One kilometre behind a lorry on the A2 can be enough. A small stone, a tick, and there is a chip in your bonnet that never fully goes away. Ceramic coating protects your paint from dirt, UV and wash marring, but against stone chips only one thing really works: paint protection film.
What is PPF?
PPF (paint protection film, also called clear bra) is a transparent, flexible polyurethane film applied over your paint. The film takes the hit instead of your paint. Installed properly you won't see it: the original colour and gloss stay visible, just better protected.
We use ProFilm ReGen, a self-healing film. Light scratches in the top layer disappear with heat. It comes in gloss and in a matte (frozen) finish, so matte paint keeps its original look too. The material carries a 7-year warranty.
What does PPF protect against?
- Stone chips and gravel on the motorway
- Light scratches from bags, keys and zips
- Bugs, bird droppings and tree sap etching into the paint
- Car wash scratches and minor parking scuffs
To be honest: PPF isn't armour. A proper collision or a deep scratch down to primer won't be stopped by any film. But for the everyday damage that slowly ages a good car, it is the best protection there is.
Front end or full car?
Most clients choose a front end: the areas that take the most stone chips, such as the bumper, bonnet and wings. If you plan to keep the car long term, or the paint is difficult or expensive to repair, full body is the better call. We agree exact coverage per car, because cut files differ by model and trim.
PPF at Charlie Detailing
Film shows everything underneath it. That is why every PPF car gets a multi-stage paint correction first, so no swirls or holograms get sealed in. Every package includes:
- Wash, decontamination and engine bay clean
- Multi-stage paint correction before installation
- ProFilm ReGen PPF with a 7-year material warranty
- Ceramic coating over the film as standard
- A free check around one month after handover
Prices (ex VAT): bumper and bonnet €1,550, front end from €1,995, front end on an SUV from €2,450 and full body from €4,995. Combine PPF with a ceramic coating package and you get 15% off the coating with a front end, or 30% with full body.
PPF FAQ
Can you see PPF on the car?
Not from a normal distance. Where possible we wrap edges around panels so seams are barely visible.
How long does installation take?
It depends on coverage and paint condition. At the inspection we give you a realistic timeline.
PPF or ceramic coating?
They do different jobs and work best together. Read ceramic coating vs PPF: which suits your car.
Book a free inspection
Come by our studio on Fermiweg in Utrecht, right on the A2. We look at your car together under the lights, talk through which areas you want protected and give you an honest price. The coffee is on. Get in touch.
