Three finishes, the same protection
Paint protection film (PPF) comes in more than one look. Clear gloss is the most common: once it's on, it is hard to see, and the paint often looks a little deeper. Matte, also sold as satin, takes the shine down to a soft sheen. Colour PPF changes the colour of the car while it protects. All three are polyurethane (TPU) film, so the protection against stone chips and light scratches comes from the film, whichever finish you pick. New to PPF? Start with what PPF is.
An illustration of how each finish looks in the light, not a photo.
Clear gloss: the factory look
Choose clear gloss if you like your car's colour and want it kept as it is. It suits every paint colour, and on dark cars it keeps the depth of the paint. It is also the easiest to live with: it washes like paint, and many owners add a ceramic coating on top to make washing easier.
Matte or satin: a new look on the same paint
Matte film turns gloss paint into a satin finish while it protects it. It is also the film to use on a car that left the factory with matte paint, because clear gloss film would make it shiny. As Dr. Beasley's puts it, writing about XPEL's matte film, it can protect a matte painted car or change a glossy car into a matte one.
Matte and satin films listed on Garagat include STEK C-Clear Matte, 3M 200 Matte, Ultraguard Satin Infinity and STEK ForceShield in a full-body matte package.
Colour PPF: a new colour that also protects
Colour PPF changes the colour and protects at the same time, with the same thick TPU as clear film. It is often compared with a vinyl car wrap, but the two are different materials. In Ceramic Pro's comparison, colour PPF is typically 7–9 mil thick (about 175–230 microns) and a vinyl wrap with laminate 3–4 mil (about 75–100 microns). Vinyl doesn't absorb impacts the way TPU does, and it won't self-heal.
| Colour PPF | Vinyl wrap | |
|---|---|---|
| Material | TPU, like clear PPF | PVC (vinyl) |
| Typical thickness | 7–9 mil (≈ 175–230 µm) | 3–4 mil with laminate (≈ 75–100 µm) |
| Stone chips | Absorbs impacts | Light cosmetic shield only |
| Self-healing | Yes, for light swirls | No |
| Typical life | Commonly 5–10 years | Typically 2–5 years |
| Choice of looks | Gloss, matte and a growing range of solid, metallic and satin colours | Almost endless: gloss, satin, matte, colour-shift, metallic, brushed, carbon and custom prints |
On Garagat, colour PPF is listed by Carzilla Car Care (Onyx, Carbins, STEK and Hexis), High Touch Auto Care (VZN Color PPF), Ceramic Pro (SHIFT colour-shift film) and Detail Empire (Ultraguard Custom Design, including carbon-fibre and chrome looks).
Which finishes Dubai garages offer on Garagat
Every garage fitting PPF on Garagat lists clear gloss film. Matte is common; colour PPF is offered by fewer garages:
From the PPF listings' names and options on Garagat, 12 Nov 2026. A garage counts once for each finish it lists.
How to choose your finish
- Start from your paintFactory matte paint needs matte film. Gloss paint can take any finish.
- Pick the look you'll live withGloss keeps the factory look, matte turns it satin, colour changes it.
- Think about how you washMatte needs matte-safe products, and no wax, polish or clay.
- Check the warranty for that finishOn Garagat, Ultraguard Satin Infinity is listed at 10 years and Ultraguard colour and chrome films at 8.
- See it in daylightAsk for a sample on a panel of your colour, or photos of cars the garage has done in that finish.
Caring for matte film
Do
- Use a shampoo made for matte finishes.
- Rinse sand off before you touch the film.
- Remove droppings and bugs the same day.
- Pat dry with a clean microfibre towel.
Don't
- Wax, polish or clay it.
- Use shine sprays or coatings made for gloss paint.
- Scrub with rough brushes or a dry cloth.
- Pressure-wash the film edges up close.
Questions drivers ask
Is matte PPF good?
Yes, if you like the satin look. Matte film protects like clear film and is the one to use on cars with factory matte paint. It needs matte-safe products, and it shouldn't be waxed, polished or clayed.
Is colour PPF better than a car wrap?
For protection, yes: colour PPF is typically 7–9 mil of TPU, against 3–4 mil for a vinyl wrap, and it self-heals light swirls. A vinyl wrap offers far more looks and suits a style you may change again.
Do I need approval to change my car's colour in Dubai?
Yes. In Dubai you apply for a colour change request with Dubai Police, through its Change Vehicle Colour service. Ask the garage before you book.
Can I remove colour PPF later?
Yes. Garages on Garagat list PPF removal as a service, including cleaning off the adhesive. Have it done by a professional so the paint underneath isn't damaged.
Sources
- Is Color PPF or Fashion Film Different from Vinyl Wraps?, Ceramic Pro, 9 Sep 2025
- Want to change the colour of your car? These are the procedures to follow in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Gulf News, 12 Sep 2022
- XPEL Stealth & Dr. Beasley's, Dr. Beasley's, 24 Oct 2016
Compare trusted garages for this service, then see your exact price and book in the Garagat app.
