Paint Protection Film (PPF) in Charlotte, NC
Clear, self-healing film that stops rock chips, scratches and bug etching on the parts of the car that take the hits. Installed in our studio, not in a driveway.
- Installed indoors, dust-free
- Self-healing urethane film
- Manufacturer warranty on the film
- Firm price by make and model
What is paint protection film?
Paint protection film is a clear urethane film, around 8 mil thick, that’s applied over your paint to absorb impacts that would otherwise chip it.
The top coat is self-healing: light scratches and swirl marks disappear with heat from the sun or warm water. Underneath, the paint stays exactly as it left the factory.
It doesn’t replace a coating — it’s the armor. A ceramic coating on top adds gloss and makes the film easy to clean.
| Ceramic coating | PPF | |
|---|---|---|
| Rock chips | No | Yes |
| Light scratches | Resists light marring | Self-heals |
| Gloss and easy cleaning | Excellent | Good; best with coating on top |
| Thickness | Microns | Around 8 mil |
| Lasts | 2–7 years | About 10 years |
| Where applied | Whole car | High-impact areas or whole car |
Where cars in Charlotte get damaged
PPF goes where the damage happens. These are the spots we see chipped and scratched most.
PPF packages and prices
Coverage packages, priced for an average sedan or SUV. Exact price depends on the car — we quote by make and model.
- Front bumper
- First 18–24 in. of the hood
- Front of the fenders
- Mirror caps
- Full front bumper
- Full hood, edges wrapped
- Full front fenders
- Mirror caps
- Headlights
- Everything in Full Front
- Rocker panels
- A-pillars and roof edge
- Door cups and door edges
- Rear bumper loading area
- Every painted panel
- Edges wrapped wherever possible
- Optional matte (stealth) finish
- Ceramic coating over the film at a bundle price
Add-ons
Gloss or matte film with a manufacturer warranty. Paint with swirls should be corrected before film goes on — we check that when we quote. All prices: detailing price list.
Why PPF is installed in our studio
We're a mobile detailer for washing and cleaning. Film is different — we only install it indoors.
- Clean, enclosed bay — no dust, pollen or wind under the film
- Controlled temperature for the adhesive and the cure
- Inspection lamps to find every bubble and lifted edge
- The car stays inside 24–48 hours while the film sets
- A grain of dust under the film is visible for 10 years
- Spring pollen and wind make clean installs impossible outdoors
- Humidity and heat change how the adhesive behaves
- Mobile installers trim film on the paint — we use precut patterns or trim off the car
How we install PPF
New car? Do PPF and ceramic in one drop-off.
The best time for film is before the first chip. Bring the car to our studio after delivery: we correct any dealer swirls, install film on the front, and coat the rest of the car and the film.
One visit, one price — see ceramic coating packages.
What's covered
Paint protection film FAQ
If you keep a car for several years, drive the interstates daily or own a dark or premium car, usually yes. One respray of a hood and bumper costs more than a partial front kit, and repainted panels never match factory paint exactly. If you lease for two years and drive little highway, a ceramic coating may be enough.
Quality films are rated for about 10 years, and manufacturers back them with a warranty against yellowing, cracking and peeling.
Modern urethane films don’t yellow the way early films did. Films sold today include UV inhibitors and a clear top coat, and yellowing is covered by the manufacturer warranty.
On gloss film, from a normal distance, no. Up close you may see an edge line where the film ends on a partial kit. That’s why we wrap edges wherever the panel allows and recommend full panels over partial ones on dark colors.
Not on factory paint. Film is removed with heat and a slow pull, and the adhesive comes off with it. Repainted panels with a weak bond to the primer are the exception — we check for respray before installing.
Wait 7 days before the first wash. After that, hand or touchless wash only; no pressure washer close to the film edges.
PPF stops rock chips and scratches; a ceramic coating adds gloss and makes the car easy to clean. The usual combination is PPF on the front and a coating on the rest of the car and over the film.
Film has to go on in a clean, dust-free, temperature-controlled space and cure for a day or two. A speck of dust under the film stays there for 10 years, so we don’t install PPF in driveways.
Get a PPF quote
Related services
Ceramic Coating
Paint correction
Exterior detailing
Maintenance plan
Full detailing
PPF for drivers across Charlotte
Installed at our studio at 9716 Commons East Dr. Clients come from all over the Charlotte metro.