Paint Protection Film (PPF) can be a worthwhile investment to protect the finishing of your car. However, is it right for you? In this blog, we will go over some of the key considerations and costs associated with applying PPF to your car so you can decide whether it is the right choice.
What exactly is PPF?
PPF is a thin layer of clear adhesive-backed film that is applied to certain parts of a car or the whole vehicle. Paint Protection Films, as the name suggests, are used to protect the exterior of a car from weather elements and scratches.
PPFs are mostly common in regions with bright sunny weather to prevent the fading away of body paint, or dry western states such as Indiana where rock chipping off paint is a common occurrence.
PPFs are usually applied to new vehicles or collector’s cars due to the costs associated with them. In the next section, we will discuss some of the factors that influence the cost of PPFs.
Factors Influencing PPF Costs
There are no standard costs when it comes to PPFs. The cost of applying PPF on your car can vary considerably depending on the following factors.
Vehicle size
The size of the vehicle not only determines the amount of film, i.e. raw material, is used but also how long it takes to apply the film. Both these factors contribute significantly to the cost of applying PPF to your vehicle.
Brand of Film
The brand of the film can also contribute to the cost of PPF. Higher-end films come with manufacturer’s warranties, look better, and are of overall better quality. They not only last a long time but are also easier to apply.
However, certain high-end brands restrict their films to only certified shops. They require training and certification mandated by the manufacturer to ensure proper application.
Overhead of Shop
If you’re opting for a pro at a shop as opposed to someone working in a parking lot, obviously the shop’s overhead will be added to your final cost. However, the former usually use high-end equipment and work in a controlled environment resulting in a higher quality finished product.
Experience of Installer
Applying PPFs is a very difficult skill to master and can take years. Therefore, the experience of the PPF installer, which can translate to a better installation, can also add to the cost of your project.
Age of Vehicle
Older vehicles that have rusty parts, uneven paint, and years of built-up dust require a lot more preparation than newer cars. Furthermore, older vehicles might be more work because there are no templates for them so the PPF for their windows are hand-cut and stretched to size. All this extra effort adds to labor and raw material costs, and therefore, higher overall cost of the project.
Existing PPF Removal
Finally, if your car already has a PPF or clear bra installed, then the effort of removing it adds to the cost as well since PPF leaves a lot of residue which requires a lot of time and cleaning to remove.
Average Cost Estimates
On average, Car PPF Service packages range from $1,100 to $2,200, however, they don’t include the entire vehicle. In this section, we will give you a rough estimate of how much PPF packages can cost based on how much of your vehicle you want to coat.
Front of the Car: $1300 – $2000
The front is usually the most vulnerable part of the car. Therefore, some people opt to only coat the front bumper, the hood, and the front fenders of their car. This can cost you anywhere from $1300 to $2000. This kind of coverage will protect your vehicle from common road debris, however, the downside is that the appearance of your vehicle might look off due to incomplete PPF coverage.
Front of the Vehicle and Sides: $2000 – $3500+
The front and side of the car usually include the front bumper, hood, wing mirrors, headlights, A-pillar, and side skirts. The cost can vary depending on the installer but you can expect to pay anywhere between $2000 to $3500.
Full Vehicle: $5000+
If you want complete protection of your car’s body paint, this is the best option available. However, this is also the most expensive one due to the labor, complexity, and material involved. The full vehicle PPF packages include the entirety of the car, including the front, back, and sides. Starting from $5000, the full-body packages can go up to $8000.
Conclusion
As we discussed in this blog, getting a PPF coat on your car is a significant decision due to the massive costs involved. The costs can not only vary from car to car but also where exactly you get the PPF installed. However, the extra money is worth the cost as higher quality films and professional experienced installers can contribute to the longevity of your PPF, saving you money in the long run.
Want PPF for Your Ride?
Speaking of experienced installers, ready to protect your car from elements and debris? Contact the best PPF installers in Indiana. Reach out to Attention2Detail Luxury Detailing and Coatings for a customized quote for your specific needs.