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What is PPF?

What is PPF? If you’re someone who wants to keep their vehicle looking fresh out showroom – you’ve probably heard the term PPF or Paint Protection Film discussed amongst car detailing or valeting businesses alike. But, what exactly is PPF and why has it become such a popular choice among vehicle owners? Let’s break it down.

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What is PPF?

PPF – also known as Paint Protection Film – is a thin, transparent film applied to a vehicle’s painted surfaces to protect against scratches, rock chips, stains and contaminants. Originally developed for military use, PPF has since made its way into the automotive world; becoming a must-have for anyone looking to preserve the showroom shine of their car and protect their paintwork for up to 10 years.

A brief history of PPF

The origins of PPF date back to the Vietnam War, when the U.S. Department of Defence needed a solution to protect helicopter blades and sensitive surfaces from debris and shrapnel. The answer? A durable, clear film created by 3M — a company still known for their protective films today.After proving its effectiveness in military applications, the technology evolved and found a new home in the automotive industry. Initially used in racing to protect cars from high-speed debris, PPF is now available for consumer vehicles, offering advanced protection for everyday driving conditions.

What is PPF used for?

Today, PPF is primarily applied to vehicles for one simple reason: protection.

Front Bumper Protection: These are high-impact zones that suffer the most from road debris – front bumper protection only.

Front End Protection: Includes front bumper, bonnet, wings and headlight protection.

Extended Front End Protection: Includes front bumper, bonnet, wings, headlight, wing mirrors, side skirts and partial rear arch protection.

Full Car Protection: For those who want all-around protection – applied to all exterior paint surfaces.

While cars are the most common use case, PPF is also used on motorcycles, boats and RVs.

How does PPF work?

PPF is typically made from a urethane or polyurethane film. It’s flexible, durable and features state-of-the-art self-healing technology – meaning minor scratches will disappear when exposed to heat (like sunlight or hot water).

Advanced PPF comes with:

Hydrophobic top coats: Repel water and dirt, making it cleaning easier
UV protection: Prevent fading and oxidation
Stain resistance: Protect against bird droppings, bug splatter, tree sap and acid rain

Spotlight: STEK Automotive

When talking about high-end PPF brands, STEK stands out for innovation and performance.

Why Choose STEK?

Stylish Options: STEK offers more than just clear PPF. Their DYNO series includes options like DYNOshield (glossy), DYNOmatte (matte), DYNOcarbon (carbon fiber look), and even colour-change films.

Self-Healing & Hydrophobic: All STEK films feature top-tier self-healing and water-repellent coatings.

Film Durability: Their films are engineered to last 7–10 years with proper care.

STEK blends protection with aesthetics, making them a go-to for car owners who want their vehicle to stand out without sacrificing defence. At Devout Detailing, all of our PPF packages use STEK Automotive PPF as standard.

Interested in PPF for your vehicle?

If you want to learn more about PPF or would like to book in for a service, please call our expert PPF installers on 01324 274054 or fill in the form below.

Enquire or book a PPF package today