Automobiles are not just a mode of transportation; they represent an investment in style, performance, and prestige. To keep these prized possessions in impeccable condition, paint film protection has emerged as a must-have for car enthusiasts. This transparent and resilient film shields the vehicle’s paintwork from scratches, chips, and environmental damage. In this article, we will explore the best suppliers and brands of paint film protection, ensuring your cherished ride stays pristine for years to come.
Qualities of a good PPF
Qualities of a good PPF
- A warranty of 10+ years
- Thickness level of 8ml (+)
- Self or instant healing properties (light scratches or abrasions disappear with heat)
- Used along with ceramic coating
Qualities of a bad PPF
- Warranty of 5 years or less
- Thickness level of 5 ml or less
3M Scotchgard
One of the most recognized names in the industry, 3M Automotive has earned a stellar reputation for manufacturing high-quality paint film protection solutions. Their line of Scotchgard™ Pro Series features self-healing properties, allowing the film to recover from minor scratches and swirl marks over time. With excellent clarity and resistance to yellowing, 3M Automotive’s paint protection films offer long-lasting durability and protection against rock chips, bug splatters, and UV rays.
XPEL
XPEL is renowned for its cutting-edge paint protection films that combine advanced technology with superior performance. Their flagship product, Ultimate Plus™, boasts a self-healing clear coat that removes light scratches and swirl marks with a touch of heat or sunlight. XPEL films offer exceptional optical clarity, hydrophobic properties, and stain resistance, making them an ideal choice for automotive enthusiasts seeking long-term paint protection and preservation.
SunTek
SunTek is a prominent supplier of paint film protection known for its high-performance solutions. Their PPF Ultra line offers superior strength, self-healing capabilities, and resistance to discoloration. SunTek’s films are engineered to provide optimal protection against road debris, environmental elements, and even minor impacts. With an extensive network of authorized installers, SunTek ensures professional application and a seamless finish for every vehicle.
Avery Dennison
Avery Dennison, a global leader in adhesive technologies, has made its mark in the automotive industry with its paint protection films. Their Supreme Protection Film (SPF-XI) combines exceptional clarity with extreme durability. Avery Dennison films offer resistance to discoloration, staining, and damage from bird droppings and bug splatters. With their precision fit and excellent conformability, their films provide seamless coverage and a barely noticeable protective layer.
STEK
STEK has gained recognition for its technologically advanced and high-performing paint film protection solutions. Their DYNO series features an elastomeric polyurethane film that delivers superior impact resistance, self-healing capabilities, and resistance to yellowing. STEK’s films also provide hydrophobic properties, preventing water spots and making maintenance a breeze. With their precision-cut patterns and long-lasting performance, STEK’s products have become a preferred choice among automotive enthusiasts.
Karlor Vinyl Wrap Film
Karlor’s vinyl wrap film is the least expensive product on this list.
It doesn’t have the same quality as 3M Scotchgard, for example, but will save you a little bit of money up front. The manufacturer says this product has an acrylic-based adhesive that’s not overly sticky, making it easy to reposition during installation. It predicts the film will last around 4-7 years outdoors and up to 10 years indoors. This particular product is made from PVC and is 0.17 mm thick.
While not backed by a reputable manufacturer like 3M, this film is inexpensive, will go on clear, and will protect your car from scratches and nicks.
VViViD Clear Paint Protection Film
This paint protection film from VViViD aims to be easy to apply—it can be stretched without having to use a heat gun and features “ultra conformable” compounds so it will contour to whatever you’re trying to apply it to. Like Karlor’s film, this product features air-release acrylic-based adhesive that can easily be repositioned, installed, and removed without the need of harmful chemicals.
This inexpensive film is also highly resistant to abrasions, light damage, and yellowing, the manufacturer says.
With a cheap entry-price and good durability, the VViViD Clear Paint Protection Film is a decent product, although we’d say it’s somewhat inferior to others from 3M, XPEL, and SunTek.
Llumar PPF
Like all car paint protection films, Llumar provides a sturdy buffer between your paint and any potential scratches. And when it’s applied professionally, it blends flawlessly with your vehicle’s finish. You won’t have to worry about passersby noticing the ppf or thinking that your paint looks dull.
But what makes the Llumar product really stand out from other options on the market is the self-healing technology. Also, if the ppf is scratched, it won’t start peeling up. Instead, it spreads back out and fills in the scratches as soon as the sun warms the ppf up.
