What PPF costs, and why two quotes differ by thousands
Updated November 2026. Ranges are what buyers actually pay at independent installers, not list prices.
The three coverage levels people actually buy
Track pack / high impact
$900–$1,500 · bumper, partial hood, mirrors, headlights
Full front
$1,700–$2,600 · full hood, full fenders, bumper, mirrors, headlights, A-pillars
Full body
$4,800–$8,000 · every painted panel, edges wrapped where possible
Five things that move the price
- Film brand and line. A premium top-coated film costs the installer two to three times what a budget roll does. Ask for the exact product name.
- Pre-cut pattern vs bulk. Bulk film installed with wrapped edges takes longer and looks better; pre-cut kits are faster and show edges.
- Disassembly. Removing bumpers, mirrors and badges is most of the labour difference between a cheap job and a good one.
- Paint condition. Film locks in whatever is underneath. Correction before install adds $300–$900.
- Vehicle complexity. A Model 3 is straightforward; a Cybertruck, a Porsche with complex curves, or a car with matte paint is not.
How long it lasts
A quality film with a top coat lasts 7–10 years outdoors if it is washed properly. Cheap film yellows in 2–3 years, usually starting on the hood. Warranty length is a decent proxy for film quality — but read what it covers.
What to ask for in writing
- Film brand, product line, and roll width used.
- Which panels are covered, listed one by one.
- Whether edges are wrapped and whether parts are removed.
- Warranty terms: yellowing, lifting, staining, and who honours it if the shop closes.
- Prep: is the paint decontaminated and corrected before install?