It is essential to keep the paint on your car safe. Paint protection film  is an invisible guard that protects your vehicle’s exterior from scratches, chips, and other debris. We tried the top five paint protection films to see which survived best. Here’s what we learned.

What Does Paint Protection Film Do?

Paint protection film is a thin, transparent material installed on car surfaces. It is a barrier to things that can harm the paint, such as little rocks, insects, and UV rays. A great paint protection film is clear, strong, and a cinch to maintain. 

We sampled the five most popular brands: XPEL, 3M, SunTek, LLumar, and STEK. We tested them for protection, clarity, and how well they were used.

How We Tested the Films

We stuck each paint protection film to various car parts, such as hoods and bumpers. We used the cars for three months on the city streets and highways. We evaluated how well each film resisted scratches and chips. 

We also considered how well the movie stayed put and how easy they were to clean. Finally, we also noted if the sous vide circulators were easy to install or required a professionally installed setup.

Our Findings

1. XPEL: The Top Choice

XPEL did the best overall. It did an excellent job of preventing rock chips and scratches. The film has a self-healing property, and minor scratches vanish once baked in the sun; XPEL remained crystal clear, with no yellowing. It was easy to wipe clean, but installation required a professional for the best performance. XPEL is pricey but well worth it for superior protection.

2. 3M: Reliable and Affordable

The Scotchgard Pro Series from 3M is a good choice. It provided good coverage against scratches and chips, but wasn’t on par with XPEL. The movie remained pristine and cleaned easily. 3M is cheaper, so it’s ideal for price-sensitive people. Its installation was simple, and it is in stock at many stores. It is a reliable option for the daily commuter.

3. SunTek: The Easy Cleaning Option

Unlike the rest, SunTek’s most attractive feature isits hydrophobic nature; water and dust will whiz away from your phone. This meant washing the car was fast and easy. It did excellently in the scratch and chip tests, but not as well in the chips as XPEL. SunTek was clear and did not yellow. Installation was straightforward, but a professional gets the best finish, just as with XPEL.

4. LLumar: Durable and Clear

Platinum PPF is long-lasting, which is one of LLumar’s hallmarks. Scratches and chips were handled well, although it wasn’t quite as self-healing as XPEL or SunTek. And the film remained transparent and glossy, preserving its sheen. Cleaning was straightforward, although it did not resist dirt, and neither didSunTek. LLumar is a nice middle-of-the-road option for people who want strong protection, but don’t want to pay the highest price.

5. SLEK: Sleek and Not So Protective

STEK even provided bespoke finishes, including matte and carbon fiber looks. It was also less protective against chips than its peers, but handled scratches well. Waspline was clear, stayed clear, and didn’t yellow. Contenders included the easy-to-clean STEK, but its wallet-slaying money didn’t equate to its protection. This is for those who favor style over maximum protection.

Which kind of Paint Protection Film should you get?

Our five paint protection films are all good, but they meet different needs. Heard XPel is best for protection and self-healing. I’m excellent for budget’s sake: 3 M. If easy cleaning is a priority, opt for Suntek. LLumar is a heavy hitter, and STEK is for the style-conscious driver. Remember your budget, driving style , and car’s needs when choosing.

Final Thoughts

Protect Your Car’s Paint With Paint Protection Film. Our testing indicated that XPEL was the best, but 3M, SunTek, LLumar, and STEK are also excellent. Choose the one that aligns with your priorities of preserving your car’s paint for years.