Front end paint protection film covers the parts of a vehicle that face oncoming road debris: the front bumper, bonnet, front wings and mirror caps, and often the headlight surrounds. It is a clear (or matte) urethane film designed to absorb stone chips and grit impact on the panels that take them most.
It is a common choice for drivers who do regular highway kilometres, follow trucks on national roads, or travel on gravel to farms and game lodges, and who want targeted coverage rather than film on every panel.
About this service
When you drive, small stones and grit flicked up by other vehicles hit the leading edges of your car first. Front end PPF places a thick, transparent layer over those zones. It is not a vinyl wrap and does not change colour; it is a separate product made specifically for impact and scuff resistance.
A key decision is how much of the bonnet and wings to cover. Partial coverage stops part-way up the bonnet, which leaves a visible film line across the panel; full bonnet and full wing coverage takes the film to the panel edges so there is no line in the middle of the paint. Edges may be wrapped around panel ends or left visible depending on the panel and the film, and we show you where they will sit before we start.
Front end PPF works best on healthy paint. Existing chips on the bumper and bonnet are common, and they remain visible under clear film, so touch-up or paint correction may be needed first. Some films offer a heat-assisted self-healing top coat for light swirl marks, depending on the film chosen, but deep chips and scratches will not disappear. Some films may also yellow or stain over time depending on film and exposure.
Suitable vehicles and common uses
- Vehicles that regularly travel on N1, N3, N4 and other national routes
- SUVs and double cab bakkies used on gravel roads
- New vehicles before the front end collects chips
- Sports cars with low front bumpers and wide intakes
- Company vehicles where resale condition matters
- Owners wanting focused coverage instead of full vehicle film
Available options
- Full bonnet and full wing coverage with no visible film line across the panels
- Partial bonnet and wing coverage, which leaves a film line part-way up
- Add-on headlight surrounds, A-pillars or roof leading edge where suitable
- Gloss clear or matte finish film (subject to material availability)
- Pre-cut patterns where available for your model, or bulk installation for wrapped edges
- Films with a self-healing top coat for light swirl marks, depending on the film chosen
Options depend on the material available at the time of your project and on your vehicle. We confirm exactly what is possible in your quotation.
Why choose it
- Concentrates film where stone chips are most likely
- Keeps the original paint colour visible
- Can reduce the need for repeated bumper touch-ups and resprays
- Individual front panels can usually be re-filmed if damaged
- Can be combined with matte film or extended later to more panels
Things to consider
- Panels outside the coverage area remain exposed
- A partial bonnet leaves a film edge that may be visible up close
- Large stones or impacts can still chip or dent through the film
- Existing chips are sealed in unless repaired first
- Film on the front end works hardest and may show wear sooner than other panels
Preparation and installation process
- Front end inspection. We check the bumper, bonnet and wings for chips, resprayed areas and previous repairs, which are common on the front of a vehicle.
- Agree coverage line. We confirm whether the bonnet and wings will be fully or partially covered and where the film edges will finish.
- Chip repair and preparation. Agreed touch-up or correction is completed, then the panels are washed, decontaminated and degreased.
- Film installation. Film is applied panel by panel, with extra attention to bumper intakes, sensors, washer jets and number plate areas.
- Edge finishing and check. Edges are sealed and the front end is inspected for lifting, moisture and trapped particles before handover.
What affects the price
- Full versus partial bonnet and wing coverage
- Bumper complexity, including intakes, parking sensors and headlight washers
- Film type and finish chosen
- Pre-cut patterns versus bulk film with wrapped edges
- Amount of chip repair or paint correction needed first
- Extra areas added, such as A-pillars or headlight surrounds
| Vehicle | Full front end (bumper, bonnet, fenders, mirrors) | Full vehicle | Partial (custom areas) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sports cars (e.g. Porsche 911, Ferrari 488) | R25,000 – R35,000 | R80,000 – R120,000 | R15,000 – R25,000 |
| Luxury sedans (e.g. Mercedes S-Class, BMW 7 Series) | R20,000 – R30,000 | R70,000 – R100,000 | R12,000 – R20,000 |
| SUVs (e.g. Range Rover, Porsche Cayenne) | R22,000 – R32,000 | R75,000 – R110,000 | R14,000 – R22,000 |
| Supercars (e.g. Lamborghini Aventador, McLaren 720S) | R30,000 – R45,000 | R100,000 – R150,000 | R20,000 – R30,000 |
| Hypercars (e.g. Bugatti Chiron, Koenigsegg) | R40,000 – R60,000 | R150,000 – R250,000 | R25,000 – R40,000 |
| Audi (e.g. A4, Q7, R8) | R18,000 – R28,000 | R65,000 – R95,000 | R10,000 – R18,000 |
| Mercedes-Benz (e.g. C-Class, GLE) | R20,000 – R30,000 | R70,000 – R100,000 | R12,000 – R20,000 |
| BMW (e.g. 3 Series, X5) | R18,000 – R28,000 | R65,000 – R95,000 | R10,000 – R18,000 |
| Rolls-Royce (e.g. Ghost, Cullinan) | R35,000 – R50,000 | R120,000 – R200,000 | R25,000 – R40,000 |
| Maserati (e.g. Ghibli, Levante) | R25,000 – R35,000 | R80,000 – R120,000 | R15,000 – R25,000 |
| Jeep (e.g. Wrangler, Grand Cherokee) | R18,000 – R25,000 | R60,000 – R90,000 | R10,000 – R16,000 |
| Volkswagen (e.g. Golf, Tiguan) | R15,000 – R22,000 | R50,000 – R80,000 | R8,000 – R14,000 |
| Ford Ranger | R16,000 – R24,000 | R55,000 – R85,000 | R9,000 – R15,000 |
| Toyota (e.g. Hilux, Corolla) | R15,000 – R22,000 | R50,000 – R75,000 | R8,000 – R14,000 |
| Mazda (e.g. CX-5, MX-5) | R15,000 – R22,000 | R50,000 – R75,000 | R8,000 – R14,000 |
Indicative ranges from our price list. Your quotation depends on the exact model, the film chosen, the coverage and the condition of the paint once we have assessed it.
Turnaround
Timing depends on how complex your bumper is, whether you choose full or partial panel coverage, whether pre-cut patterns are available for your model, and how much chip repair the front end needs. Vehicles with sensors, washer jets and detailed grilles take longer. We confirm timing with your quote after seeing the vehicle.
Care and maintenance
- Rinse insects and road grime off the front end soon after long trips
- Use a soft mitt and pH-neutral shampoo, not a stiff brush, on the bumper film
- Keep pressure washer jets away from bumper and bonnet film edges
- Avoid aggressive bug removers or solvents unless confirmed safe for the film
- Check the bonnet leading edge periodically for lifting
- Book an inspection if a stone strike has cut through the film
Frequently asked questions
Will I see a line across my bonnet?
With partial bonnet coverage there is a film edge across the panel, which may be visible up close. Full bonnet coverage takes the film to the panel edges to avoid that line. We will show you where the edges will finish before installation.
Do my headlights need covering too?
Headlight surrounds take a lot of grit, and some owners add them. Headlight lenses themselves are a separate consideration, and we will discuss what is suitable for your vehicle and whether film affects any lighting or sensors.
Will PPF interfere with my parking sensors or radar?
Sensors and driver-assist units on the front end need careful handling. We assess their positions and discuss how the film will be cut or applied around them; if there is any doubt, the area can be left uncovered.
Can I add more panels later?
Yes. Many owners start with the front end and later add doors, sills or full coverage. Film installed at different times may look very slightly different, so we discuss matching when you extend coverage.
Areas we serve
Customers bring their vehicles to our workshop in Rivonia, Sandton from across Gauteng. All installations take place at the workshop.