Paint protection film — everything we know.
Paint Protection Film (PPF) is a clear self-healing 8-10 mil thermoplastic urethane film applied over a vehicle's paint to physically block rock chips, scratches, bug-acid etching, and road debris. These guides cover everything we know about STEK PPF — what it is, what it costs, how to choose an installer, and how to make the call for your specific vehicle.
PPF Cost in Bay Area 2026: Real Numbers from an Installer →
The full PPF cost range — hood, full front, full body, and add-ons — with what changes the number on your vehicle.
STEK vs XPEL PPF — Honest Installer Comparison →
Two of the most-installed PPF brands. Why we install STEK DYNOshield, what XPEL does well, and which fits your car.
Where to start, by intent
- If you've never had PPF done: read What Is Paint Protection Film, Really? first. Definitional. Covers the TPU material, self-healing mechanism, and what the film actually protects against.
- If you're getting quotes: start with PPF Cost in Bay Area 2026. Real prices by coverage area + vehicle. Then read the 7-question installer checklist and 9 red flags to vet who you're booking with.
- If you're picking a brand: the STEK vs XPEL comparison covers the two most-installed brands honestly — including where XPEL is the better call.
- If your car is a Tesla: the Tesla Model Y PPF guide is California-specific, soft-paint-aware, and walks through the Full Front vs Full Body decision.
- If you just had PPF installed: see the ceramic maintenance guide for wash routine (same products work on PPF) and the PPF pillar for the Final Coat warranty-extension option.
PPF Cost in Bay Area 2026: Real Numbers from an Installer →
The full PPF cost range — hood, full front, full body, and add-ons — with what changes the number on your vehicle.
STEK vs XPEL PPF — Honest Installer Comparison →
Two of the most-installed PPF brands. Why we install STEK DYNOshield, what XPEL does well, and which fits your car.
7 Questions to Ask Before Booking a Bay Area PPF Installer →
The vetting checklist — authorization, warranty registration, prep process, edge wrapping, and post-install QA. We pass all 7.
9 Warning Signs of a Bad PPF Installer →
The red flags experienced buyers spot before they sign. From "we use the best film" without naming it to no warranty paperwork at install.
PPF for Tesla Model Y — Full Body or Full Front? →
The Tesla soft-paint reality, coverage trade-offs, and the math on Full Front vs Full Body for the #1-selling EV in California.
Bay Bridge & 880 Commute — Why Rock Chips Are Worse Here →
Construction debris zones, gravel trucks, freeway tunnel transitions. Why Bay Area commutes are uniquely chip-heavy.
PPF vs Clear Bra — Same Thing? (Bay Area Buyer's Guide) →
They're the same product. "Clear bra" is the old generic name, "PPF" is the modern one. What's actually changed in 20 years.
Should You Get PPF on a New Car? →
When the math works, when it doesn't, dealer-install vs aftermarket, and the right timing window after delivery.
What Is Paint Protection Film, Really? →
The TPU film, the self-healing top coat, what it protects against, and whether STEK PPF is the right call.
How Long Does PPF Actually Last? →
10-year STEK warranty, 12 with Final Coat. What kills film early, what maintenance does for lifespan.
PPF Coverage — Full Body vs Partial vs Targeted →
The decision framework — Full Front, Hood-only, Full Body — what to add and why, with real-world cost examples.
STEK DYNOshield Review — 2 Years In, an Installer's Honest Take →
First-person installer review of the film we install most often. Edge lift, yellowing, self-heal performance, real failure modes.