Protect Your Paint: Understanding the Different Types of Paint Protection Films

Red car with two employees providing paint protection services in Arlington, VA.

Why People Love Using Paint Protection Films

For car enthusiasts, driving off the lot with that new car feeling is only the start of a shiny love affair. You'll do everything you can to keep your car looking as pristine as it did on day one. And while you’ve likely heard of paint protection film (PPF), maybe you’ve even used various methods to protect your paint in the past, you may not be aware of the updated technology that has made PPF a non-negotiable.

By adding PPF, you help retain the value of your vehicle and maintain the crisp, brand new look it had the day you first laid eyes on it—or you can change the look completely, without touching or damaging the original paint.

Ready to learn more? 

Let’s take a closer look at what PPF is and what it means with today’s technology, why you should use it, and how you can choose the right type of paint protection for your car.

What is Paint Protection Film?

PPF is a thick, long-lasting layer of protection that helps keep your car looking sleek and scratch-free. With PPF, you get a minimum of [8 mil layer] of protection that keeps your vehicle safe from rock chips and scratches, particularly when applied to high impact areas, including bumper, hood, mirror caps, headlights, and fog lights. It also protects against chemical spills, splatters, and swirl marks.

Want to keep the inside of your car looking as polished as the exterior? You can apply PPF to the interior of the car to keep it looking fresh and glossy.

Plus, if you grow tired of the color or are ready for a refresh, it’s easily removable and replaceable—it doesn’t damage the paint beneath whatsoever.

Pros of Using Paint Protection Film

If you’re a car person, you’re probably already sold on using PPF on your next vehicle purchase. But here are a few of the specific benefits that our clients rave about time and time again.

  • PPF keeps your car looking new and retains its overall value. 

  • PPF can add a glossy or matte look, depending on your preference. Or, if you are focused solely on protection rather than aesthetics, you can opt for a totally clear film and undetectable PPF.

  • PPF doesn't degrade in the sun or turn yellow from UV exposure!

  • PPF protects paint from scratches and dings from rocks.

When you love your car, you want to drive it—but you also want to stave off wear and tear on the vehicle. If you leave your car as it is when you drive it off the lot, scratches and dings are practically inevitable. And, if left untreated, these can lead to rust, cracking, and bubbles. 

With PPF, not only do you get scratch protection, but these minor imperfections can self-heal with simple heat application to the surface of the PPF.

Are There Any Cons of Using Paint Protection Film?

There’s only one con. It costs money. And while having PPF installed may be more of an initial investment than you planned on, it pays for itself in resale value retention. 

Different Types of Paint Protection Films

There are several different types of paint protection films on the market, so how do you know which one is right for you? It comes down to your personal preference and the finished result you want on the road.

Clear Film 

With clear film, you’ll get car clear protection that doesn’t yellow and is not visible when applied by a professional PPF installer. It’s self healing when applied correctly, and will hide light scratches. You’ll avoid staining, swirling, and other issues for a new car look that provides super optical clarity.

Matte Finish 

For a look that is smooth as satin, car matte protection preserves a flat factory finish. Whether your vehicle is matte, magno, frozen, or frosted, matte finish PPF keeps it looking effortlessly pristine. And, if you have a factory gloss paint but find yourself eyeing a modern matte finish, this can give your vehicle an entirely fresh look.

Fashion Films 

Lastly, for a bold look, color, or pattern, fashion films include eye-catching options like carbon fiber, forged metal, camouflage, prismatic metal, and a damascus pattern.

Interior Protection 

With interior protection, you can protect, restore, and renew your car interior, keeping it free of scratches, swirls, and blemishes, and maintaining that new car feel.

How much of your vehicle should you protect?

Regardless of which type of PPF you choose, you also have the choice of how much of your car you choose to protect. The areas which are most vulnerable to impact are highest priority, but the entire body of the vehicle is worth the investment if you’re focused on protecting it for resale.

  • Partial Front End: Partial hood, partial fenders, full front bumper, mirrors

  • Full front: Full hood, full fenders, full front bumper, mirrors

  • Full PPF: Full hood, roof and trunk, full fenders and quarters, full front and rear bumper, full doors and rocker panels, mirrors

Ready to invest in PPF to protect your new car?

Whether you need help choosing the right paint protection film for your vehicle, want guidance on how much protection you need, or want to find the best certified installer for PPF in your area, contact Capitol Shine. With over 14 years of experience, we can help protect your car and keep it in just-drove-off-the-lot condition.

Interested in working with Capitol Shine on PPF for your new vehicle? Capitol Shine manufacturer partners include but aren’t limited to:

  • Xpel 

  • Kavaca 

  • Suntek 

  • STEK

Paint Protection, Paint Protection Film, XPELDavid Griffin