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PAINT PROTECTION FILM COST 2026

We install STEK Gloss PPF in four packages for sedans: Partial Front at $1,299, Full Front at $1,899, Track Pack at $2,999, and Full Protection at $7,999. This complete guide breaks down PPF pricing by package and vehicle size — with ROI analysis to help you decide.

If you're considering paint protection film (PPF) for your vehicle, one of the first questions you have is: "How much does paint protection film cost?" The answer depends on the coverage area, vehicle type, film brand, and installer experience.

This comprehensive guide breaks down PPF pricing by coverage type, vehicle size, and brand. We also explain why PPF costs more than ceramic coating, how to maximize your investment, and whether the protection is worth the price. For comparison, see our ceramic coating vs PPF guide.

Quick Answer: Our Full Front package (STEK Gloss, $1,899 for sedans) protects the areas that take 70–80% of road damage and is the most popular choice. Full Protection ($7,999 for sedans) is best for luxury vehicles, frequent highway drivers, and owners prioritizing maximum resale value. All packages use STEK Gloss film.

STEK Gloss PPF Packages — Sedan Pricing

We use STEK Gloss paint protection film across all packages. STEK Gloss is a premium self-healing film known for superior optical clarity and a 10-year manufacturer warranty. Our four standard packages for sedans are:

Package Price (Sedan) Coverage Installation Time
Partial Front $1,299 Front bumper, hood leading edge, mirrors 1–2 days
Full Front $1,899 Full hood, fenders, front bumper, mirrors, headlights 2–3 days
Track Pack $2,999 Full front + rocker panels + door edges + additional high-impact areas 3–4 days
Full Protection $7,999 Complete vehicle coverage — all painted panels 4–5 days

Prices shown are for sedans. SUVs, trucks, and larger vehicles are priced differently — contact us for a vehicle-specific quote.

What's Included in Full Front PPF?

Full front PPF typically covers:

  • Hood (entire front hood panel)
  • Fenders (both sides)
  • Front bumper (including lower lip and corners)
  • Door mirrors (caps and handles)
  • Headlights (full protective shells)
  • Side marker lights
  • Door handles (leading edges)
  • A-pillar trim (transition between windshield and roof)

The installation process includes comprehensive wash and prep, clay bar treatment, paint inspection, precision cutting, film application, heat work, curing time (24–48 hours), and final inspection. This labor-intensive process typically takes 2–3 days for a full front installation.

PPF Cost by Vehicle Type

The sedan package prices above are our standard STEK Gloss rates. Larger and more complex vehicles require more film and labor time. Contact us for a vehicle-specific quote on SUVs, trucks, and luxury or sports cars.

Sedans and Compact Cars — STEK Gloss Package Pricing

Package Price
Partial Front$1,299
Full Front$1,899
Track Pack$2,999
Full Protection$7,999

SUVs, Crossovers, Trucks, and Luxury Vehicles

Larger vehicles, complex body shapes, carbon fiber trim, and high-value paint formulations increase material and labor costs. Sports cars and luxury vehicles also require specialized handling. Contact us for a precise quote based on your specific vehicle make, model, and desired coverage.

Why We Use STEK Gloss PPF

We standardized on STEK Gloss as our PPF film of choice for several reasons:

  • Self-healing technology — Light scratches disappear with heat exposure (sunlight or warm water)
  • Superior optical clarity — Nearly invisible on the paint surface; no orange peel effect
  • 10-year manufacturer warranty — Covers yellowing, cracking, peeling, and delamination
  • Hydrophobic surface — Repels water, dirt, and contaminants for easier cleaning
  • Trusted brand — STEK is one of the most respected names in the premium PPF market

We do not install budget-tier films. Budget PPF saves money upfront but is prone to yellowing, lacks self-healing capability, and typically carries only a 2–5 year warranty. The long-term cost of replacement makes it a poor investment.

Why Is Paint Protection Film So Expensive?

High Material Cost

Premium PPF film costs $80–$200+ per linear foot, depending on the brand and width. A full front PPF application uses 50–80+ linear feet of film, meaning material alone is a significant cost factor.

Extremely Labor-Intensive Installation

Each piece must be custom cut from a template, carefully positioned by hand, worked out of air bubbles using slip solution, shaped around curves with heat, and inspected multiple times for imperfections. A full front PPF takes 2–3 days. Even a simple hood takes 4–6 hours.

Precision and Skill Required

Not every detailer can install PPF properly. It requires extensive training (100+ hours typical), specialized tools (cutting machines, heat guns, squeegees), and experience recognizing and preventing failures. An experienced PPF installer commands higher labor rates.

Is PPF Worth the Cost? ROI Analysis

At first glance, spending $1,299–$7,999 on paint protection seems expensive. But consider what PPF actually protects you from:

  • Rock chip repair: $300–$800 per area (bumper, hood, fender)
  • Multiple rock chips (3–5 chips): $1,200–$3,500 in repairs
  • Full repaint section (hood, fenders, bumper): $3,000–$8,000+
  • Full vehicle repaint: $5,000–$15,000+

For a $40,000+ vehicle, Full Protection PPF at $7,999 costs the equivalent of one major repair or two to three serious rock chip repairs. Over 7–10 years, this protection easily justifies the upfront cost. Even the Partial Front package at $1,299 protects the most vulnerable areas of your vehicle for less than two typical rock chip repairs.

Full Front vs Full Body PPF: Which Should You Choose?

Partial Front — $1,299 (Sedans)

Best for:

  • Daily drivers on a tighter budget who still want real protection
  • Vehicles that stay in urban environments at lower speeds
  • Owners who want to protect the most vulnerable front areas
  • Secondary vehicles or shorter ownership timelines

Covers the front bumper, hood leading edge, and mirrors — the most chip-prone areas. For most city drivers, this package handles the majority of daily paint damage risk.

Full Front — $1,899 (Sedans)

Best for:

  • Daily drivers who want comprehensive front-end protection
  • Vehicles that mix highway and city driving
  • Mid-range vehicle owners who want solid ROI protection

Covers the full hood, fenders, front bumper, mirrors, and headlights — the areas that take 70–80% of all road damage. For most drivers, this is the best balance of coverage and cost.

Track Pack — $2,999 (Sedans)

Best for:

  • Frequent highway and freeway drivers
  • Enthusiast and performance car owners
  • Drivers in areas with gravel roads, construction zones, or debris
  • Vehicles where side and door protection is important

Includes everything in Full Front plus rocker panels, door edges, and additional high-impact zones. A comprehensive choice for drivers who want protection well beyond just the nose of the car.

Full Protection — $7,999 (Sedans)

Best for:

  • Luxury and sports car owners
  • Vehicles you plan to keep long-term
  • Maximum resale value preservation
  • New car owners who want factory-fresh paint indefinitely

Complete coverage of all painted panels. Every inch of paint is protected. If you drive frequently on highways, care deeply about resale value, or own a high-value vehicle, Full Protection is worth the investment.

PPF + Ceramic Coating: The Complete Protection Package

PPF handles physical damage (chips, scratches, swirl marks). Ceramic coating handles chemical damage (bird droppings, tree sap, salt, UV) and makes PPF easier to clean. Together they work synergistically for complete protection.

Contact us for bundled PPF + ceramic coating pricing. Combining both services typically delivers 10–15% savings versus booking them separately.

Many installers offer 10–15% discounts when bundling PPF with ceramic coating. This complete protection package is the gold standard for vehicle paint preservation on new cars or high-value vehicles.

How to Save Money on PPF Without Sacrificing Quality

1. Choose Partial Front Coverage

Full front covers 70–80% of the impact areas. If Full Protection at $7,999 is beyond your budget, the Partial Front package at $1,299 covers the highest-risk zones, and the Full Front at $1,899 covers the entire front end — both at a fraction of full vehicle cost.

2. Stagger the Installation

Start with the Partial Front or Full Front package now, then add the Track Pack or Full Protection upgrade later. Spreads cost over time while building comprehensive coverage.

3. Ask About Package Deals

Many installers offer discounts when combining PPF with other services (ceramic coating, window tint, paint correction). Potential savings: 10–20% when bundling services.

4. Maintain Your PPF

Proper care extends the life of your PPF:

  • Wash regularly with pH-neutral soap
  • Avoid pressure washers immediately after installation
  • Don't use aggressive polishing compounds on PPF
  • Apply ceramic coating on top to extend PPF life

PPF Installation Timeline: What to Expect

Coverage Type Installation Time
Partial Front ($1,299) 1–2 days
Full Front ($1,899) 2–3 days
Track Pack ($2,999) 3–4 days
Full Protection ($7,999) 4–5 days

After installation, PPF requires 24–48 hours of curing time (minimal driving, no washing) before full hardness is achieved.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does paint protection film last?

STEK Gloss PPF lasts 7–10 years with proper care, backed by a 10-year manufacturer warranty. Self-healing properties maintain clarity and flexibility throughout its lifespan. After 10 years, film can be removed or left in place if yellowing is not an issue.

Does PPF yellow over time?

STEK Gloss has advanced UV inhibitors that resist yellowing. Budget films are more prone to yellowing, especially in direct sunlight — which is one reason we do not install budget-tier films. Ceramic coating on top of PPF provides an extra UV barrier and can further delay any yellowing.

Can I remove PPF if I change my mind?

Yes. PPF can be safely removed by heating it gently and peeling it off slowly. The adhesive is designed to release cleanly. A professional removal typically costs $500–$2,000 depending on coverage area. No damage to paint occurs if removed properly.

What's the difference between PPF and ceramic coating?

PPF is a protective film that shields against physical damage. Ceramic coating is a liquid that creates a hard, hydrophobic layer. PPF handles impact; ceramic handles chemistry. They complement each other when used together. See our full ceramic coating vs PPF comparison.

Is PPF worth it on a used car?

PPF can be worth it on used cars if the vehicle is relatively new (under 5–7 years old), in good condition, and you plan to keep it long-term. On older vehicles with compromised paint or short ownership timelines, ceramic coating alone might be a better value.

How much does it cost to add PPF to specific panels?

Our four STEK Gloss packages cover the most common protection needs. For individual panel add-ons beyond our standard packages — specific doors, roof, rear bumper, or custom areas — contact us for a personalized quote.

PPF Pricing in Everett & Seattle

At Compass Window Tinting, we specialize in professional paint protection film installation for sedans, SUVs, trucks, and luxury vehicles in the Everett and Seattle area. We use STEK Gloss film across all packages — a premium self-healing PPF with a 10-year manufacturer warranty and superior optical clarity.

  • Partial Front — $1,299 (sedans) — Front bumper, hood leading edge, mirrors; perfect for daily drivers wanting targeted protection
  • Full Front — $1,899 (sedans) — Full hood, fenders, bumper, mirrors, headlights; best-selling package covering primary impact areas
  • Track Pack — $2,999 (sedans) — Full front plus rocker panels, door edges, and additional high-impact zones
  • Full Protection — $7,999 (sedans) — Complete vehicle coverage; all painted panels protected
  • Paint Correction + PPF — Restore damaged paint before protection; ask us about pricing
  • PPF + Ceramic Coating Packages — The ultimate protection combo with bundled savings

Package prices shown are for sedans. Contact us for a quote on SUVs, trucks, and luxury or specialty vehicles.

We use factory-grade installation materials, precision cutting templates, and certified installers with years of experience. Every installation comes with a manufacturer warranty and our satisfaction guarantee.

Serving: Everett, Seattle, Shoreline, Lynnwood, Mountlake Terrace, and the greater North Seattle area.

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