Partial front vs. full front vs. full body PPF: which should you get?

Every PPF kit comes down to one question: how far back should the film go? Here's how the three common coverage levels compare.

Right now every kit we cut is partial front. The rest of this guide covers the other levels so you know what you're comparing when you shop around.

Partial front

Covers: front bumper, headlights, the first 18 to 24 inches of the hood and fenders, and mirror caps.

Pros: cheapest, quickest to install, and it covers the front portion of the hood and fenders, where most rock chips land.

Cons: there's a visible film edge across the hood and fenders. On white, silver and light gray it's hard to spot. On black or dark metallic paint you'll see it up close, especially once dirt collects along it.

Best for: leases, budget-minded owners, light-colored cars, and first-time installers.

Full front

Covers: front bumper, full hood, full fenders, mirror caps and headlights.

Pros: no film line across the hood. Every forward-facing painted surface is protected. It's the package most shops sell as their standard, and the one we recommend for most cars.

Cons: costs more, and the bumper takes patience to install.

Best for: anyone keeping the car for years, dark colors, and highway commuters.

Full body

Covers: everything in full front plus the roof, pillars, doors, door edges and cups, rockers, quarter panels, trunk or liftgate and rear bumper.

Pros: the entire car is protected against chips, scratches, swirl marks from washing, and parking-lot scuffs.

Cons: the most expensive kit by far and a multi-day install. Large panels like the roof are easier with a helper.

Best for: exotics, collector cars, matte or special-order paint, and owners who want the car to stay in delivery condition.

Add-ons worth knowing about

You don't have to jump to full body to protect the next most vulnerable spots:

• Rocker panels take sand and gravel from your own front tires.
• Door cups get scratched by rings and fingernails every day.
• Door edges hit garage walls and other cars.
• A-pillars and roof edge face the wind at highway speed.
• Rear bumper ledge takes scrapes from loading the trunk or bed.

We don't cut these as separate kits yet.

How to choose

1. If the car is leased or you're on a tight budget, start with partial front.
2. If you're keeping it, or the paint is dark, go full front.
3. If you drive gravel roads or in winter sand, add rockers.
4. If the paint is special or the car is an investment, consider full body.

Our kits are partial front: find yours. Still not sure? Ask us about your car and how you drive it.