Paint protection film (PPF) is a great investment to make if you care about preserving the condition of your vehicle’s paintwork and are looking for the best possible shielding against stone chips and scratches. But how much does PPF installation actually cost? And is it really worth it? In this guide, we’ll address all your questions about the cost of PPF, so you can decide if it’s a suitable option for your vehicle.
PPF Cost UK
PPF in the UK costs between £1300 and £5000 on average depending on the:
- Level of coverage required – e.g. front-end only vs full vehicle.
- Size and complexity of the vehicle – this affects the amount of film required and the installation time.
- Type of film – some films are better quality, and hence more expensive than others.
- Installer’s experience level – trained PPF installers will usually charge more as they produce more professional results which are free from beginner errors e.g. peeling edges, incomplete coverage and cloudy patches.
Front-End PPF Cost
Front-end PPF is a popular option as it protects the highest-impact areas from stone chips. This typically includes PPF coverage of the following areas:
- Front bumper
- Bonnet
- Front wings
- Headlights
On average, front-end PPF installation packages cost upwards of £1300 in the UK. The exact price can vary depending on the film quality, installer’s experience level, and the size and complexity of the vehicle’s design.
Front-end PPF packages are a good option if you have a lower budget and need to prioritise which areas are covered. In most cases, the rest of the paintwork will be protected with a ceramic coating. This doesn’t offer abrasion or impact resistance, but does help make the vehicle easier to clean.
Extended Front-End PPF Cost
Extended front-end PPF installation services offer a slight step-up in terms of coverage, without being nearly as expensive as full coverage packages. This type of coverage is sometimes also referred to as “track-pack PPF”, as it is primarily aimed at protecting high-impact areas on track-focused cars. It typically includes PPF coverage of the following areas:
- Front bumper
- Bonnet
- Front wings
- Headlights
- A-pillars
- Door mirrors
- Side skirts
- Partial rear arch
On average, extended front-end PPF installation costs upwards of £1800 in the UK. It’s a good option if you have a sports car which you plan to take on track, and don’t want to pay for a full coverage package. Like with standard front-end PPF packages, you can also have the uncovered paintwork protected with a ceramic coating.
Full Car PPF Cost
Full car PPF offers the best value for money when you compare the coverage level and overall cost against partial PPF packages. As the name suggests, it includes coverage of all external painted surfaces.
It often does not include any coverage of the windscreen, but this can be added as an optional extra in some cases to protect the glass against rock chips. PPF is also not applied to the wheels, textured plastic trim and any metal components. Instead, it focuses on the paintwork, headlights and gloss plastic trim.
Full car PPF packages typically start from £3500 in the UK, however the price can vary considerably based on the size of the vehicle. Large SUVs or trucks for example can cost quite a bit more than this, as much more film is required and the installation time can take 1-2 days longer compared to a smaller vehicle.
What Affects the Cost of PPF?
Besides the amount of coverage required, the cost of a PPF package is also affected by a few other factors including:
- Quality of the film
- Size and shape of the vehicle
- Installer’s experience level
Film Quality
As with most products, there are various levels of quality and hence, different prices available. It’s important to choose a high-quality film in order to prevent issues such as yellowing, cracking and peeling which can be costly to rectify. Some reputable PPF brands include:
- XPEL
- SunTek
- Avery Dennison
- 3M
- Llumar
- Stek
- Gyeon
- Pyramid Car Care
Here at PAC Detailing & PPF, we are trained installers of Pyramid Car Care PPF. We chose this particular brand as they offer a manufacturer’s warranty covering defects in the film which are not caused by accidental or intentional damage.
Vehicle Size & Shape
The larger a vehicle is, the more film will be required, and the longer it’ll take to install, hence the more expensive the installation package will be. If you’re looking for a quote for your vehicle, get in touch today and provide the make and model name so we can provide an accurate price. Some vehicles also have more complex shapes and designs than others, meaning that more cuts may need to be made, or that the process of positioning the film may be trickier. This needs to be factored into the overall installation time, and hence the price of the package.
Installer's Experience Level
Be weary of suspiciously cheap PPF installation packages, as these could signal that either poor quality PPF is being used, or the installer is rushing the process and skipping important stages. Instead, choose a reputable PPF installer who has been professionally trained or accredited. Here at PAC Detailing & PPF, we have completed the Pyramid Car Care PPF installation training course ensuring that we can properly prepare the surface and apply the film.
What's Included in a PPF Installation Package?
The PPF installation process is complex and requires skill and attention to detail in order to prevent issues such as peeling, bubbling and patchiness. Before the PPF can be installed, the vehicle needs to be thoroughly prepared. Here are the key steps involved:
- The vehicle is thoroughly washed and chemically decontaminated (iron and tar removal).
- A clay bar is used to remove any remaining bonded contaminants and leave the paintwork feeling completely smooth.
- The panels are dried and degreased thoroughly to remove any remaining oils or residues which would prevent the film from adhering to the surface properly.
The preparation process alone can take between half a day and a full day to perform depending on the current condition of the vehicle. Once it’s been prepared, the installation steps are as follows:
- The make and model of the vehicle is matched to a database and the PPF sections are then printed and cut if required.
- The film is then peeled, treated and placed down on the panel.
- It’s then pressed down and any air bubbles are removed using a squeegee.
- Any excess film is then cut and the surface is wiped to remove any excess liquid.
PPF installation is a time-consuming process which requires patience in order to ensure complete coverage and proper adhesion. If it’s rushed, then it’s likely to either look a mess, or fail very quickly. On average, PPF installation can take anywhere from 3-7 days depending on the level of coverage and the size/ complexity of the vehicle. It’s important that this is factored into the overall price of the package.
Is PPF Worth It?
This really is a personal question and depends on how much you care about your car’s paintwork. PPF is worth it if you want to preserve the current condition and shield it as best as possible against stone chips and scratches. Although not indestructible, it can save the paintwork from needing a respray in the event of heavier abrasion and can work out more cost-effective particularly on high-end cars.
PPF Installation Near Southport
Here at PAC Detailing & PPF, we offer a range of paint protection film packages using premium PPF from Pyramid Car Care. Offering unparalleled protection against stone chips, scratches, and chemicals, in addition to a hydrophobic finish to keep your vehicle between washes, it provides the ultimate shield for automotive paintwork. Get in touch today to get a quote for your vehicle.