How to Choose a PPF Brand?
What sets one PPF brand apart from another is not advertising; it is material, thickness, warranty and installation quality. We put Propel next to the questions you should ask every brand.
Propel and Other Brands
The Other Brands column does not point to any specific brand; it lists what you should ask every brand to confirm in writing before you buy. The Propel column is our own product data.
| Criterion | Propel | Other Brands |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Gloss, Matte, Satin and Black are 100% TPU. Private is PCU (Polycarbonate Urethane). No PVC or TPH is used. | Could be TPU, PCU, TPH or PVC. Ask for the product code and the technical data sheet. |
| Net thickness | 190, 220, 230, 240 or 250 microns (μm) depending on the model; 7.5 to 10 mil. | Mil and micron values vary by brand and series. Ask for the "net thickness" figure and how it is measured. |
| Self-healing | In every series: hairline scratches close with heat (sun, hot water). In Private, Hot Healing works with 90°C hot water or air. | Do not assume every film performs the same. Ask under which conditions and how fast it heals. |
| Warranty term | 7 years for Gloss, Matte, Satin and Black; 15 years for Private. A manufacturer warranty covering yellowing, hazing, cracking, blistering and peeling. | Term and scope differ by brand. Ask in writing who gives the warranty (manufacturer or installer) and what it covers. |
| Warranty tracking | Every installation is registered in the digital warranty system. Online lookup by card number or licence plate, and a digital certificate in the Propel Connect app. | Not every brand has it. Ask how the warranty is recorded and how it can be verified later. |
| Installation | The warranty applies only to installations done with original product at an Authorized Application Centre and registered in the system. Installers are trained at the Propel Academy. | Check whether the installer is authorized by the brand, their reference work, and cut and edge quality. |
| Manufacturer | A manufacturer that develops the film formula and layer structure in its own R&D and production facility. | Ask whether the brand is the manufacturer or an importer or relabeller. |
| Quality certificates | ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001 and ISO 10002 management system certificates. | Ask for certificates and product test reports (e.g. ASTM). |
| Price | Authorized Application Centres set the price and quote by car model and coverage. | Varies by brand, series and installer. Do not make price your only deciding factor. |
7 Questions to Ask Every Brand
What is the film made of?
TPU, PCU, TPH and PVC behave very differently. Ask in writing for the material name and product code; "high quality" is not material information.
What is the net thickness in microns?
The advertised thickness and the net thickness of the protective layer can differ. Ask which figure is given and how it was measured.
Who gives the warranty and what does it cover?
Is it the manufacturer or the installer? Are yellowing, hazing, cracking and peeling covered, and for how many years?
How is the warranty recorded?
Assume the paper card gets lost: how will you prove the warranty years later? Is there a digital record and an online lookup?
Is the installer authorized?
Most warranties apply only to authorized installers. Ask to see the installer's authorization from the brand and their reference work.
How are cuts and edges done?
Is the cut made from a model-specific digital pattern or by hand? Are the edges wrapped? A bad cut can damage the paint.
Is the product code on the invoice?
When the brand, series and product code are written on the invoice or warranty document, you can verify the film that was used later.
Questions About Choosing a Brand
Which PPF brand is the best?
There is no single "best" brand; the right choice depends on the material (TPU or PCU), net thickness, warranty scope and the installer's workmanship. Propel publishes all of this as open data; ask every brand for the same data in writing and make your own comparison.
What is the difference between TPU and PVC or TPH PPF?
TPU is flexible, self-healing and resistant to yellowing. Economy PVC or TPH films can yellow and crack over time and may stick to the paint on removal. Propel Gloss, Matte, Satin and Black are 100% TPU; Private is PCU-based.
How long is the Propel PPF warranty?
Gloss, Matte, Satin and Black carry a 7-year manufacturer warranty and Private a 15-year one. It applies to installations done with original product at an Authorized Application Centre and registered in the digital warranty system.
How much does Propel PPF cost?
Authorized Application Centres set the price and quote by car model and coverage (front end, full body). You can request a quote from your nearest centre.
Is the brand or the installer more important?
Both matter. A high-quality film loses its value with poor cutting and edge work. That is why the Propel warranty applies only to trained, authorized installers.
See Propel Up Close
Explore our series or request a quote from your nearest Authorized Application Centre.