Frequently Asked Questions

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PPF is a clear, multilayer durable polyurethane film applied to your vehicle’s paint to protect it from rock chips, scratches, stains, and environmental damage. It preserves your car's appearance and maintains its resale value. 

Vinyl wraps are primarily used for aesthetic purposes, offering an extensive variety of colors and finishes to customize your vehicle’s appearance at a more affordable price. In contrast, PPF (Paint Protection Film) is a thicker, multi-layer polyurethane film originally developed for military applications. It is designed for protection, providing physical defense against rock chips, scratches, and other surface damage, with the added benefit of self-healing properties. PPF is available in a wide range of colors and finishes, including gloss, satin, and matte, allowing it to serve both protective and aesthetic purposes. While PPF generally costs more than vinyl due to its superior protection capabilities, it offers long-term value by preserving your vehicle’s paint and minimizing the risk of damage. Come by our shop for a free consultation and to view our vinyl and PPF swatch books or call or text us with any questions.

PPF typically lasts between 5 to 10 years, depending on the type of film and how well it’s maintained. For clear PPF we use XPEL Ultimate Plus for clear gloss PPF, and XPEL Stealth for clear matte PPF and they both come with a 10-year manufacturer warranty and our lifetime installation guarantee.

Yes, PPF can be applied to both new and used cars. We begin with a thorough wash, decontamination, clay bar treatment (iron removal), and minor paint correction before installation to ensure the best results.

When installed and removed properly, with the right techniques, PPF will not damage your car's finish. High-quality PPF brands, such as XPEL, are designed with adhesive that is safe for your car’s paint, and the film can be safely removed without leaving residue or damaging the surface. However, low-quality PPF or improper installation could potentially cause issues, such as adhesive residue or difficulty during removal, especially if the film has been on for a long time.

It depends on what you're looking for. PPF is ideal for protecting your vehicle from physical damage, such as rock chips, scratches, and abrasions. It’s thicker and more durable, making it the best choice for safeguarding your car’s paint from everyday wear and tear. On the other hand, ceramic coating offers protection against contaminants like dirt, water, and stains, making it easier to clean your vehicle and maintain its shine. It also provides a hydrophobic layer that repels water, but it doesn’t offer the same physical protection as PPF.

No, you don’t necessarily need both. However, as each offers different types of protection and work exceptionally well together, we often bundle the two. PPF provides physical defense against rock chips, scratches, and abrasions, while ceramic coating, a liquid polymer, creates a hydrophobic layer that makes it easier to clean your vehicle and protects against contaminants.  When applied on top of PPF, ceramic coating enhances the protection by adding an additional layer of defense, making the PPF last longer and keeping your vehicle’s surface looking cleaner and shinier for a longer period. Combining PPF and ceramic coating creates the ultimate protection, offering both physical defense and enhanced cleanliness with easy maintenance. 

Ceramic coating is a liquid polymer applied to your vehicle’s exterior that bonds with the paint to form a protective layer. This layer provides a durable shield against dirt, water, UV rays, bird droppings, road grime, and more, making it easier to maintain the cleanliness and appearance of your vehicle.  While the core function is the same, to provide long-lasting protection, the formulations of ceramic coatings can vary with some designed specifically for paint, while others are tailored for PPF or vinyl, wheels, trim, glass, or exterior plastics. Different formulations offer specialized protection based on the material they’re intended for, ensuring your entire vehicle is shielded from the elements. When you choose Alset Auto for your ceramic coating, we ensure the right formulation is applied to each area of your vehicle for optimal protection. 

Depending on the type of coating and your maintenance routine, ceramic coatings can last anywhere from months to years. We offer both 1-year and 8-year ceramic coatings. The 1-year option is perfect for those looking for a shorter-term solution or wanting to try ceramic coating before committing long-term. The 8-year coating provides greater value, lasting longer with less maintenance and offering superior protection for your vehicle. 

High-quality PPF s designed to resist yellowing or discoloration. However, improper care or exposure to extreme conditions might affect the appearance over time. For clear PPF we use XPEL Ultimate Plus for clear gloss PPF, and XPEL Stealth for clear matte PPF and they both come with a 10-year manufacturer warranty against yellowing.

To keep your PPF in great condition, wash your vehicle regularly with a gentle, pH-balanced car soap. When drying, use a soft microfiber towel to avoid scratches. Be cautious when using high-pressure washers, especially near the edges, as this can cause the film to lift over time. If contaminants like bird droppings, tree sap, or bugs occur, remove them quickly with a gentle cleaner to prevent damage. Ceramic coating can help make contaminants easier to remove by adding a hydrophobic layer that repels water and dirt. Lastly, avoid using abrasive cleaners or tools such as automatic car washes, that could scratch or damage the film. Proper care will ensure that your PPF continues to protect and maintain the appearance of your vehicle for years.

We understand that your time is valuable, so here’s an overview of the typical timeframes for our services:

• Vinyl Wraps: Approximately 2 business days for most installations.
   
• Ceramic Coating: Typically takes 2 business days for application and curing.
   
• Full PPF Installation (with Complimentary Ceramic Coating): This process takes 2-4 business days depending on the size and complexity of your vehicle.
   
• Special Color Selection Film Orders: These typically take 1-2 weeks to arrive after deposit, depending on availability and customs (import).
   

Located Near Vancouver Airport YVR
Many of our customers choose to have their vehicle services completed while traveling. Simply park your vehicle with us, and by the time you return from your trip, you’ll have a custom protected ride, freshly coated, tinted or newly wrapped with paint protection film.

The cost of PPF installation varies based on factors like the size of your vehicle, the amount of coverage, and the type and brand of PPF chosen. Certain colors and finishes may cost more than others. Other factors include the amount of detail such as edge wrapping. Generally, full car coverage starts at $4,800. Come by our shop for a free consultation and to view our swatch books or call or text us with any questions.

Yes. While it's possible to install PPF yourself, there is a learning curve to ensure a seamless and bubble-free application if you haven't done it before. Our installers are certified, with extensive experience and many hours of hands-on training. While the process can be challenging, it can also be a rewarding and enjoyable project if you're up for the challenge. We offer both full roll and pre-cut films to suit your needs. Feel free to ask us about the different films available or stop by our shop to browse our swatch books and learn more about your options.

We use XPEL PRIME XR PLUS, a ceramic film that uses advanced nano-ceramic technology to block heat and sunlight with maximum clarity. Ceramic films also last longer and are more durable than dyed and carbon films, making them a better investment in the long run.

Yes, we offer a variety of tint percentages from darkest/ limo tint 5%, 20%, 35%, 55%, to lightest 70%, so you can select the shade that best suits your privacy and aesthetic preferences.

Yes, we occasionally run promotions and offer discounts to our customers. Be sure to check our website or follow us on social media to stay up-to-date on our latest offers.

We accept cash, most credit cards including American Express, and debit cards. We also accept Afterpay and Affirm. Find the prequalification link for Affirm below.