Paint protection film (known as PPF) is a very effective product for car owners looking to preserve their car’s finish. It can protect against scratches, stone chips, and environmental damage; PPF is often seen as a worthy investment. But we often get asked about the cost involved so here we want to help make it clearer. We will cover how much does PPF cost and what makes the cost go up and down. Hopefully helping you make an informed decision and understand the cost of PPF.
So, how much should you expect to pay for PPF?
This depends on so many factors! But as you are here the cost of PPF, on average, is around £1000. But this is very vague as it can cost between £50 – £6000. Basic packages, which cover only the front bumper of a small vehicle, start at around £350.
In contrast, comprehensive, full-body applications can easily exceed £3,000. Small interior packages to protect interior trim or a mirror cap replacement can be around £50. The average of £1000/£1200 would usually get the front end of your car protected. So why does it vary?
What Influences The Cost Of PPF
Quality of Film
Higher-End Brands; The leading brands such as XPEL, STEK, and SunTek. They can also provide advanced protection features, including self-healing capabilities and superior clarity. These films typically come at a higher price point due to their enhanced durability and effectiveness.
A lot of the top brands also offer different grades of film altering in thickness and colour. And some have added features such as a hydrophobic top coat that acts like a ceramic coating. These are usually 20% more cost than ‘standard’ PPF.
Budget Options; More affordable films may save you money upfront but often fall short in terms of longevity and performance, which can lead to additional costs for repairs or replacements.
Amount of Film and/or Coverage Area
Partial vs. Full Coverage: A partial paint protection application—usually covering high-impact areas like the front bumper, hood, and side mirrors—will be less expensive than a full-body application, which protects the entire vehicle. This is due to the amount of film required.
Vehicle Size and Type
This ties into the section above as the size and type of your vehicle will be one of the biggest influences to the overall cost. Larger vehicles such as SUVs and trucks require more film and more complex installation, leading to higher overall costs. Smaller cars mean less film and therefore less cost.
Installation Complexity
PPF installation is a skill that takes time to master and the process requires skill and experience. Professional installers charge for their expertise, and vehicles with complex curves or intricate designs can result in higher labour costs. Many of the PPF design software programmes have this all worked out offering very accurate pricing based on real life calculations.
What Can Make PPF Installation More Expensive?
Patterns + Film
You may be comparing a few different quotes offering the same brand of film and in similar installation studios but the accuracy and level of detail used for the patterns will be an influence to the quality of the job and also the cost.
In short, the more basic the pattern the quicker and easier it is to install and therefore the lower the cost can be.
Coverage options will also increase and decrease depending on your chosen areas to protect.
Installation Studio
Using a quality paint protection film service, very detailed patterns and great prep work won’t necessarily yield great results if the studio it is installed in isn’t lit right, doesn’t have climate control, has no means of lifting the vehicle and somewhere to remove the film without getting dirt or dust into it. On the flip side, all these things that give a great job also add costs.
So again, if you want a lower cost job then a cheap and cheerful set up may suit you, however if you would like your vehicle looked after and the PPF installed as good as it can be then a well laid out, professional studio will give you the results you are looking for.
Insurances
Premium films frequently come with warranties that cover defects and discoloration, providing assurance and protecting your investment. Knowing you have a safety net can make the higher cost more palatable.
Plus the insurance for the business carrying out your installation will also add to the overall cost. But they will give you peace of mind knowing if the worst happens then you will not be left to foot the bill.
The Business
Well-established and reputable installers may charge more due to their experience and customer service track record. But this will usually give you a higher quality install that will look great for years.
Some people install by themselves so all the costs will be put onto the customer to cover all the overheads per job. On the flipside, they may not have to charge VAT. However, if they are too small to not charge VAT this may be a bit alarming. By choosing a larger team they may be able to offer more reliable work. And they can spread out the overheads per job and therefore lower the cost. The warranty, insurance and peace of mind is usually worth the VAT..
So What Can Make PPF Less Expensive?
Lower Quality Films
Choosing a supplier that offers budget films can lower your initial costs. However, keep in mind that these films might not offer the same level of protection or durability, which could lead to higher costs in the long run. There are a lot of lower quality films available these days so make sure you get a clear answer from your installer as to exactly which film they are using. Check with the supplier if not sure!
Coverage/Patterns
Choosing to protect only the most vulnerable areas of your vehicle; like the front bumper and bonnet, can keep costs down while still providing a degree of protection. But also at a more micro-level, some suppliers may offer less coverage by not wrapping past edges or offering very basic patterns. So while two quotes may look the same; the outcomes may differ a lot in coverage and quality!
Even some of the most well known companies offer some very basic patterns so it is worth checking.
Promotional Discounts
Many installers offer seasonal promotions, package deals, or loyalty discounts, making it possible to find quality installations at a more affordable price.
Installer Location
An installer in central London will be paying more rent than a competitor who is located outside of a city. This may lead to no transport links and in a more rural area. The rent and rates will affect the overheads and therefore the cost of the install.
Obviously both have pros and cons, a good location will usually be convenient and higher cost. While you may get a cheaper job but in a less accessible area. The lower price may cost you in time and effort getting there and back.
Where Do Where Fit In All This?
At All That Gleams we use Xpel PPF for nearly every install due to the high quality of film. Backed by proven longevity we know it will last and be of genuine benefit to the cars we protect. The only time we don’t use Xpel is for windscreens (we use STEK) as they don’t currently make one. However at time of writing there is one due soon so we will be using this when it comes out!
Our location is very well connected with trains to London, Gatwick, Reading. But it isn’t within a major town so our rent is slightly lower than others in London or major cities. However we have 4 bays so it is higher cost than a competitor who has only 1 bay.
We have a team of 4 full time technicians for detailing, PPF and ceramic coatings. So we also have higher costs than some of our competitors. But on the flip side we can offer more competitive pricing as we can spread the costs.
We deliver the highest quality films from Xpel, high quality patterns and a clean environment. Due to our location and team size we can provide more competitive pricing. But without sacrificing quality.
Conclusion
I hope this helps you to understand what PPF costs on average and how the cost of paint protection film can vary widely based on multiple factors. Quotes are not just number comparisons and the film quality, vehicle type, coverage area, install location/studio size and installation complexity all play their part.
And while the initial cost may seem significant, the long-term benefits, such as preserving your vehicle’s appearance, protecting the paint (original or not), enhancing resale value, and reducing maintenance costs, often outweigh the upfront cost.
So when considering PPF, it’s worth weighing up what is more important to you; an essential piece of protection or having it look invisible and the best possible finish. Investing in a high-quality film and professional installation can provide lasting benefits, making sure your vehicle stays in perfect condition and defect-free for years to come.
If you want to check out our studio or have any questions please get in touch!
And if you aren’t local to us just reach out and we would be happy to recommend a great installer in your area!
