Give your car a show-stopping finish — and proper protection.
Coloured Paint Protection Film (Colour PPF), also known as Dynamic Paint Protection Film (DPPF). Combines the protective advantages of traditional clear PPF with an integrated coloured finish. It’s a factory-grade urethane film available in gloss, satin/matte, metallic and pearlescent finishes. It changes a car’s appearance and acts as a robust sacrificial layer over the paint. Major PPF brands now offer purpose-made coloured PPF ranges, so you get OEM-quality colour options plus the performance of high-end protection films.
Why choose Colour PPF (benefits)
- Real protection first — Colour PPF is engineered as a protective urethane film (not thin PVC). It’s built to absorb stone chips, reduce abrasion, and resist staining from tar, bird droppings, and road contaminants.
- Integrated colour finish — pick a gloss, satin/matte or metallic colour in the film itself — no paint change required and no risk of paint-work damage during removal. Manufacturers such as 3M and XPEL offer colour/finish series for protection and styling.
- Self-healing & hydrophobic surfaces — many modern PPFs feature self-healing top coats that can be relaxed with heat, allowing for the removal of light scratches, and repel water and dirt for easier maintenance. That keeps the finish looking newer, longer.
- Longer lifespan than vinyl — because Colour PPF is thicker and made from urethane/TPU, it generally outlasts PVC vinyl wraps and offers superior chip and abrasion resistance. That makes it a better value for owners who plan to keep their car.
- Reversible and non-destructive — installed correctly, the film can be professionally removed, leaving the original paint intact (or replaced panel-by-panel if damage occurs).
Colour PPF vs Vinyl Wrap — quick comparison
- Purpose: Colour PPF = protection + colour. Vinyl wrap = primarily aesthetic change.
- Material & thickness: Colour PPF (urethane/TPU) is substantially thicker than vinyl (typical PPF ≈ 7–10 mil vs vinyl ≈ 3–4 mil), so PPF handles impact and abrasion better.
- Self-healing: Common on PPF; rare on standard vinyl.
- Finish variety: Modern Colour PPF now covers many OEM-inspired colours and finishes (gloss, matte, metallic, even colour-flip). Vinyl still offers the largest range of exotic textures (chrome, carbon, printed graphics).
- Cost & lifespan: Colour PPF typically costs more up front than vinyl but typically lasts longer and offers better paint protection — better for long-term value.
Types of Paint Protection Film (what you can choose)
- Clear PPF (standard) — invisible protection with self-healing top coat, they can contain a hydrophobic finish, and come with long warranties. Ideal if you are leasing a car and want to keep the factory colour but protect it.
- Colour PPF / Dynamic PPF — an engineered coloured urethane film (gloss, satin/matte, metallic, pearlescent, brushed metal, and some flip-colours) that protects like clear PPF while changing the vehicle colour. Great for a durable, reversible colour change.
- Stealth / Matte PPF — matte or satin finish PPF for a subdued, non-reflective look while keeping protection.
- Ceramic-coated PPF — some installers add a ceramic coating over PPF for extra water-beading, stain resistance and gloss longevity (applies to both clear and coloured PPF).
- Textured/Effect PPF — limited ranges include carbon, brushed metal, or diamond effects — less common than vinyl textures but available from some suppliers.
Suppliers & where Colour PPF is available
Colour PPF is now offered by major film manufacturers and specialist UK suppliers — examples include XPEL’s colour PPF range, 3M’s Protection Wrap Film Colour Series and dedicated coloured-PPF product lines sold by distributors such as Hexis, Inozetek, and UK PPF specialists. Installers across the UK are listing colour PPF options alongside standard PPF and vinyl wraps, giving their clients, including ours, a choice of what can be done with car modification and paint protection.
Practical notes for customers
- Which is right for you? If your main goal is durable protection (stone chips, motorway debris, long-term resale value), Colour PPF is usually the best choice. If you want long-term paint protection with a more durable option than compared to alternatives, such as Wax or Ceramic Coating, a vinyl wrap could be preferable for cost savings.
- Coverage options: front-end packages (bonnet, bumper, wings, mirrors), partial wraps (sills, A-pillars), or full-body colour PPF — discuss with your installer for the best balance of cost and protection.
- Warranty & care: choose factory-backed film where possible and follow the installer's aftercare (gentle washing, avoid pressure washers very close to edges during the first few weeks).
