What paint protection film does

Paint protection film is a clear (or satin, or colored) thermoplastic polyurethane film applied over a vehicle's paint. Its job is to take the hits that would otherwise chip and scratch the paint: gravel and stones thrown up by other vehicles, road debris, sand, bug acids and bird droppings, and light scrapes. It doesn't make paint indestructible, and a large rock at highway speed can still damage both film and paint, but it greatly reduces the everyday chipping that front ends collect.

Thickness

PPF is much thicker than color-change vinyl. XPEL's data sheet for its Ultimate Plus film, for example, lists a nominal thickness of 7.6 mil without the release liner, of which 6.0 mil is the polyurethane layer, with an adhesive layer and a thin clear topcoat making up the rest (XPEL). Brands and product lines differ, and thicker isn't automatically better: thicker film can be harder to conform around tight curves. Ask the shop which product they use and why.

Self-healing topcoats

Many PPF products have an elastomeric topcoat that lets light swirl marks and fine scratches flatten out with heat, from the sun or warm water. That's a feature of the topcoat, not magic: deep cuts and gouges don't heal. Ask what the product's data sheet and warranty say about it.

Coverage packages

Partial front. The leading edge of the hood and fenders, mirrors and the bumper. The least film, and a visible line where it ends.
Full front. The entire hood, fenders, bumper and mirrors, often with headlights. Covers the area that takes most chips, with no line across the hood.
Track or high-impact package. Full front plus rocker panels, the area behind the wheels and other spots that take gravel.
Full vehicle. Every painted panel. The most protection and the most cost, and the option people choose for a satin "stealth" look over gloss paint.

Paint first, then film

Film goes over the paint you have. Chips, scratches and swirls under the film stay visible, and film can make some defects more noticeable. Most good shops wash and decontaminate the paint, and many recommend correcting the paint (polishing out swirls and scratches) before applying film. Expect the shop to inspect the paint in person and tell you honestly what film can and can't hide.

Edges, seams and wrapped edges

How film ends matters. Edges that are wrapped around a panel's edge are less visible and less likely to lift than edges stopped short on the face of a panel. Some shops remove badges, emblems or trim to wrap edges cleanly. Ask where edges and seams will be, which parts will be removed, and how they'll be reinstalled.

Pre-cut patterns versus bulk film

Many shops use software to plot-cut film patterns for your model before the film goes on the car, which avoids cutting on the paint. Others trim from bulk film by hand on some panels to wrap edges further. Ask how the shop cuts film and whether any blade will touch your paint.

Questions to ask

Which film brand and product line will you use? Can I see the data sheet and warranty?
Which panels are covered, and where will edges and seams be?
Will you correct the paint first, and is that included?
Will you remove badges, emblems or trim?
Do you plot-cut patterns, and will any blade touch my paint?
How long should I wait before washing the car?