On a sedan, full-front paint protection film typically costs about $2,000 (±10%), a partial-front clear bra about $1,200 (±10%), and full-body PPF about $6,050 (±10%) (US averages). Prices in your city may differ; see prices by city.
Paint protection film (PPF) is a thick, clear urethane film applied over paint to absorb rock chips, road rash, and light scratches. Unlike a vinyl wrap, it isn't meant to change how the car looks. The price is driven mostly by how much of the car you cover, the film grade, how carefully the installer finishes the edges, and how much paint prep is needed before the film seals everything in.
Typical prices
These prices come from the same model as our estimator, using the national average, standard clear film, and paint in good condition.
| Project | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Midsize sedan, partial front | $1,200 ±10% |
| Midsize sedan, full front | $2,000 ±10% |
| Midsize SUV, full front | $2,200 ±15% |
| Sports car, track package | $3,000 ±15% |
| Crew-cab pickup, high-impact areas | $1,350 ±10% |
| Midsize sedan, full body | $6,050 ±10% |
| Midsize SUV, full body | $6,600 ±10% |
| Midsize sedan, full body (premium self-healing) | $7,350 ±15% |
For a range based on your exact vehicle and ZIP code, use the paint protection film estimator.
Coverage packages
Most shops sell PPF in a few standard packages. Names vary, so always ask exactly which panels are included and how far each panel is covered.
Partial front
The front bumper, the leading portion of the hood and fenders, and the mirror caps. It protects the areas that take the most chips at the lowest cost. The trade-off is a visible film edge across the hood and fenders, which can collect dirt and may show if the paint around it fades over time.
Full front
The full bumper, full hood, full fenders, mirrors, and usually the headlights. Because whole panels are covered, there is no line across the hood. This is the most common choice for new cars and the package many owners compare quotes on.
Track package
Full front plus the rocker panels, A-pillars, and the front edge of the roof. It suits cars that see highway miles, track days, or gravel roads, where debris hits more than just the nose.
High-impact areas
Rockers, door edges, door-handle cups, and the top of the rear bumper where things get loaded in and out. It is often added to a front package rather than bought alone, and it is useful on pickups and SUVs that take spray from their own tires.
Full body
Every painted exterior panel. It costs several times more than a front package because of the film used and the extra labor to wrap edges, remove trim, and match seams across the whole car. Owners usually choose it for high-value vehicles, factory matte paint, or a complete color-matched look.
Custom panels
Single panels such as a rear bumper, a hood only, or luggage-area sills. Pricing is panel by panel, which is why our estimator gives a wider and less certain range for custom work.
Film types
| Film | Relative cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard clear | Baseline | Protects against chips and scratches. Warranty length and clarity vary by product line. |
| Premium self-healing | Higher | A top coat lets light swirls and fine scratches level out with heat from the sun or warm water. Often better stain resistance and longer warranties. |
| Matte / satin | Highest | Turns gloss paint to a satin look, or protects factory matte paint without adding shine. |
Film makers change their product lines often, so we don't recommend brands. Ask the shop which product they're quoting, how long its warranty lasts, and what the warranty covers, such as yellowing, cracking, or delamination.
Paint correction and prep
PPF is clear, so it shows everything underneath it. Swirl marks, water spots, and scratches will be sealed under the film for as long as it stays on. For that reason, many installers recommend a paint correction (machine polishing) before applying film, especially on cars that are not new.
- New cars often need only a wash, decontamination, and a light polish. Dealer prep can still leave swirls.
- Used cars may need one or more polishing steps. The time depends on the paint's hardness and how much damage there is.
- Rock chips should be touched up or filled first. Film over an open chip will show it and won't stop it from getting worse.
Our estimator treats paint correction as an optional add-on and allows more room (a wider ±%) when you tell us the paint condition is fair, poor, or unknown.
Pre-cut vs. bulk film
Installers use one of two approaches, and many shops mix them depending on the panel.
Pre-cut patterns
Film is cut by a plotter from software patterns made for your model. It is faster and uses less material, and no blade touches the paint. Edges usually stop a few millimeters short of the panel edge, so a thin line of paint shows.
Bulk with wrapped edges
The installer works from a larger sheet, trims by hand, and wraps the film around panel edges so it is almost invisible. It takes more time and skill, and badges or trim may need to come off. Expect a higher price for this finish. Ask how the shop trims on the car, since poor knife work can score the paint.
Edges matter more than brand
Replacing old film
If your car already has PPF that has yellowed, cracked, or started peeling, it has to come off before new film goes on. Newer film in good condition usually peels cleanly. Old or sun-damaged film can break into small pieces and leave adhesive behind, which adds labor that is hard to predict until a shop tests a panel.
Removal is priced separately. See wrap and PPF removal cost or estimate it with the removal estimator.
Other price factors
Vehicle size and shape
Size matters less for a front package than for a full wrap, because the bumper, hood, and fenders don't grow in step with the length of the vehicle. Complex bumpers with many vents and sensors add more time than size alone.
Sensors and lights
Parking sensors, radar units, and headlight washers need clean cut-outs or careful placement. Ask how the shop handles them on your model.
Your local market
Labor rates vary by region, and PPF is labor-heavy. We adjust for this using your ZIP code.
Scheduling
Full-front jobs typically take one to two days. Full-body jobs take most of a working week. Rush scheduling can cost more.
Questions to ask an installer
- Which film product are you quoting, and what does its warranty cover and for how long?
- Exactly which panels are included, and how far back on the hood and fenders does the film go?
- Do you use pre-cut patterns, bulk film, or both? Which edges will be wrapped?
- Where will seams be, and what will you remove, such as badges, emblems, or lights?
- Does my paint need correction first, and is that included?
- How do you trim film on the car, and what happens if the paint is scored?
- How soon can I wash the car, and what care does the film need?
Unsure which package fits? Compare a few options in the PPF estimator, or read how our pricing works.
Common questions
How much does paint protection film cost?
On a sedan, a partial-front clear bra typically costs about $1,200 (±10%), full-front PPF about $2,000 (±10%), and full-body PPF about $6,050 (±10%). Larger vehicles, color or matte film, and paint correction cost more.
Is PPF worth it?
PPF is worth it if you want to keep factory paint free of rock chips, especially on a new, leased, or high-value car that sees highway miles. Full-front coverage protects the areas that take most of the damage for a fraction of the cost of full-body film.
How long does PPF last?
Quality urethane films typically carry 7 to 10 year manufacturer warranties against yellowing, cracking, and peeling. How long it looks good depends on the installer's edge work and on care.
What is the difference between PPF and ceramic coating?
PPF is a thick physical film that absorbs rock chips and scratches. A ceramic coating is a thin chemical layer that makes paint glossier and easier to clean but does not stop chips. Many owners put a coating over the film.