TL;DR
- Full front PPF covers high-impact and vulnerable areas including the bumper, hood, fenders, and mirrors.
- Full body PPF wraps the entire vehicle.
- Full front PPF is the typical recommendation for most daily drivers looking for affordable coverage. Full body PPF is usually recommended for luxury vehicle owners looking for complete protection.
How Much Should You Wrap Your Car?
Paint Protection Film (PPF) is a polyurethane clear layer applied to vehicle exteriors to shield against physical impact, UV rays, and chemical elements that can damage your car’s paint.
At Bravo Protection, we’ve installed PPF on thousands of vehicles since 1978. Our team has worked with all sorts of car owners, and we can say with confidence that the right PPF coverage truly depends on your driving conditions and budget. The two most popular options are full front and full body PPF. We’ll help you understand both to make the best choice for your vehicle.
What Do You Get With Full Front PPF Coverage?
Full front PPF is focused on the most vulnerable areas of your vehicle. As you drive, the hood, front bumper, headlights, and side mirrors take the full impact of road debris.
In our experience, 80 to 90% of paint damage occurs on these front-facing surfaces. Full front PPF reinforces these high-risk areas against chips, scratches, and wear. This is why our team usually recommends full front PPF to drivers who are concerned with preventing the most common types of damage. A full front PPF service offers a balanced approach to paint protection with a lower associated cost than full body coverage.
What Do You Get With Full Body PPF Coverage?
As implied, full body PPF provides the most complete protection available. Our installers meticulously wrap the entire vehicle with film, creating a clean finish with dust-repellent and hydrophobic properties. The car’s exterior will resist UV fading and chemical stains from bird droppings and sap. The film also prevents swirl marks from washing and regular wear.
At our Plymouth workshop, we tend to see full body PPF requested by owners of luxury and exotic vehicles who want a more comprehensive approach. While it definitely carries a higher cost, full body PPF preserves appearance and resale value.
Front vs Full Body PPF: A Detailed Comparison
Here’s how full front and full body PPF compare to each other:
| Factor | Full Front | Full Body |
| Methodology | Coverage is focused on high-impact and vulnerable zones in the front of the vehicle | Uniform and maximum protection for the entire exterior surface of the vehicle |
| Areas of Coverage | Hood, front bumper, headlights, and side mirrors (+ A-pillars and front roof edge, optionally) | Entire vehicle |
| Level of Protection | Protection against chips and debris in the front of the vehicle | Uniform protection against UV rays, chemical compounds, road debris, dust, and grime |
| Appearance | Great final look. Seams may be visible at transitions | Seamless and near-invisible final look |
| Cost | $$ (Mid-range PPF option) | $$$ (Premium PPF option) |
| Maintenance | Easy. Owners can save on maintenance costs for the most commonly impacted areas of the car | Very easy. Owners can save on maintenance costs due to the film’s hydrophobic and dust-resistant qualities |
Making the Right Choice for Your Driving Style
We’ve had the pleasure of interacting with many sorts of drivers at Bravo Protection over 40 years and as vehicle bodies and roadways have changed, so have driver priorities and areas of concern.
Our XPEL-certified installers usually prompt clients to consider the following questions:
1. How many miles do you clock in annually?
2. Do you tend to drive on city streets or highways?
3. Where is your car usually parked?
4. What’s your budget for care, long and short term?
5. Do you drive this car everyday or does usage spike on weekends?
When to pick full front PPF: We usually recommend a full front PPF installation in the following cases:
- Budget-conscious daily drivers
- Highway commuters (this is the minimum option in this instance)
When to pick full body PPF: We recommend a full body PPF installation in the following instances:
- Luxury/performance/exotic vehicles
- Black or darker paint (swirl marks and damage is more evident)
- Long-term ownership, >5 to 10 years
Our Advice: The Best PPF for Minnesota and Western Wisconsin
Based on our experience serving the Plymouth area, we strongly recommend full front PPF as the minimum protection for Minnesota and Western Wisconsin vehicles. Our harsh winters mean constant exposure to road salt, sand, gravel, and debris from snow plows.
Also read: Benefits of Paint Protection Film for Plymouth, MN drivers
Highway driving during winter months is particularly damaging to front-facing surfaces. You can add door edge/handle cups if you notice any scuffing. However, if you own a luxury or collector vehicle, full body PPF provides year-round protection against our region’s demanding climate and road conditions.
The Verdict on Paint Protection
PPF can offer meaningful protection on the roads but we understand how difficult it is to balance need, budget and recommendation.
Consider your driving habits and consult our experienced and certified team of installers to zero in on the best option between full front vs full body PPF.
With a 100% customer satisfaction rate over 2,000+ projects, you can trust us to protect both you and your investment.
Call us: (952) 476-7025
FAQs
1. How long does full body PPF last?
Paint protection film usually lasts 5 to 15 years. However, with appropriate maintenance and suitable driving habits, it can last longer.
2. Does full body PPF include the roof?
Yes, full body PPF covers the entire exterior surface of the vehicle, including the roof.
3. Which PPF is better, matte or glossy?
The best type of PPF depends on your goals with respect to appearance. A glossy PPF will provide for a reflective surface that resembles the look of new cars out of the showroom. A matte PPF changes the appearance of your vehicle and is a great option for those looking to elevate appearance.
