Clear bra, every maker
Paint Protection Film
Paint protection film (PPF), often called a clear bra, is a thick, clear urethane film applied over a car's paint. It is nearly invisible, and it takes the hits from rocks, road debris, bug acids and salt so the paint underneath doesn't. Most people put it on the areas that take the most damage: the front bumper, hood, fenders and mirrors.
Choose by what matters
- Invisible protectionClear gloss film over the paint; you see the paint, not the film.
- A satin or matte lookTurns gloss paint satin while it protects; also keeps matte paint matte.
- Change the colorColored PPF protects like clear film and changes the car's color, like a wrap.
- Windshield chipsA clear film on the outside of the windshield takes rock hits instead of the glass.
- Do it yourselfOur partner SnapTint sells PPF kits precut for your vehicle, with install videos. We take no fee. Precut kits at SnapTint ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Paint protection films compared
Every PPF line in our film library, with the figures each maker publishes. A dash means the maker doesn't publish it.
| Film | Maker | Finish | Thickness | Gloss | Self-heals | Warranty | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XPEL ULTIMATE PLUS | XPEL | Gloss | 7.6 mil | >90 | Yes | – | XPEL specs (opens in a new tab)checked Sep 2026 |
| XPEL ULTIMATE PLUSULTIMATE PLUS 10 | XPEL | Gloss | 9.6 mil | >90 | Yes | – | XPEL specs (opens in a new tab)checked Sep 2026 |
| XPEL ULTIMATE FUSION | XPEL | Gloss | 7.48 mil | >90 | Yes | – | XPEL specs (opens in a new tab)checked Sep 2026 |
| XPEL STEALTH | XPEL | Satin | – | 23 | Yes | – | XPEL specs (opens in a new tab)checked Sep 2026 |
| XPEL COLOR PPFCOLOR PPF Gloss | XPEL | – | 7.71 mil | 95 | – | – | XPEL specs (opens in a new tab)checked Sep 2026 |
| XPEL COLOR PPFCOLOR PPF Satin | XPEL | – | 7.99 mil | 19 | – | – | XPEL specs (opens in a new tab)checked Sep 2026 |
| 3M Scotchgard PPF Pro SeriesPro Series 200 Gloss | 3M | Gloss | 7.8 mil | – | With heat | 10 years, consumer (3M) | 3M specs (opens in a new tab)checked Sep 2026 |
| 3M Scotchgard PPF Pro SeriesPro Series Matte (2018 sheet) | 3M | Satin | 8 mil | – | Yes | 10 years, consumer (3M) | 3M specs (opens in a new tab)checked Sep 2026 |
| Avery Dennison Supreme Defense PPFSupreme Defense Gloss | Avery Dennison | Gloss | – | >90 (20°) | Yes | 10 years (vertical) | Avery Dennison specs (opens in a new tab)checked Sep 2026 |
| Avery Dennison Supreme Defense PPFSupreme Defense Gloss Lite | Avery Dennison | Gloss | – | >90 (20°) | Yes | 7 years (vertical) | Avery Dennison specs (opens in a new tab)checked Sep 2026 |
| Avery Dennison Supreme Defense PPFSupreme Defense Matte | Avery Dennison | Matte | – | >20 (20°) | Yes | 7 years (vertical) | Avery Dennison specs (opens in a new tab)checked Sep 2026 |
| Madico Protekt PPFProtekt HD | Madico | Gloss | – | 86% GU | 10 mins @ 100° | 10 years (Madico) | Madico specs (opens in a new tab)checked Sep 2026 |
| Madico Protekt PPFProtekt FlexPro | Madico | Gloss | – | 75% GU | 1 min @ 70° | 10 years (Madico) | Madico specs (opens in a new tab)checked Sep 2026 |
| Madico Protekt PPFProtekt Black | Madico | Gloss black | – | 90% GU | 10 mins @ 100° | 10 years (Madico) | Madico specs (opens in a new tab)checked Sep 2026 |
| Madico Protekt PPFProtekt Matte | Madico | Matte | – | 23% GU | 10 mins @ 100° | 10 years (Madico) | Madico specs (opens in a new tab)checked Sep 2026 |
| Global Window Films PPFGloss | Global Window Films | – | 7.5 mil | 85 | Yes | – | Global Window Films specs (opens in a new tab)checked Sep 2026 |
| Global Window Films PPFTitanium | Global Window Films | – | 7.5 mil | >88 | Yes | – | Global Window Films specs (opens in a new tab)checked Sep 2026 |
| Global Window Films PPFMatte | Global Window Films | – | 7.5 mil | 20 | Yes | – | Global Window Films specs (opens in a new tab)checked Sep 2026 |
| Global Window Films PPFMarine | Global Window Films | – | 7.5 mil | >85 | Yes | – | Global Window Films specs (opens in a new tab)checked Sep 2026 |
| Global Window Films PPFPrintable | Global Window Films | – | – | >85 | Yes | – | Global Window Films specs (opens in a new tab)checked Sep 2026 |
| Global Window Films Spectronium Colour PPF | Global Window Films | – | 7.5 mil | 85 | – | – | Global Window Films specs (opens in a new tab)checked Sep 2026 |
| HEXIS BODYFENCE | HEXIS | Gloss | 7.1 mil | – | When heated | – | HEXIS specs (opens in a new tab)checked Sep 2026 |
| HEXIS BODYFENCEBODYFENCEX | HEXIS | Gloss | 7.1 mil | – | At room temperature | – | HEXIS specs (opens in a new tab)checked Sep 2026 |
| ASWF Guardian PPF | ASWF | – | 8 mil | > 85 | Yes | 10 years, limited (ASWF) | ASWF specs (opens in a new tab)checked Sep 2026 |
| Madico ClearPlexClearPlex Contour | Madico | – | – | – | – | – | Madico specs (opens in a new tab)checked Sep 2026 |
| Madico ClearPlexClearPlex Original | Madico | – | – | – | – | – | Madico specs (opens in a new tab)checked Sep 2026 |
| Global Window Films Windshield Pro+ | Global Window Films | – | 7.1 mil | – | – | – | Global Window Films specs (opens in a new tab)checked Sep 2026 |
Makers measure gloss and peel strength in different ways, so compare those figures within one maker's range. We list these films for reference; we don't sell them.
Paint protection film: common questions
Is paint protection film worth it?
It is if you want to keep the front of the car free of rock chips: the film takes the hits, and you can replace a damaged panel of film instead of repainting. When it pays off.
Does it really heal itself?
Most current films have a self-healing top coat: light scratches and swirl marks fade with heat, from the sun, warm water or a heat gun. Some heal at room temperature. The comparison above lists what each maker states.
Gloss or satin?
Gloss film is close to invisible on gloss paint. Satin (matte) film turns gloss paint satin, and it's the one to use on matte paint so the finish stays matte.
How long does it last?
The makers that publish a warranty (3M, Madico, ASWF) give 10 years, and Avery Dennison states 10 years' durability; the comparison lists each one. Stone chips that cut through the film mean replacing that panel's film.
Can I put it on myself?
Yes, with a precut kit and patience: PPF is thicker than window film and is applied wet, then squeegeed and stretched around curves. Watch how it's installed. Cutting it from a roll by hand is hard, which is why kits are cut to your vehicle.
Which brand should I pick?
The big makers' clear films are close: about 7 to 10 mil thick, with self-healing top coats. The installer's skill and the warranty matter more than the brand. The brands compared.
Where to get it
- We don't sell paint protection film or vehicle wraps. This page is reference only.
- Doing it yourself? Our partner SnapTint sells PPF kits precut for your vehicle, with install videos. We take no fee.
- Having it installed? Ask to see finished cars, and whether the shop is certified for the film it uses.
Paint protection guides
Is Paint Protection Film Worth It?
Paint Protection Film Brands Compared: XPEL, 3M and More
How Paint Protection Film Is Installed
Photos: AZ Auto Detailing, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Dmitry757, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
TintCenter is independent: no maker pays to appear or be ranked here. We also sell film by the roll, and store links are marked "Shop". How we research and make money.