Select Your Vehicle
Different vehicles have different surface areas. Pick the type that best matches your car.
Choose Coverage Level
How much of your vehicle do you want protected? More coverage means more protection and higher cost.
Choose Film Quality
Film quality determines protection level, lifespan, and cost. Self-healing is the most popular choice for daily drivers.
PPF Cost Estimate
Based on your vehicle, coverage level, and film quality.
| Factor | PPF | Ceramic Coating | Vinyl Wrap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rock Chip Protection | ✓ Yes | ✗ No | ✗ No |
| Self-Healing | ✓ Premium tiers | ✗ No | ✗ No |
| UV Protection | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ~ Partial |
| Scratch Resistance | ✓ Yes | ~ Light scratches | ✗ No |
| Keeps Original Color | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✗ Changes color |
| Color Change Option | ✗ No | ✗ No | ✓ Yes |
| Reversible | ✓ Yes | ✗ No | ✓ Yes |
| Gloss Enhancement | ~ Minimal | ✓ Yes | ~ Varies |
| Typical Cost (Sedan) | $1,500 – $6,000+ | $700 – $2,500 | $2,000 – $5,000 |
| Lifespan | 5 – 10+ years | 2 – 5 years | 5 – 7 years |
Paint Protection Film Calculator
Get an Instant PPF Cost Estimate
How much does paint protection film cost for your vehicle? The answer depends on your car type, how much of it you want protected, and the film quality you choose. Our free paint protection film calculator gives you an instant installed cost estimate across all four coverage levels and film tiers, from entry-level clear bra to self-healing ceramic PPF. Select your vehicle, pick your coverage, choose your film, and get a realistic price range in seconds.
What Is Paint Protection Film?
Paint protection film is a clear, self-adhesive thermoplastic urethane film applied to the exterior of a vehicle to protect the paint from rock chips, road debris, scratches, UV fading, and environmental damage. Unlike ceramic coatings, PPF provides a physical barrier that absorbs impacts. Premium self-healing PPF uses heat-activated polymers that allow minor surface scratches to disappear on their own. It is the highest level of paint protection available for any vehicle.
How Much Does PPF Cost in 2026?
Paint protection film costs range from $600 to $8,000 or more depending on coverage level and film quality. A partial front package covering the bumper and partial hood starts around $600 to $1,500. A full front package covering the complete hood, fenders, bumpers, and mirrors runs $1,200 to $3,000. A full body PPF installation on a sedan costs $3,500 to $6,000, while luxury and exotic vehicles can exceed $8,000. Labor typically accounts for 55 to 65% of the total installed cost.
PPF Cost by Coverage Level 2026 Price Guide
Use this table as a starting benchmark before running your estimate in the calculator above. All prices reflect professional installed cost in the US market for a mid-size sedan.
| Coverage Level | What Is Included | Entry Film | Self-Healing Film | Ceramic PPF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Partial Front | Bumper, partial hood, mirrors | $600 to $900 | $900 to $1,400 | $1,200 to $1,800 |
| Full Front Package | Full bumper, full hood, fenders, mirrors | $1,200 to $1,800 | $1,800 to $2,600 | $2,400 to $3,200 |
| Track Package | Full front plus rocker panels, door edges, A-pillars | $2,000 to $2,800 | $2,800 to $4,000 | $3,600 to $5,000 |
| Full Body | Every painted panel on the vehicle | $3,500 to $4,800 | $5,000 to $6,500 | $6,500 to $8,500+ |
Which PPF Film Quality Should You Choose?
Not all paint protection film is equal. There are four main tiers in the 2026 market, each with a different balance of cost, protection, and lifespan. Entry-level film from brands like SunTek ClearBra costs $16 to $22 per square foot installed and lasts 3 to 5 years. Premium film such as XPEL Prime or Avery Dennison costs $24 to $32 per sq ft and lasts 5 to 7 years. Self-healing film from brands like XPEL Ultimate Plus or STEK DYNOshield runs $32 to $44 per sq ft and lasts 7 to 10 years. Minor scratches disappear when exposed to heat. Ceramic PPF from brands like KAVACA or Llumar Platinum costs $44 to $58 per sq ft and lasts 10 years or more. For daily drivers, self-healing PPF delivers the best long-term value. If you are comparing full paint protection options, see how PPF stacks up against a full vinyl wrap.