Every protection option answers a different question. Paint protection film asks how to stop the paint being damaged. Ceramic sealing asks how to make it easier to keep and slower to age. A wrap asks how to change the way the car looks. Often the right answer is a combination, applied in the right order.
Paint protection film (PPF)
PPF is an invisible, transparent film made of TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer), currently the most advanced solution for protecting paintwork and other vehicle components. At INCUTE the film is computer-cut to the parts it protects and applied for a precise fit, which removes the otherwise risky cutting on the car itself and prevents damage to the paint during installation.
The film is self-healing: it recovers from the surface scratches and swirl marks that come from routine washing. Scratches that penetrate the film will not heal. The manufacturer gives a five-year warranty against cracking, flaking, discolouration and clouding, plus a one-year installation warranty.
Coverage runs from the front bumper, headlights and mirrors (Level 1) through full front protection (Level 2, the most popular option for drivers who use their car as the manufacturer intended) to the complete vehicle (Level 3) or a fully custom design (Level 4). See PPF at INCUTE for every level and its rate.
Ceramic sealing
A paint sealant is a protective layer between the clear coat and everything the road and the weather throw at it: tree resin, rust film, tar, UV radiation and road salt. There are three types. Carnauba wax lasts up to six months. Polymer or nano sealing lasts up to twelve. Glass-ceramic sealing forms a chemical bond with the paint instead of lying on top of it, which makes it the strongest sealant: up to 36 months or 50,000 km, and up to 70,000 km when several layers are applied.
Ceramic sealing is not suitable for older coatings or generally for single-coat finishes, and it is elaborate to remove. For customers who want maximum protection but no film, it is the best choice. Details and rates are on the ceramic coating and sealing page.
Wraps and carbon foils
A wrap gives the car an individual look and protects the factory paint underneath. It can be removed again without damage, and it costs significantly less than a comparable paint job. Finishes include matte, satin, gloss, metallic, chrome and carbon, and you do not have to wrap the whole car: a bonnet, roof, mirrors or racing stripes are enough for a strong accent. See car wrapping and carbon foil.
Side by side
| PPF | Ceramic sealing | Wrap | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main job | Protects against stone chips, scratches and scrapes | Protects against UV, road salt, tar and resin; easy to clean | Changes colour or finish; shields the factory paint |
| Rate at INCUTE | CHF 220 per hour, incl. VAT | CHF 160 (wax), 170 (nano) or 180 (ceramic) per hour | CHF 200, 240 or 300 per hour by level |
| How long it lasts | Five-year manufacturer warranty | Up to 6, 12 or 36 months by type | Removable without damage |
How they work together
Detailing comes first. After a detailing level, the car is ready for sealing or a PPF package, and after Level 5 we recommend sealing and/or film. The two are not mutually exclusive: a car with film applied can be washed and sealed as if the film were not there.
Which one should you choose?
- You drive the car and want stone-chip protection. Start with PPF Level 2, front protection.
- You want maximum protection but no film. Choose ceramic sealing, Level 3.
- You want a new look. Choose a wrap or carbon foil, for the whole car or selected parts.
- You are not sure. We advise free of charge and without obligation. Request advice and tell us the car and how you use it.
