This article originally appeared in the February 2026 issue of THE SHOP magazine.
With growing appeal to a wider customer base and a strong reputation of performing as advertised, paint protection film (PPF) has established itself as a favored aftermarket upgrade. The need for professional installation and the ability to scale to fit any project type provide shops consistent business opportunities and an offering that can stretch beyond typical automotive boundaries.
Color options, selectable finishes and performance upgrades deliver added versatility for creative shops looking to maximize PPF and attract new clients. Meanwhile, dealer programs and related support from suppliers improve sales and installations for more happy customers.
For shops considering adding PPF services, suppliers are here with advice on market trends, sales techniques and the latest product offerings
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
When shops choose to add paint protection film sales and installation to their list of services, they quickly find a wide, enthusiastic customer base.
“The most compelling reason for optimism is the mainstreaming of PPF as a standard investment—not just for high-end luxury vehicles, but for everyday drivers,” says Brittany Folino, Senior Product Manager, Automotive, for Avery Dennison Graphics Solutions, citing two key trends:
- Increased Consumer Education: “Social media and digital content have demystified PPF. Consumers now understand the value proposition: PPF is an insurance policy that significantly preserves their vehicle’s finish and maximizes resale value, especially as vehicle transaction prices continue to climb.”
- The Rise of Color PPF: “The introduction of products like our Neo Matte Black PPF and the forthcoming PrismaPro Dry-Apply Color PPF (previewed at SEMA 2025) allows shops to capture the high-margin color change market while offering the superior protection of PPF. This dual-purpose film opens up new revenue streams beyond traditional clear protection.”
Consumer familiarity and a reputation for performing as advertised are boosting the PPF market.
“As paint protection films continue to gain global popularity, heightened customer awareness of their advantages has significantly strengthened the market,” says Alex Sikorski, CEO of Premium Tech Coating Inc. “The introduction of color PPF, along with distinct benefits such as self-healing capabilities, hydrophobic performance and resistance to yellowing, is poised to capture a portion of the traditional vinyl wrap market, ultimately driving more consumers toward professional PPF service providers.”
More drivers are seeking out paint protection film for a wider range of projects, says Kevin De Silva, customer experience and merchandising marketer for 3M.
“Consumer awareness of PPF has expanded significantly, driven by a growing focus on vehicle preservation, rising new car prices and increased visibility of premium aftermarket services. This creates a sustained demand curve that benefits shops offering high-quality installations,” he says. “The combination of growing consumer demand, improved business support tools and strong brand alignment positions professional installers and managed shops for continued opportunity.”
Current car buying trends are making paint protection films more desirable to more drivers, says Julie Childress, channel marketing manager for Eastman Performance Films.
“Consumers have a growing interest in preserving the resale value of their vehicles. This is helping to drive PPF adoption beyond luxury buyers into more mainstream markets,” she notes. “As owners keep vehicles longer and advanced paint finishes become more expensive to repair, PPF is starting to shift from a niche upsell into more of a necessary service. That creates recurring revenue, higher average ticket jobs and cross-sell opportunities for shops that invest in training and quality installations.”
Various appearance and protection offerings allow professionals to tailor solutions for individual projects, says Bradley View, auto market manager – NAM for Solar Gard Saint-Gobain.
“The advancements in PPF technology and the growing variety of options are major reasons for optimism,” he says. “Base PPF products keep improving, and with the rise of color PPF and other innovations, shops can now offer more customization and value than ever before.”
MAKE IT STICK
Manufacturers are working hard to create and update premium PPF films that are easier to install on complex vehicle contours, avoiding high labor costs and material waste, says Folino. Specialized training then helps shops maximize efficiency.
“Many shops believe that for a film to offer extended durability (such as 5-, 7- or 10-year durability), it must be stiff and non-conforming, slowing down the installation process, especially on parts like mirrors and bumpers,” she notes.
As PPF’s visibility grows with consumers, shops will see more customers with higher expectations. Education and a team approach will help ensure clients get the product they want and more.
“Drivers expect the film will not only protect the underlying surface but also withstand everything the environment throws at it, from high-speed gravel to everyday abuse,” says View. “They often overlook the needed upkeep of the product. While inherently very durable, paint protection film still requires maintenance to preserve its high-gloss appearance and other beneficial properties like hydrophobicity. It’s critical that installing dealers are honest about the product’s capabilities and ensure customer expectations are clearly addressed.”
Creative uses, meanwhile, are expanding the market.
“PPF provides meaningful benefits to a wide range of automobiles, boats and other assets, as owners increasingly seek long-term protection, preservation of resale value and avoidance of potential lease-return penalties,” says Sikorski. “Another concern arises when the advantages of PPF are overstated—the material is neither indestructible nor completely invisible, and it is important to acknowledge that film removal may pose a risk of paint damage, particularly on vehicles that have undergone repainting.”
Once introduced, knowledgeable consumers recognize the value of a quality product, says De Silva.
“While customers often begin their research focused on price or general features, the reality is that PPF varies significantly in terms of durability, clarity, warranty strength, installation consistency and long-term performance. These differences become especially visible after installation—when quality truly matters,” he says. “Brand recognition also plays a much larger role than some shops initially assume. PPF buyers, especially those protecting higher value vehicles, place real weight on the trust and credibility behind the film being installed. When shops align their services with a recognized, reputable brand, they gain more than a product—they gain a differentiator that helps convert inquiries into sales and reinforces the overall customer experience.”
Proud vehicle owners understand the product offers real benefits.
“PPF delivers value for daily-driven vehicles, protecting existing paint, hiding minor imperfections and reducing future repair costs,” says Childress. “Many clients assume PPF is too expensive for older cars. But targeted applications (hood, fenders, mirrors) provide cost-effective protection and offer strong ROI for buyers who plan to keep their vehicle or want to maximize resale value.”
MAKE IT A DOUBLE
A targeted, organized approach supported by suppliers can help businesses quickly become the local paint protection film expert.
“One of the most effective ways for shops to increase their PPF-related sales is to strengthen the overall customer experience from the moment a client walks in or reaches out online. Clear communication, professional presentation and visible credibility all contribute to higher conversion rates,” say De Silva, highlighting the 3M Pro Shop program as an example.
The program, he says, is designed to support shops not only with advanced products, such as 3M Paint Protection Film Series 100, but also with structured business resources that help shops grow more efficiently, including lead generation support; product quality, trust and recognition; and available training programs that give customers confidence they are working with technicians who meet defined quality standards.
When seeking increased sales, professionals can leverage the versatility of dual-purpose films to capture the high-margin color-change market, says Folino from Avery Dennison.
“Shops should proactively market colored PPF as the ultimate two-in-one package. Pitch it to clients who are considering a wrap for a new aesthetic or clients who simply want protection but are open to a unique look,” she explains. “By offering a dynamic color, like our Neo Matte Black, that simultaneously provides extended durability, self-healing and rock chip defense, the shop immediately justifies a higher price point than a standard clear PPF job. This moves the service from a functional purchase to an aspirational, premium upgrade, attracting a new, higher-spending segment of the market.”
When it’s time to connect with customers, View suggests starting online.
“The overarching theme is to invest in your digital presence,” he says. “Two key actions are to adopt a CRM to manage leads and reviews effectively and then showcase your work on social media by posting new projects regularly. When customers research installers, they look for reviews, examples of past work and how popular a shop is. They want to know if they should make this investment through you.”
He also highlights Solar Gard Wiz, the Tint Wiz platform customized for Solar Gard partners that offers several canned proposals/Solar Gard content to help dealers get started, with tools that help streamline operations, enhance professionalism during the sales process and automate tasks like review follow-ups.
Once aware of the product and its benefits, many consumers are immediately interested in PPF offerings, says Childress from Eastman Performance Films, so it’s up to shops to create an enticing visual package that properly introduces the product.
“If your current customers haven’t tried paint protection film yet, start by bundling simple, entry-level options like door edge guards or cups with another service. It’s a low-risk way to showcase PPF’s advantages and get them comfortable with the product,” she says. “Use social media and targeted online marketing to reach a new audience by showing—not just telling—what your shop can do. Focus on posts with before-and-after photos, short installation time-lapses or behind-the-scenes clips that highlight your technician’s skill. If you have a customer with a real-world protection example, ask to share it. We had a great story not long ago of a driver who hit a deer, and when the shop peeled the film off, the paint underneath was perfect. Those are great examples that build proof points and drive bookings.”
Once established, you can then also look outside the traditional automotive market to increase business, says Sikorski from Premium Tech Coating Inc.
“Broaden your market reach by extending PPF installation beyond automotive applications. There is growing demand for paint protection films in residential and commercial settings, with homeowners increasingly requesting PPF for countertops, outdoor barbecue areas, boats and various types of equipment,” he says. “Expanding your advertising efforts to encompass these sectors can significantly enhance business opportunities.”
PAINT PROTECTION FILMS
HOT PRODUCT: 3M Paint Protection Film Series 100
FEATURES & BENEFITS: Engineered for efficient installation, long-term clarity and reliable self-healing performance; designed to handle predictably during stretching, alignment and squeegeeing, helping reduce install time and variability between technicians; optical clarity.
3M
Kevin De Silva
Customer Experience and Merchandising Marketer
HOT PRODUCT: Supreme Defense Gloss Paint Protection Film
FEATURES & BENEFITS: Our flagship clear film, trusted by installers for its balance of ease of use and long-term durability; delivers performance driven by science with an advanced self-healing topcoat and superior hydrophobicity; backed by a 10-year limited warranty.
Avery Dennison Graphics Solutions
Brittany Folino
Senior Product Manager, Automotive
HOT PRODUCTS: LLumar Platinum Bond & Suntek Ultra Tack
FEATURES & BENEFITS: Easier to install after recent formulation updates have enhanced stretch and tack; material conforms more easily to complex curves and holds position better during application, allowing technicians to work faster and make fewer adjustments.
Eastman Performance Films
Julie Childress
Channel Marketing Manager
HOT PRODUCT: Clear PPF
FEATURES & BENEFITS: Engineered for superior workability, offering robust edge adhesion and reliable performance across demanding curves while maintaining optical clarity; suitable for use within the yacht and small-vessel sectors; 10-year warranty.
Premium Tech Coating Inc.
Alex Sikorski
CEO
HOT PRODUCT: CLEARSHIELD Pro ACTIV PPF
FEATURES & BENEFITS: Twelve-year warranty; instant self-healing capability that activates when a scratch occurs; installer-friendly adhesive; experienced sales and technical service team; related products including Gloss Black and Matte PPF options and windshield protection film.
Solar Gard Saint-Gobain
Bradley View
Auto Market Manager – NAM