In short, to protect the front of your car with PPF will cost between £950 to £1400. To protect the front and lower third will cost between £1500-£2000. And to protect the whole car will cost between £3500-6500.
I know this is quite broad but there isn’t a one-size-fits-all. If you want to know how much does it cost to PPF a car you need to know some basic questions.
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 with an experienced paint protection film installer.
How Much Does PPF Cost In UK
I know you want a quick answer but this depends on so many factors! But as you are here the cost of PPF, on average, is around £1000.
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 £75. The average of £1000/£1200 would usually get the front end of your car protected. So why does it vary?
Quality Of The PPF Used
Some of the leading brands offering the best performance are XPEL, Terminax, 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.
Others may offer cheaper, low budget options. These lower cost films may save you money upfront. But often fall short in terms of longevity and protection. This can lead to additional costs for repairs or replacements.
As the old saying goes; pay cheap, pay twice!
The Size Of Your Vehicle
This is pretty obvious but the more you protect, the higher the cost will be. A front end package will be less expensive than a full-body install. This is due to the amount of film required, time spent (labour) and cost per square inch.
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 Cost More?
Patterns & Film Quality
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; What Is Like?
Using a quality paint protection film service, very detailed patterns and great prep work will give the best results.
Whereas if the studio isn’t lit right, doesn’t have climate control and 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.
How The PPF Business Is Run
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 are sole installers. This can decrease initial overheads. But ultimately puts all the costs onto the customer. On the flipside, they may not have to charge VAT.
However, if they are too small to not charge VAT it shows they don’t do many vehicles.
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!
Less Coverage; Less Cost!
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.
Where Is The Installer Located?
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 We Fit In All This?
At All That Gleams we only use the best PPF to make sure our work lasts. Backed by proven longevity we know it will last and be of genuine benefit to the cars we protect.
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.
You get 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!
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