Wing mirror caps stick out from the body, face forward into road debris, and are the first thing to be brushed by other cars, gate posts and pedestrians in tight spaces. Mirror paint protection film is a clear urethane film applied to the painted mirror caps to help absorb chips and light scuffs.
It suits owners with painted mirror caps who park in busy shopping centres or narrow complex driveways, and those adding to a front end PPF package or wanting a small, affordable first step into PPF.
About this service
Mirror PPF is not the same as a mirror wrap. A wing mirror vinyl wrap changes the colour of the mirror cap, for example to gloss black or carbon fibre look. Mirror PPF is a thick clear (or matte) film that leaves the existing colour visible and is designed for impact and scuff resistance.
Mirror caps are compound curves, which makes them one of the more demanding shapes to film. Depending on the mirror and the film, the cap may be covered from one piece or need a small relief cut, and edges may be wrapped behind the cap or left visible. On some vehicles the mirror glass or cap is removed to allow a cleaner edge. Indicator lenses, blind-spot lights and cameras built into mirrors are worked around.
As with any PPF, the caps should be in good condition first; scrapes and chips remain visible under clear film. Some films have a heat-assisted self-healing top coat for light swirl marks, depending on the film chosen, but not for deep scratches. Some films may yellow or stain over time depending on film and exposure.
Suitable vehicles and common uses
- Vehicles with body-coloured painted mirror caps
- Cars regularly parked in tight bays or narrow complex driveways
- Wide SUVs and bakkies where mirrors protrude further
- Vehicles already getting front end PPF
- Owners trying PPF on a small area first
- Mirror caps that have recently been resprayed in good condition
Available options
- Gloss clear film to keep the original cap finish
- Matte film for a satin-look mirror cap (subject to material availability)
- Pre-cut mirror pattern where available, or bulk film with wrapped edges
- Coverage of the front-facing cap only, or the full cap where shape allows
- 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
- Small, contained job that targets a commonly scuffed part
- Keeps factory cap colour visible
- Can be replaced individually if a mirror is knocked
- Matches well with front end PPF coverage
- Avoids changing the look of the vehicle
Things to consider
- Compound curves may need a relief cut on some mirror shapes
- Edges may be visible on certain designs
- Mirror housings knocked hard enough can still crack underneath
- Integrated indicators and cameras are left uncovered or carefully cut around
Preparation and installation process
- Mirror assessment. We check cap condition, how the cap and glass are fitted, and the position of indicators, lights and cameras.
- Preparation. Caps are cleaned and decontaminated; where practical the glass or cap is removed for better edge access.
- Film application. Film is heated and stretched gently over the cap’s curves, with care not to overstretch and distort it.
- Edge finishing. Edges are wrapped or trimmed and sealed, and any removed parts are refitted and checked for correct function.
What affects the price
- Mirror cap shape and size
- Whether caps or glass need removal for edge wrapping
- Integrated indicators, lights or cameras to work around
- Film type and finish
- Whether mirrors are done alone or with a front end package
Every vehicle is different, so we quote each job individually. Your final quotation depends on the vehicle, the material, how much of the vehicle is covered, any artwork, and the condition of the paint once we have assessed it.
Turnaround
Mirror film is a small job on its own, but timing depends on mirror design, whether caps need to be removed, and whether it is booked alone or as part of a larger PPF installation. We confirm timing with your quote.
Care and maintenance
- Fold mirrors in when parking in tight spaces where possible
- Wash mirror caps with a soft mitt, not a hard brush
- Keep pressure washer jets away from the cap edges
- Avoid scraping ice or debris off the caps with hard objects
- Check the edges behind the cap for lifting after washing
Frequently asked questions
Whatu2019s the difference between mirror PPF and a mirror wrap?
A mirror wrap is vinyl that changes the cap colour, for example to black or carbon fibre look. Mirror PPF is clear or matte protective film that keeps the existing colour visible. They are separate products with different purposes.
Will the film affect my mirror indicators or cameras?
We cut around or leave uncovered any lenses, lights and cameras so their function is not affected. We check that everything works before handing the vehicle back.
Can I do just the mirrors?
Yes. Mirrors can be done on their own. Many owners add them to front end coverage, since both areas face forward into road debris.
Will there be a seam on the mirror?
It depends on the mirror shape and the film. Some caps can be covered in one piece, while others need a small relief cut. We tell you before we start.
Areas we serve
Customers bring their vehicles to our workshop in Rivonia, Sandton from across Gauteng. All installations take place at the workshop.
