Frequently Asked Questions
The things people ask most about PPF, the warranty, installation and care — grouped by topic.
01 PPF Coating — General Information
PPF (Paint Protection Film) is a clear, flexible polyurethane film applied over a car's painted surfaces. It acts as a physical shield against stone chips, scratches, scuffs, chemicals and UV, keeping the car looking new and protecting its resale value.
Ceramic coating is a liquid glass layer a few microns thick; it adds gloss and easy cleaning but no impact protection. PPF is a thick film over a hundred microns that stops physical damage such as stone chips and scratches. They complement each other — a ceramic coating can be applied on top of PPF.
PVC vinyl is mostly for colour change and appearance; it is thin, does not absorb impact, does not self-heal and shrinks and yellows over time. TPU polyurethane PPF is thicker, elastic and impact-absorbing, self-heals, and is made primarily for protection.
No. On cars with sound factory paint, PPF does not harm the paint — it protects it. Removed years later with the correct heat-controlled technique, the paint underneath stays as it was.
Yes. The top layer of Propel PPF is UV-filtering and greatly slows oxidation, hazing and colour fade of the paint caused by the sun.
The film's top layer is a special polymer with elastic memory. Hairline scratches and sponge or brush marks disappear as the film reflows under the heat of the sun or warm water.
Quality TPU-based Propel PPF does not yellow, haze or crack thanks to its UV resistance. Those faults are typical of cheap PVC or low-grade films. Propel PPF is warranted against them for 7 years.
Yes. Front-protection or partial packages covering the areas most exposed to stone chips — front bonnet, front bumper, headlights, mirrors and fender edges — are common. A full-car wrap is also available.
Yes. There are dedicated matte PPF series that protect the matte texture without altering it. A gloss film is never applied to a matte car — the matte series must be used.
Yes. Headlights and tail lights are very exposed to chips and scratches and are protected with clear PPF. Interior and exterior piano-black parts can also be covered against swirl marks.
02 Application Process & Authorised Centres
It depends on the area to be covered, the condition of the paint and how busy the authorised centre is. Partial packages are quick, while a full-car wrap can take a few working days. Check with your installation centre for an exact figure.
No. Propel PPF is pre-cut from a digital pattern specific to each model. No knife or blade is used on the vehicle, so there is no risk of cutting into the paint.
Not required, but recommended. Because the film is clear it shows every swirl and scratch underneath as they are. Paint correction beforehand leaves a flawless surface under the film.
Propel PPF is the manufacturer brand — it produces the film and supplies it to authorised installation centres, where the application is done. You can find the nearest certified centre on the map on our Dealers page.
Yes. PPF is applied panel by panel, so only the film on the damaged panel is removed and replaced — there is no need to re-wrap the whole car.
03 The Propel Brand & Product Quality
Propel PPF is a protection film made from 100% TPU, standing out for its high UV resistance and self-healing. It is backed by a 7-year manufacturer warranty, a digital warranty certificate and a wide authorised installation network.
Propel PPF carries a 7-year manufacturer warranty covering product defects such as yellowing, hazing, cracking, blistering and peeling. Your warranty certificate is available digitally.
A digital warranty record is created in your name after installation. You can verify it on the Warranty Check page using the card number or the licence plate.
Yes. The Propel PPF series are 100% TPU-based. Compared with PVC, TPU is more elastic, clearer and more UV-resistant, and it provides self-healing.
Yes. Gloss, Matte, Satin and Black series are available. Each series offers the same protection with a different finish.
04 Use, Care & Washing
For the first week the car should not be washed and should be kept out of the rain if possible, until the film fully sets. After that it can be washed normally; hand washing with a pH-neutral shampoo and a soft mitt is recommended.
Stiff-bristle automatic brushes can scratch the surface and are not recommended. A pressure washer may be used, but the nozzle should not be held very close to the film edges or at a straight angle.
The film protects the paint from these acidic contaminants. Even so, residue should not be left on the surface for long and should be cleaned as soon as possible with warm water and a soft cloth.
Yes. The top layer of Propel PPF is hydrophobic; water beads and slides off, dirt adheres less and the car is easier to clean.
Yes. Applying a ceramic coating or wax over PPF extends the film's hydrophobic life. Abrasive (cutting compound) products and solvent-based cleaners should not be used.
05 Removal & Longevity
Depending on conditions of use, Propel PPF performs for around 7-10 years on average and is covered by a 7-year manufacturer warranty.
A quality TPU film removed with the help of heat generally leaves no adhesive residue. Any small amount left behind is easily cleaned with suitable removers.
On cars with sound factory paint and clear coat, no paint lifting is expected during removal. There can be a risk on previously repainted panels or those with weak or problematic clear coat, which is why removal should be done under heat control by a professional.
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