Coloured PPF — a colour change and paint protection in one

Until recently the choice was simple: either you protect the paint with clear PPF, or you change the colour of the car with vinyl film. One or the other. That is now changing, because coloured PPF has arrived — protective film made in colour that does both at once.

We explain what it actually is, how it differs from ordinary colour change film and who it is really worth it for — without promising miracles.

What coloured PPF is

PPF (Paint Protection Film) is a thick, flexible film designed to take the impact of small stones, grit and anything else thrown up by the wheels. Traditionally it is clear — it is meant to be invisible, so the paint looks as it did when it left the factory. We covered this in more detail in our post what PPF is and what it protects against.

The same film is now also made in colour. The result? The car gets a new colour and, at the same time, a layer that protects the paint from stone chips. You no longer have to choose between looks and protection.

Coloured PPF vs colour change film — the difference in thickness

At first glance both films do the same thing: they change the colour of the car. The difference lies in what they are made of and how thick they are.

• Colour change film is cast vinyl, around 80 microns thick. Its main job is the look. It protects the paint from minor scratches and sunlight, but a stone hitting it on the motorway can go through to the paint.
• Coloured PPF is around 180 microns thick — more than twice as thick. It is a full protective film, so as well as changing the colour it protects the paint from stone chips just like clear PPF does.

Vinyl film changes how the car looks. Coloured PPF changes how it looks and also protects the paint from stone chips.

Both films can be removed, leaving the original paint underneath. We explained how to do that without damage in our guide how to remove a car wrap.

When to choose coloured PPF and when vinyl

There is no single answer for everyone. Coloured PPF makes the most sense when:

• you do a lot of motorway and long-distance driving, where chips on the bonnet and bumper happen most often,
• you have a new or valuable car and want to keep the original paint in the best possible condition,
• you want to change the colour but do not want to give up the protection PPF provides.

Vinyl film is enough if you mainly care about the look and drive gently, mostly over shorter distances. We describe colour change with vinyl film on our colour change in Berlin page.

It is also worth asking about the available colours and finishes. Coloured PPF is a new product, so before you decide, check which shades can be ordered today.

What applying coloured PPF involves

In terms of workmanship, coloured PPF is no less demanding than clear film — it needs the same care, often even more, because this time the film is visible.

1. Consultation and inspection. We agree on the colour and coverage and check the condition of the paint. Coloured film will hide minor discolouration, but it will not level out dents or deep damage — those are worth repairing first.
2. Paint preparation. The car is thoroughly washed and degreased. Any speck of dust under thick film would show, so this is a step that cannot be rushed.
3. Application. We fit the film panel by panel, paying close attention to the edges, because they decide whether the result looks like factory paint.
4. Collection and advice. We hand the car back with instructions on how to care for the film in the first days and afterwards.

Day to day, you wash coloured PPF much like paint: with a gentle shampoo, without harsh chemicals and without brushes that could scratch the surface. You will get detailed advice at collection, because it depends on the finish you choose.

Is coloured PPF a good long-term choice?

If you plan to keep the car for a long time, coloured PPF has one big advantage: the original paint stays underneath, shielded from stone chips for as long as the film is on the car. If one day you want to go back to the factory colour or sell the car, we remove the film and the paint underneath is in the same condition as when you left it. That is the difference compared with a respray, which cannot be undone.

How much does coloured PPF cost?

The price depends on the size of the car, the coverage (whole car or selected panels) and the film chosen, so we quote coloured PPF individually. Prices for clear PPF for typical coverage options are in our price list, and service details on the PPF paint protection film in Berlin page.

Wondering whether coloured PPF makes sense for your car? Call us: 0162 7073049 — Krzysiek will advise whether coloured protective film or a classic vinyl colour change will work better.