Is color PPF the same as traditional clear PPF?

Paint Protection Film (PPF), otherwise known as PPF, was patented by 3M Company in the 1960s and is available in multiple formats.

Clear PPF vs Color PPF: Key Differences

Traditional clear PPF is available in gloss for individuals wanting the film to match the vehicle’s existing paint and provide near invisible protection. It is also available in matte or satin finishes for those wanting to protect matte or satin factory paint. (The installation of clear gloss film on matte or satin paint will change the vehicle’s appearance.)

Color PPF, on the other hand, is designed to change the appearance of the vehicle while still providing protection. It represents a combination of paint protection and customization, making it an alternative to traditional vinyl wraps.

Types of Color PPF Finishes

Color PPF is available in a wide range of finishes, including:

• Solid colors such as black, white, red, green, blue, pink, orange, yellow, and purple
• Color-shifting finishes such as green to gold, blue to purple, or pink to gold
• Textured films that simulate carbon fiber
• Chrome-style finishes in silver, gold, bronze, blue, and more

These finishes are intended for individuals who want to alter the appearance of their vehicle while adding a level of protection.

Not All Color PPF Offers the Same Protection

Color PPF may or may not be based on the same paint protection film technology as a manufacturer’s clear film.

Some films marketed as color PPF are thinner and more decorative in nature. While they may provide some level of paint protection, they do not offer the same level of durability as true PPF.

Other manufacturers offer color PPF that is based on the same technology as their clear film. This is made possible by laminating a color layer to a urethane base and finishing it with a clear coat for longevity. The urethane used in these films is typically the same thickness as in clear PPF, resulting in a total thickness of around 8 mil (.008”).