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By Mike Burke, Sun Stoppers Window Tinting
Over the past few years, the paint protection film (PPF) market has transformed from a niche upsell into a mainstream necessity. Between rising vehicle costs, smarter consumers, and rapid innovation from manufacturers, this segment of our industry is experiencing real momentum—and it’s only gaining speed.
Protection Is Now Seen as an Investment
Vehicle prices continue to climb, and customers today think differently about protecting what they own. The average new car now costs more than many people’s first homes did, and owners don’t want rock chips, oxidation, or salt damage taking a toll on their investment. PPF is no longer a vanity purchase—it’s peace of mind. Consumers understand that film helps prevent paint damage, keeps vehicles cleaner longer, and makes maintenance easier, especially during winter months when snow, sand, and salt wreak havoc on exposed surfaces. Every winter, we see a spike in installs for exactly that reason. Drivers are preparing for harsh conditions, and they know film makes cleanup easier and protection longer-lasting.
EVs and Design Trends Are Fueling Growth
Electric vehicles have accelerated demand for PPF. EVs feature smoother, more painted front ends with minimal grilles or vents—great for aerodynamics, but terrible for paint protection. Cars like Teslas, Rivians, and Lucids expose huge surface areas to road debris. Owners are learning quickly that protecting those panels isn’t optional. The same applies to luxury and performance models with low, aggressive designs—they’re magnets for chips and scratches. In short: the more painted surface, the greater the opportunity for protection.
Style Meets Substance: Colored and Stealth PPF
Today’s PPF market isn’t just about defense—it’s about design. We’re seeing incredible growth in colored, black, and satin (stealth) films that transform the look of a car while still delivering the same self-healing protection. That crossover between aesthetics and functionality has opened the door to new customer segments—those who might’ve gone for a vinyl wrap in the past are now choosing PPF for its durability and finish quality. It’s an exciting shift because it moves our industry beyond simple protection and into personalization.
Better Films, Smarter Shops
Manufacturers have raised the bar across the board. Whether it’s XPEL, STEK, 3M, or others, modern PPFs are clearer, easier to install, and more durable than ever before. Topcoats now resist stains and scratches, and hydrophobic layers make cleaning effortless. But as materials improve, shop operations must evolve too. Rents, insurance, and labor costs are all climbing, forcing many larger shops to downsize into more efficient, specialized facilities. Smaller teams with better training, smarter scheduling, and stronger marketing are outperforming bigger, slower operations. Margins are tightening—but efficiency is winning.
Surface Protection Is Expanding Beyond Automotive
One of the most exciting developments is how quickly PPF is branching out. We’re seeing it applied to boats, motorcycles, ATVs, RVs, and even home surfaces like countertops and stainless appliances. The mindset is changing. Consumers aren’t just protecting vehicles—they’re protecting everything they value. That expansion represents a huge growth opportunity for shops willing to diversify and adapt.
Where the Market Is Headed
Window tinting has been mainstream for decades, and the cost of entry made it easy for almost anyone to get started. Paint protection film, on the other hand, has always required more skill, space, and investment. But that gap is closing. As training programs grow, installation tools improve, and consumer awareness expands, more shops are realizing that PPF can be a profit center, not a side service. The truth is, we’re watching this market mature in real time. The customers are smarter, the products are better, and the opportunities are wider than ever.
Final Thoughts
The biggest shift I see is in consumer mindset—protection isn’t an upsell anymore; it’s an expectation. For shop owners, that means it’s not just about if you offer PPF, but how well you do it. The winners in the next five years will be the ones who focus on quality, education, and customer experience—because customers now understand the difference. And that’s good news for all of us.
Mike Burke is the CEO and founder of Sun Stoppers Window Tinting, with over 36 years of experience in the film industry.
