Frequently Asked Questions: The Ultimate Guide to Vehicle Protection

What is the difference between a Car Wrap and Paint Protection Film (PPF)?

While both involve applying a film to your vehicle, their purposes differ. A Car Wrap is primarily for aesthetics, allowing you to change your vehicle's color or add custom textures like carbon fiber or brushed metal. Paint Protection Film (PPF), often called a Clear Bra, is a much thicker, specialized polyurethane barrier designed specifically to absorb impacts from rocks, prevent scratches, and resist chemical stains.

What is "Stealth" or Matte PPF?

Stealth PPF (also known as Matte PPF) is the best of both worlds. It provides the heavy-duty protection of a Clear Bra but has a satin finish that transforms your factory gloss paint into a sleek, "frozen" look. This is the premier choice for Mercedes-AMG or G-Wagon owners who want a custom aesthetic without the extreme difficulty of maintaining actual matte paint.

How much does professional PPF or a Car Wrap cost?

Pricing at The Wrench Shack (about us) is tiered to fit your goals. While custom quotes depend on vehicle size and material:

• Partial Front-End Clear Bra: Starts at $899.

• Full Front-End Protection: Starts at $1,599.

• Full Vehicle Color Change Wraps: Start at $2,599.

• Full Vehicle "Ultimate Armor" PPF: Starts at $3,999.

How long does the installation take?

We prioritize precision over speed. A Partial Front-End can often be completed in 1 business day. A Full Front-End typically takes 1–2 days, while a Full Vehicle PPF or Color Change Wrap requires 3–5 business days. This allows time for our "tucked edge" technique and the necessary curing period to ensure no lifting or bubbling occurs.

What are the best brands for vehicle protection?

We only utilize industry-leading, warranty-backed materials. For PPF and Stealth finishes, we trust Xpel and Rayno for their superior self-healing properties and 10-year guarantees. For Vinyl Color Change Wraps, we use 3M 2080 Series and Avery Dennison SW900 for their world-class finish and clean removability.

Will a wrap or PPF damage my factory paint?

Actually, the opposite is true. Both films act as a sacrificial layer that protects your paint from UV fading and minor abrasions. When it’s time to sell or trade in your vehicle, the film can be professionally removed to reveal pristine, "like-new" paint underneath, significantly increasing your resale value.

Can I wash my car normally after the installation?

Yes, but we recommend waiting 7 days after installation to allow the adhesive to fully cure. After that, you can wash it normally. For the longest lifespan, we suggest hand-washing with pH-neutral soap and avoiding high-pressure nozzles near the film's edges.