a little extra flare with a custom wrap. Either way, paint protection film (PPF) is a great option to consider. You may have heard PPF wraps called clear PPF film or clear bra, but these are all the same.
We'll explore what paint protection film for cars is, how it works, and some of the benefits of using it. So whether you're interested in protecting your investment or giving your car a makeover, read on to learn more about PPF!
If you're looking for car paint protection prices, you can find those here.
What is Paint Protection Film?
Paint Protection Film (PPF) is a clear plastic film that is applied directly to painted surfaces on vehicles to protect them from damage caused by road debris, weather, and the sun’s UV rays. It’s made from a thermoplastic urethane material that is highly resistant to scratches, fading, and peeling.
The films were originally designed in the 1950’s during the Vietnam War to protect the ridiculously expensive rotor blades of military helicopters. The films were then used to protect the noses on fighter jets and then entire planes. Eventually, they were adopted by race car drivers and then professional skiers. As the film became thinner and more flexible, it made its way to being commonly used on vehicles for the every day consumer.
What Are The Best Places to Apply Paint Protection Films?
PPF is best when applied to vulnerable areas more likely to get damaged from daily driving. A full paint protection film wrap would offer the best protection. But, if your budget is limited, the best areas to wrap would include the hood, front bumper, and side mirrors of the car since they are often exposed to flying debris and road hazards.
Can You Apply PPF to Headlights or Taillights?
Sure thing! The headlight and taillight housings are also prime targets for PPF since they are highly susceptible to discoloration from UV exposure. However, you can also apply PPF to any other areas of the car in order to give it an extra layer of protection.
How Does Paint Protection Film Work?
When the film is applied, it bonds with the top surface of the car's paint and acts as a barrier against potential damage from rock chips, road tar, bug splatter, or any other environmental hazards. It also provides UV protection that helps to prevent your vehicle's painted surface from fading.
Paint Protection Film's Self-Healing Properties
The Paint Protection Film itself has self-healing properties, which can be activated under heat. Using warm water or a blow-dryer on medium heat can activate self healing properties in the wrap. Check out the video below to see a full hood demonstration of PPF's self-healing properties.
In some cases, we've even seen Paint Protection Film protect a car's surface from a deep scratch like keying (in case any of you have a crazy ex out there). STEK PPF has a thickness of 8mils which is double the thickness of an average vinyl wrap material!
What Are The Benefits Of Paint Protection Film?
The primary benefit of PPF is that it can offer whole car protection from scratches and wear, keeping it looking new for longer. It also helps maintain the value of your vehicle by preventing costly repairs and repainting. In addition, PPF is easy to maintain since dirt and grime can be washed away easily with a simple cleaning.
How Long Does Paint Protection Film Last?
Paint protection film is designed to last for several years, depending on the type and quality of the film you choose. Generally, PPF will last up to 5 - 7 years if applied correctly. Some films can even last up to 10 years with proper maintenance and care.
It's important to note that UV rays from the sun can still affect the film over time and cause it to fade or discolor, so it's important to have your PPF professionally installed in order for it to perform its best.
Anti-Yellowing Additives Extend the Life of Your PPF
STEK PPF also contains an anti-yellowing agent which helps protect against yellowing caused by UV exposure. This agent can significantly extend the lifespan of the PPF while still providing excellent protection against environmental damage.
What Types of Clear PPF Film Does Vinyl Ink Install?
Here at our shop, we exclusively install STEK's DYNOshield Paint Protection Film. STEK Paint Protection Film wraps come in both a gloss and matte finish. They also provide a 10-year warranty that covers yellowing, bubbling and cracking.
DYNOshield paint protection film (PPF) is a crystal clear PPF using STEK’s unique nano ceramic top coating HYDROphobe®, delivering an extremely high gloss, extra durable finish. DYNOshield paint protection films also come with a matte finish, if you're looking for a different finish on your car.
DYNOshield’s brilliant shine will give your car finish that “just waxed” look year after year without you ever having to apply any wax! HYDROphobe improves stain resistance from water marks, insects, bird droppings, road oils, exhaust smoke, and pollutants that can create stains, yellowing, and gloss out on the film’s surface.
With the excellent “shock-proofing” properties of DYNOshield Paint Protection Film, your vehicle is protected against chipping, scratching, car wash brush marks, and everyday elements which wear away your paint finish.
Over the years we've done countless Paint Protection projects on BMWs, Teslas, Audis, Mercedes, and more. We're East Bay's PPF experts, and we've got applying PPF down to a science!
DYNOshield Paint Protection Film Features
Extreme
high gloss
Hydrophobic
nano tech
Anti-
contamination
Stain
resistant
Non-
yellowing
Self-healing
properties
How Much Does a Paint Protection Film (PPF) Cost?
The cost of a Paint Protection Film (PPF) Wrap can vary depending on the size and condition of your vehicle, as well as the type and quality of film you choose. Below are some of our most popular packages that cover your entire car. These packages include the Road Guard, Parking Warrior, Confidence, Assurance+. If you're looking for superior protection, we'd recommend Confidence or Assurance+ packages.
Don't let the high cost of a PPF wrap scare you off. It's one of the best investments you can make on your entire vehicle, especially for a new car.
PPF Coverage Options
Road Guard
$2,195 - $4,385
The most basic protection any car owner should invest in. Guard your vehicle against road debris from everyday driving. Rock chips on your front bumper, hood and fenders are a thing of the past!
Coverage:
Front Bumper, Fenders, Hood & Mirror Caps
Parking Warrior
$3,795 - $5,650
Essential for protection against everyday driving as well as scratches incurred at most shopping centers and parking lots. Park with confidence knowing that this package provides scratch and scuff protection to all your doors and your lower rocker panels.
Coverage:
Front Bumper, Fenders, Hood, Mirror Caps, Side Doors, Lower Rockers & Loading Strip
Confidence
$6,350 - $15,000+
When you want confidence that you have complete 360° degree coverage of all painted surfaces of your vehicle. Our Confidence Package will provide your entire vehicle superior defense against rocks, scratches and scuffing, bird droppings and other stains, all while giving your paint a rich shine. Your car washes just became so much easier with the built-in hydrophobic properties of your new Paint Protection Wrap.
Coverage:
All Painted Surfaces & Front Lights
Assurance+
The highest level of protection from all the elements with 360 coverage of all surfaces including all lights and your front windshield. Plus, an additional hand application of C. Quartz 3.0 ceramic coating to give you EXTREME ASSURANCE against oils, dirt, contaminants and UV.
Coverage:
All painted surfaces, all lights, windshield & ceramic coat application.