Wrap or PPF? How to choose for your car

A vinyl wrap changes your car's color and finish. Paint protection film (PPF) is clear and keeps the paint you already have from getting chipped. If you want a new look, choose a wrap. If you love the paint and want to keep it perfect, choose PPF.

Side by side

• What it does. A wrap changes color and finish: matte, satin, gloss, metallic, color-shift. PPF is optically clear and nearly invisible when installed well.
• Protection. Both shield the paint underneath. PPF is thicker and made to absorb rock chips from the freeway, and its self-healing top coat makes light scratches disappear with heat from the sun or warm water.
• Lifespan. A wrap lasts 5 to 7 years in Southern California. Premium PPF from XPEL and SunTek lasts 7 to 10 years, and XPEL Ultimate Plus carries a 10-year warranty.
• Cost. A full wrap runs $3,000 to $7,000. PPF runs about $800 to $2,000 for a partial front, $2,500 to $4,500 for a full front end, and $5,000 to $8,000 or more for full body.

When PPF makes the most sense

On a new car. The paint has no chips or scratches yet, so nothing gets sealed under the film, and you keep the factory finish (and its resale value) from day one. Cars with thin factory paint, like Teslas, benefit the most.

Doing both

Many owners put PPF on the front end, where rock chips hit, and wrap the rest for the color they want. You get the look and the protection.

Read more about vinyl wraps and paint protection film, or get a free quote for your car.