Updated September 2026 with the films we fit and current pricing.
Paint protection film (PPF) is a clear thermoplastic polyurethane film applied over a car’s paintwork to stop stone chips, scuffs and light scratches reaching the paint. Good PPF is self-healing, so light scratches in the film close up again with heat from the sun or warm water.
We’re Auto Wrap Manchester, and we’ve been fitting PPF and wraps at our Trafford Park unit since 2014. This guide covers what PPF does, what it doesn’t do, how it compares to a wrap or a ceramic coating, and what it costs.
What is PPF on a car?
PPF is a thick, flexible polyurethane film that’s bonded to the painted panels of a car. It’s clear, so once fitted the car looks exactly as it did before, just with a sacrificial layer between the paint and the road.
It’s thicker than a standard vinyl wrap (vinyl is roughly 70 to 100 microns), which is why it can absorb the impact of a stone at motorway speed where a wrap or a coating can’t. You’ll sometimes hear it called clear bra or clear wrap. It’s the same thing.
What PPF protects against
- Stone chips on bumpers, bonnets, wings and sills from road grit and gravel.
- Light scratches and swirl marks from washing, brushes and hedges. The self-healing top layer closes these up with heat.
- Bird droppings, bug splatter and tree sap, which sit on the film rather than etching into the paint.
- Resale value. The original paint underneath stays factory fresh, which matters on a lease return or a low-mileage car you plan to sell.
What PPF doesn’t do
PPF is not armour. A heavy kerb strike, a deep key scratch or a shopping trolley at speed can still cut through the film and mark the paint. The film takes the damage that would otherwise be a respray, but it has limits.
It won’t hide existing chips or scratches either. The film is clear, so anything already in the paint shows through. That’s why paint correction before fitting matters, and why PPF is best fitted on a new or freshly detailed car.
PPF vs vinyl wrap vs ceramic coating
These three get mixed up constantly, so here’s the short version. We’ve written full comparisons on PPF vs wraps vs ceramic coating and car wraps versus PPF.
| Product | What it is | Stops stone chips? | Changes the look? | Typical life |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PPF | Thick, self-healing polyurethane film | Yes | No (clear), unless you choose colour PPF | [ADAM: PPF lifespan] |
| Vinyl wrap | Thinner coloured vinyl, 70 to 100 microns | Not reliably | Yes, any colour or finish | 5 to 7+ years with care |
| Ceramic coating | Liquid coating that cures on the paint | No | Adds gloss and beading | 2 to 5 years before reapplication |
In practice they stack. A wrap changes the colour, PPF stops the chips, and a ceramic coat on top keeps it hydrophobic and easy to wash.
PPF coverage options
Front end
Front bumper, full bonnet, front wings, mirrors and headlights. This is where most stone chips land, so it’s the most popular package and the most cost-effective.
Track pack
Front end plus the A-pillars, the leading edge of the roof, sills and the rear arches. Built for cars that see track days, fast B-roads or a lot of motorway miles.
Full body
Every painted panel covered. The car is protected all round and the film edges are wrapped or hidden wherever the panel allows. Our full PPF jobs currently include a complimentary Halo ceramic coat on top of the film.
Colour PPF
Colour PPF gives you a colour change with the thickness and self-healing of PPF. Earlier this year we fitted a Mercedes GLB350 in green colour PPF, which is a good example of the finish. See our colour PPF page for the options.
Interior PPF
Piano black trim, centre consoles and screens scratch easily. Interior PPF is a clear film cut for those surfaces, so keys, rings and cleaning cloths don’t leave marks.
The films we fit
We fit XPEL and Gyeon paint protection films. Both are self-healing, both are clear and both are cut on plotter templates for each vehicle so the edges sit where they should. We’ll recommend one based on the car, the coverage you want and the finish you’re after (gloss or matte).
How much does PPF cost?
Price depends on the size of the car, the coverage and how much paint correction is needed first. As a guide:
| Coverage | Typical guide price |
|---|---|
| Front end PPF | [ADAM: front-end PPF from £] |
| Full body PPF | Around £4,000 for a typical job, with a complimentary Halo ceramic coat included at the time of writing |
0% finance is available over 3, 6 or 12 months with a low deposit. Details are on our finance page.
How PPF is fitted and how long it takes
Every job starts with a full decontamination wash and inspection, then paint correction where it’s needed so nothing is sealed in under the film. The panels are cut on a plotter from a template for your exact model, then laid with a slip solution, squeegeed out and heat-formed into the curves and edges.
A front end is a quicker job than a full body, and the car needs time for the film to fully bond before it goes back on the road. Typical time in the unit is [ADAM: typical PPF fitting time for front end and full body]. Please arrive with a clean car.
Looking after PPF
- Give the film [ADAM: curing period] before its first wash.
- Hand wash or touchless is best. Avoid brush car washes.
- Keep pressure washer lances away from film edges.
- If you notice light scratches, park in the sun or pour warm water over the panel and they’ll close up.
- Reapply a ceramic or a PPF-safe sealant as advised to keep it beading.
Paint protection film FAQ
Is PPF worth it?
If you’d be upset by stone chips on the front of your car, yes. A front-end PPF kit costs a fraction of a bumper and bonnet respray and keeps the original paint intact for resale.
Can you see PPF on a car?
Properly fitted PPF is almost invisible. Edges are tucked or wrapped where the panel allows, and the film is optically clear. Matte PPF is available if you want a satin look over gloss paint.
Does PPF damage paint when removed?
No. PPF is designed to be removed by a professional without harming factory paint. We’d always advise against fitting it over poor resprays or damaged paint, which can lift when film is removed.
How long does PPF last?
Our PPF comes with a 10-year warranty as standard. Care makes a big difference, so follow the aftercare above.
Is PPF better than a ceramic coating?
They do different jobs. PPF physically stops chips and scratches; ceramic is a liquid coating that adds gloss and water beading but won’t stop a stone. Our full PPF jobs currently include a Halo ceramic coat so you get both.
Can I fit PPF over a vinyl wrap?
Generally we’d suggest colour PPF instead. It gives you the colour change and the protection in one film, rather than stacking two products with different lifespans.
Get a PPF quote in Manchester
Auto Wrap Manchester fits XPEL and Gyeon PPF in-house at Unit 5, The Hives, Mosley Road Trading Estate, Trafford Park, M17 1HQ, for customers across Manchester, Cheshire and the North West. Read more on our paint protection film page, then get a free quote or call us on 0161 672 7376.
