Guide · Compare
PPF vs vinyl wrap
Paint protection film is a thick urethane film made to stop stone chips. A vinyl wrap is a thinner colour film made to change how the car looks, which we fit for partial wraps and accents such as roofs, bonnets and mirrors. If you want protection, choose PPF; for a full colour change, colour PPF changes the colour and protects the paint at the same time.
- From 115 Google reviews
- 5.0★
- Combined experience
- 30+ yrs
- Cars through the studio
- 1,000+
- Studio with 6 lit bays
- 800+ m²
In short
- PPF stops stone chips. Vinyl is mainly for looks.
- Vinyl has the widest choice of colours and finishes, fitted on roofs, bonnets, mirrors and accents.
- Colour PPF changes the colour and protects the paint.
- Full colour change from $7,850 in colour PPF; clear gloss PPF from $5,500 for a full car.
Three films, not two
Clear PPF keeps your colour and protects it. We fit Defcon Glanz in gloss and Defcon Frozen in satin: about 190 microns of aliphatic TPU with a self-healing top coat.
Colour PPF is protective film made in a colour. It changes how the car looks and takes the stone chips at the same time. We fit Defcon Spectra and Inozetek Dynamic PPF.
Vinyl is a thinner colour film made for looks, which we fit for partial wraps and accents rather than a full colour change. We fit Inozetek Super Gloss, 3M, Arlon and Avery Dennison.
Side by side
How the three compare. Full-car prices are starting prices including GST; we fit vinyl for partial wraps and accents.
| Clear PPF | Colour PPF | Vinyl wrap | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | Clear urethane film, about 190 microns | Protective film in a colour | Thinner colour film made for looks |
| Stone chips | Takes the hit instead of the paint | Takes the hit instead of the paint | Far less impact protection |
| Look | Keeps your colour, in gloss or satin | A new colour | A new finish on a roof, bonnet, mirrors or accents |
| Choice of colours | Your car’s own colour | The film makers’ ranges | The widest range |
| Full car from | $5,500 | $7,850 | Partial wraps only |
| Time in the studio | 5–7 working days | 5–7 working days, after 1–2 weeks for the film to arrive | 2–3 working days for a partial wrap |
| Warranty | Ten years on Defcon Glanz and Frozen, registered on e-Warranty | 6 to 10 years depending on brand, registered on e-Warranty | Depends on the film; we explain it with your quote |
Defcon figures from Defcon Films Australia. Full prices on our pricing page.
Protection: where PPF wins
PPF is thick and soft enough to absorb a stone that would chip paint. Light scratches in its top coat close up with heat, and if a panel is badly marked, its film can be replaced on its own.
Vinyl gives far less impact protection. It is made to change the look, not to take stones, so if chips are the worry, choose clear or colour PPF.
Looks and price: where vinyl wins
Vinyl comes in the widest range: gloss, satin, matte and metallic, in more colours than any protective film. Inozetek Super Gloss is made to look like deep gloss paint.
It also costs less. We fit vinyl for partial wraps and accents — a roof, mirrors, a bonnet, chrome delete or badge blackouts — each taking 2–3 working days. For a full colour change, see colour PPF, and for partial jobs vinyl wrapping.
Colour PPF: both at once
Colour PPF changes the colour without a respray and protects the paint like clear film. It costs more than vinyl, from $7,850 for a full car, and the film is ordered for each car, which takes about 1–2 weeks before we start.
Our work includes a Zeekr 7X, a LandCruiser 78 Troop Carrier, a RAM 2500 and a two-tone Mercedes-Maybach S 580 in colour PPF. See colour PPF.
Which one suits you
A simple way to decide:
- Clear PPF if you like the colour and want the paint kept free of chips.
- Vinyl if you want a new look for less, or a roof, mirrors or chrome delete, and chips are not the main worry.
- Colour PPF if you want a new colour and protection.
- You can also mix them, for example a vinyl roof with clear PPF on the front end.
What happens to the paint underneath
All three are laid over the factory paint, which stays underneath. On sound factory paint, the film can be removed later. Resprayed or damaged paint is a risk with any film, so we check the paint before we start and tell you what we find.
Reviews
What our customers say
★★★★★
Honestly can’t thank the whole team at MAS Project enough, they have completely changed the look of my troopy with every single little detail being accounted for. From the day dropping the car off to picking it up we stayed in touch with all updates and ideas giving the feeling of having complete trust it was in good hands. The quality of work they do is absolutely unreal, HIGHLY recommend!
Jayden R. · Toyota LandCruiser Troopy, colour PPF · Google review
★★★★★
I found MAS Project online and also a work mate told me he has done his car there and it was great. I decided to give it a go and went there to get to know more about their product options and outcome. [My first contact person] was nothing but amazing with her customer service, very patient and explain the details of everything, I also had [the owner] who took his time and put some samples in my car to help me with my decision. … So, bottom of story, these guys cared about me, treated me very special, even though they were fully booked. Couldn’t be happier enough and the final product is to die for!
Rhoger B. · Google review
★★★★★
Really nice experience. Professional PPF and window tint for my brand new Tesla. Various options on stunning colors. Cannot describe how surprised when seeing the special and perfect wrapping. Highly recommended to anyone looking for car warping and tint.
Ian L. · PPF and window tint, new Tesla · Google review
Is PPF better than a vinyl wrap?
For protection, yes: PPF is made to stop stone chips and vinyl is not. For choice of colour and a lower price, vinyl.
Is colour PPF the same as a wrap?
It changes the colour like a wrap, but it is protective film, so it stops chips as well. It costs more than vinyl, and the film is ordered for each car.
How much is a full colour change?
In colour PPF, from $7,850 for a full car, including GST. For vinyl we fit partial wraps and accents rather than a full colour change.
Which lasts longer?
Defcon Glanz and Frozen carry a ten-year manufacturer warranty, and colour PPF 6 to 10 years depending on brand. For vinyl it depends on the film, and we explain it with your quote.
Will a wrap or film damage my paint?
On sound factory paint, no. Resprayed or damaged paint is a risk with any film, so we check it before we start.
Can I see the films first?
Yes. Come to the studio to see film on real cars. For clear gloss and clear satin PPF, we can also fit a small sample on your car.
Last reviewed 26 October 2026 by the MAS Project team.
Ask us which film suits your car
Tell us the car and what you are after. We reply with a quote within 24–48 hours.
2/38 Sarich Court, Osborne Park
Mon–Fri 9:30am–5:30pm · Sat 9:30am–3:00pm