What full body PPF covers
A full body install covers every painted exterior panel:
- Front bumper, hood, fenders and mirrors
- Doors, including the area behind the door handles
- Rocker panels and side skirts
- Rear quarter panels and the rear bumper
- Roof, A-pillars and trunk lid or liftgate
- Painted spoilers and trim
Door jambs and the inside edges of doors are usually not part of a standard full body package. They take a lot more time and are quoted separately if you want them.
Full body vs full front
Most chips happen on the front of the car, so full front PPF already covers the areas that take the most hits. So why go further?
Doors and sides pick up scratches from parking lots, shopping carts, bags, kids' bikes and keys. In a busy lot on Ford Road, door dings and rubs are a fact of life.
Rockers and rear quarters take gravel and salt from your own tires, especially on SUVs and trucks with wide stances. In a Michigan winter that grit gets sprayed down the sides of the car for months.
The rear bumper top gets scratched every time something gets loaded in or out of the trunk.
A uniform finish. With full body film, the whole car has the same layer and the same look. That matters most with matte film, which changes the finish of every panel.
If the car is a daily driver you'll trade in a few years, full front is often enough. If it's a car you love, plan to keep, or one with soft or expensive paint, full body is worth a look.
How a full body install goes
Inspection. The paint is checked under good lighting for chips, swirls and scratches. Film doesn't hide defects; it seals them in.
Paint correction. Most cars need at least a light polish before full body film, even new ones. Dealer washes often leave swirl marks.
Decontamination. Iron particles, tar and bonded contamination are removed so nothing gets trapped under the film.
Panel by panel installation. Each panel gets its own piece of film. Larger panels like the hood and roof are often done in one piece so there are no visible seams across them.
Edges and seams. Edges are wrapped around panels where the panel shape allows it. Where two pieces of film meet, the seams are placed where they're least visible.
Curing. Film needs time to settle. Small moisture pockets in the first days are normal and clear on their own.
Full body installs typically take several days because of the amount of prep and the number of panels.
Gloss or matte for full body
Full body is where matte film makes the most sense. Covering the whole car in matte or stealth film turns gloss paint into a satin finish while protecting every panel. Because the factory gloss paint stays underneath, you can go back to gloss later by removing the film.
If you want the factory look, clear gloss film keeps it.
Taking care of a car with full body PPF
- Wait a few days after install before the first wash.
- Hand wash with a pH neutral soap.
- Don't point a pressure washer straight at film edges.
- Avoid brush car washes.
- A ceramic coating made for film makes washing easier and keeps the surface slick. See our PPF and ceramic coating page.
Full body PPF FAQ
How much does full body PPF cost?
Michigan shops publish typical ranges of roughly $5,000 to $9,000 or more, depending on the vehicle, film and how much prep the paint needs. See our PPF cost page for the full breakdown, and call for a quote on your car.
Is full body PPF worth it?
It depends on how long you'll keep the car and what it's worth. On a high value car or one you plan to keep for years, protecting all the paint usually costs less than repainting panels later.
Will I see seams?
Most panels are covered with a single piece of film. Where seams are needed, they're placed along body lines where they're hardest to see.
Can full body PPF be removed later?
Yes. On healthy factory paint, the film can be removed without damaging the paint underneath.
Does full body PPF protect against road salt?
It puts a barrier between all of the painted surfaces and the salt, grit and slush that get thrown up in winter. You still need to wash the car regularly.
Get a quote for your car
Call or send your vehicle details. Every quote is based on your actual car, the film or product, and the coverage you want.