How to choose a PPF kit: types, prices and what to check
A buyer's guide to pre-cut paint protection film kits: partial front, full front, full body and small wear pieces, what each typically costs, and the six things to check before you order.
AP Motor Co · Updated October 18, 2026 · 3 min read
A PPF kit is paint protection film already cut to the shape of your car's panels. You peel each piece, spray, place and squeegee it. Kits are the easiest way to put film on a car yourself, but they're not all the same. Here's how they differ and what to look at before you buy.
The four kinds of PPF kit
Partial front. The bumper, headlights, mirror caps, and the front portion of the hood and fenders (usually the first 18 to 24 inches). These are the surfaces that face the road and take most rock chips. It's the cheapest kit and the easiest first install. The trade-off is a film edge across the hood that you can see up close on dark paint.
Full front. The whole hood and whole fenders, plus the bumper, headlights and mirrors. No film line across the hood. The hood piece is large, so it's a harder install.
Full body. Every painted panel. It costs the most, takes days to install and is usually a shop job.
Wear pieces. Small sets for door cups, door edges, rocker panels, A-pillars or the rear bumper ledge, where keys, rings, shoes and luggage scuff the paint. Cheap and quick, and often added to a front kit.
Not sure which coverage you need? Read partial vs. full front vs. full body.
What PPF kits typically cost
Rough ranges for a mid-size car as of October 2026. Prices move with the film brand and the size of the car.
| What you buy | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Wear pieces (door cups, door edges) | $40–$60 |
| Imported pre-cut partial front kit (marketplaces) | $85–$230 |
| US-cut partial front kit | $175–$400 |
| Name-brand film, pre-cut, full front | $650–$800 |
| Shop-installed partial front | $600–$1,100 |
| Shop-installed full front | $1,500–$2,500 |
Our Partial Front kit is $299 for any vehicle, headlights included. More on where the money goes in how much PPF costs.
Six things to check before you order
1. It's cut for your exact year and trim, not just the model. Bumpers, grilles and sensor layouts change between model years and between trims. A sport trim or an off-road package often has its own bumper. A good kit asks for the year and trim, and ideally your VIN. If a seller only asks for the model, the cutouts may not match. See how to find your exact trim.
2. Sensor and washer openings are already cut. Parking sensors, headlight washers and tow hook covers should be cut into the pattern. Some sellers make you pick each option from a list. Others, like us, match them to your trim.
3. The film itself. Look for:
- Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), not PVC or vinyl
- Around 7.5 to 10 mil thick (ours is 8.5 mil)
- A self-healing top coat, so light scratches disappear with heat
- A written warranty against yellowing, cracking and peeling (ours is 10 years)
4. Edges: standard or wrapped. Most pre-cut pieces stop just short of the panel edge so you can install them without taking the car apart. "Wrapped edge" kits tuck film around the edges, which hides them better but usually means removing badges, lights or the bumper. For a first install, standard edges are much easier.
5. Help with the install. Pieces should be labeled by panel, with a placement map and instructions. Videos or a written guide help a lot the first time. Here's our install guide.
6. Returns and fit problems. Kits are cut to order, so most sellers don't take returns. What matters is what happens if a piece doesn't fit. We re-cut it free if you sent a photo of the front of the car with your order.
Kit or shop?
A kit makes sense if you wash and detail your own car, have a shaded place to work and a free afternoon. A shop makes sense for full body coverage, wrapped edges, or if you'd rather pay to have it done. The middle ground: buy a kit and have a local detailer install it. More in is DIY PPF worth it?.