Full vehicle paint protection film (PPF) covers every painted exterior panel with a thick, transparent urethane film. It is designed to take the stone chips, scuffs and light abrasion that would otherwise reach your paint, while leaving the original colour and finish visible underneath.
It suits owners of new or well-kept vehicles who want the most complete film coverage available, especially those who drive long distances or park in busy shopping centre lots.
About this service
PPF is not a vinyl wrap. A vinyl wrap is a thinner film used to change colour, finish or add graphics. PPF is a much thicker, clear (or matte) urethane film whose job is impact and scuff resistance. On a full vehicle installation, film is applied to the bonnet, bumpers, wings, doors, roof, pillars, boot or tailgate, mirrors and sills, so every exposed painted surface has a layer between it and the road.
Some PPF films have a top coat that can reduce light swirl marks when warmed by the sun or warm water, often described as ‘self-healing’. Whether this applies depends on the film chosen, and it only works on fine surface marks. It does not repair deep scratches, chips that break through the film, or dents. Some films may also yellow or stain over time depending on film and exposure, which is why film selection is discussed before any quote.
PPF should go onto healthy paint. Film is transparent, so existing chips, scratches and swirls will remain visible underneath and can look more obvious once sealed in. Before installation we assess the paint and may recommend paint correction or touch-up first. Edges may be wrapped around panel ends or left visible depending on the panel shape and the film, and we explain where seams and edges will sit on your specific vehicle.
Suitable vehicles and common uses
- New vehicles collected recently, before the paint has picked up chips
- Well-maintained vehicles with healthy factory paint
- Luxury and sports cars where original paint matters to the owner
- SUVs and bakkies that see gravel roads or long highway trips
- Vehicles with dark or high-gloss colours that show scuffs easily
- Owners who want consistent film coverage rather than front-only protection
Available options
- Gloss clear film that keeps the original paint finish visible
- Matte or satin-finish film that changes gloss paint to a softer look (subject to material availability)
- Films with a heat-assisted self-healing top coat for light swirl marks, depending on the film chosen
- Pre-cut patterns for specific makes and models where available
- Bulk installation, where film is trimmed by hand for wrapped edges and custom fit
- Inclusion or exclusion of specific areas such as the roof, door cups or rear loading lip
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
- Adds a sacrificial layer that is designed to absorb chips and scuffs before they reach the paint
- Keeps the original colour and factory finish visible
- Even coverage across the vehicle, so no panel ages differently from the front
- Damaged film on one panel can usually be replaced without redoing the whole car
Things to consider
- It does not hide existing chips, scratches or swirls; those remain visible under clear film
- It reduces, but cannot prevent, damage from large stones, impacts or accidents
- Self-healing only applies to some films and only to light surface marks
- Some films may yellow or stain over time depending on film and exposure
- Edges and seams may be visible on close inspection on certain panels
Preparation and installation process
- Paint assessment. We inspect the paint under good light for chips, swirls, resprayed panels and clear-coat condition, and discuss which film and finish suit the vehicle.
- Paint preparation. The vehicle is washed and decontaminated. Where needed, paint correction or touch-up is agreed before film goes on so that defects are not sealed underneath.
- Pattern or bulk planning. We decide panel by panel whether to use pre-cut patterns or bulk film, and where edges will be wrapped or left visible.
- Installation. Film is positioned with a slip solution, squeegeed into place and its edges finished; some trim, badges or lights may be removed where practical to improve edge coverage.
- Post-install check. We inspect for trapped moisture, lifting and contamination, and explain the settling period during which small moisture patches may still clear.
- Handover and care advice. You receive washing and care guidance specific to the film installed and are invited to return if any edge lifts.
What affects the price
- Vehicle size and number of painted panels
- Film type and finish, including whether a self-healing top coat is chosen
- Pre-cut pattern availability versus bulk installation and wrapped edges
- Paint condition and any correction or touch-up required beforehand
- Body complexity: vents, sensors, deep recesses and aero parts
- Trim, badge or light removal needed for neater edges
| 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.
| Extra | Indicative range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Paint correction | R5,000 – R15,000 | Recommended before PPF where the paint has swirls or light defects. |
| Ceramic coating over PPF | R10,000 – R20,000 | Adds gloss and makes cleaning easier. |
| Maintenance package | R2,000 – R5,000 per year | Cleaning and upkeep. |
Ask about these when you request your PPF quote.
Turnaround
Full vehicle PPF is one of the more involved jobs we do, and timing depends on vehicle size, the number of complex panels, whether pre-cut patterns exist for your model, and how much paint preparation is needed before film can go on. Any paint correction adds time. We confirm timing with your quote once we have seen the vehicle in person at the Rivonia workshop.
Care and maintenance
- Wait the period we advise before the first wash so the film can settle
- Hand wash with a pH-neutral car shampoo and soft wash mitt
- Keep pressure washer nozzles well away from film edges and seams
- Remove bird droppings, tree sap and insect residue promptly
- Avoid abrasive polishes and harsh solvents unless the film supplier’s guidance allows them
Frequently asked questions
Will full PPF change the colour of my car?
Gloss clear film is designed to keep the original colour and gloss visible. If you choose a matte or satin film, the paint underneath will look matte or satin instead. If you want a different colour, that is a vinyl colour change wrap, which is a separate product.
Can PPF go over paint that already has chips?
It can, but the chips will still be visible under clear film and sealed in. We usually recommend touch-up or paint correction first so the film goes onto paint that is as healthy as possible.
Does self-healing mean the film canu2019t be scratched?
No. Some films have a top coat that can reduce light swirl marks with heat, depending on the film chosen. Deep scratches, cuts and chips that break through the film will not heal and may need that panelu2019s film replaced.
Is full PPF better than just doing the front end?
It depends on how you use the vehicle. Front-end coverage targets the areas that take most stone chips, while full coverage also addresses door scuffs, sill damage and wear on the rear. We can talk through which option makes sense for your driving and budget.
Can I still get the car polished later?
The film surface is cared for differently from paint, and aggressive machine polishing can damage it. Ask us before any detailing work.
Areas we serve
Customers bring their vehicles to our workshop in Rivonia, Sandton from across Gauteng. All installations take place at the workshop.
