Having paint protection film installed, putting custom decals or detailing your car is a big investment and it's understandable that people have questions.
We have tried to answer many of these below but feel free to discuss these with us and ask as many questions as you like!
The film is a multi layer polyurethane film designed to protect the paint with a physical buffer against flying road debris (salt, stones etc.) It is optically clear and has a permanently fluid gel top coat which gives it the the ability to self heal small wounds and scratches. It is very thin (0.2mm).
We refer to our fitments as invisible paint protection because, as much as possible, you can't see it. We wrap the film around panels where feasible so a line can't be seen at all. This isn't always possible on corners where, if you look closely, you will a see a line less than a centimetre. Where it isn't viable to wrap around a panel there will be a line where the film finishes but you will have to look closely for it and is barely visible. Panels covered look no different to those that aren't.
To limit expectations, PPF is not paint! It is clear plastic film over the top of the paint to protect it from stone chips. It is a compromise. Certain colours (very light / white) will show edges more easily when the car is dirty for obvious reasons - dirt is dark, the paint is white! This is not a fault with fitment or film; it is a limtation of the material and process. However this is negated by maintaining the car and the film regularly.
We will work quickly to ship your order as soon as possible. Once your order has shipped, you will receive an email with further information. Delivery times vary depending on your location.
No. We make sure that we modify templates as required before the film is cut. It is too risky to cut film on the car because paintwork can be damaged. Some of the biggest companies still do it but you don't know whether paint is cut until it is removed in some cases. Such damage will require a respray. It should not be done.
Yes, the film can be removed without any damage to the car. We wouldn't recommend that you do this yourself and get a trained installer to do it. This is a timely job and is usually charged by any company.
Older films were criticised for 'yellowing'. The newest generations of films (we use Xpel ultimate-plus, the best on the market at the moment) no longer do this, they are totally unaffected by UV light but they do however pass it. This allows the paint underneath the film to age (fade) at the same rate as the paint that is not covered by the film, so as to prevent differences in paint colour of protected panels vs not protected panels.
Yes. We can use a film appropriate to the paint finish. For example, a matt paint will require a stealth film to ensure that the finish is 'invisible' and the look of the paint remains exactly the same. However, if a panel has been resprayed quite often there are areas of over spray where the film would normally wrap in. This would require extra work to remove the overspray so the film will adhere. Again, please note that edges (where the film can't be wrapped) will be easier to see on white cars. Some people might notice a very minor difference in the appearance of panels which are covered compared to those that aren't. We often have cars in storage that people can see should they have concerns about how it will look on the car.
1. Standard strength/ PH neutral shampoos are recommended; we advise against using high strength chemicals that are typically used in cheap hand car washes as they are very aggressive.
2. We recommend washing regularly to prevent contamination buildup around exposed edges.
3. Avoid pressure washing too close to exposed edges.
4. Waxing is recommended to enhance the gloss finish of the topcoat; it also offers further protection to the film. This can be done as normal.
5. As a wax build up can be unsightly we recommend the use of our specially formulated Jules Sturgess Edge Serum which is available separately or as part of our after care kit. Our kits contains products which, through our experience, are formulated to be most compatible with the film and that we use when preparing the car before and after film.
Please note that edges do gather dirt and this can be noticeable on white / very light cars. It is easy to maintain though and remove just by wiping off with the cleaner we provide.
It is ok to use a pressure washer. However, it is very important to make sure that you do not direct the jet towards the edge of the film at close range.
The Company uses PPF from various manufacturers who give their own guarantees of film life time, resistance to yellowing, cracking, delamination, peeling, bubbling and other manufacturing and material defects which are passed in full to the Owner following the Work.
The Work comes with a 3 year warranty against delamination, peeling and bubbling as a result of any error by the Company in application of the PPF. The Warranty does not cover the penetration or marking of the film subsequent to collection through any cause. The Warranty also does not cover lifting and damage of the material due to post-collection negligence by the Owner in treatment of the PPF. Lifting can occur when using high pressure washers incorrectly and through application of harsh chemicals.
Please note: Jules Sturgess Automotive cannot guarantee the quality of re-sprayed paintwork due to the irregularity of products, workmanship and curing processes. Therefore we cannot accept any liability to damage caused by the removal of paint protection film to re-sprayed paintwork.
It depends on how much you have covered, the complexity of the car, and how many templates are required. Generally, we allow 2 days for a front end coverage and up to a week for a full wrap. Other companies might install quicker but we schedule longer to ensure the fitment is perfect. If it is completed in a shorter time than is scheduled, great, but panels are done until they are faultless; ensuring there is time to do this is better than rushing in our view.
Honestly? At this point, don't get it done!
The key is to do your research and understand the limitations of the film. Shop around and ask various fitters the same questions. It can be taken off if you don't like it but that does take time and is chargeable. You are very welcome to come and talk to us, even with your car so we can explain where you will and won't see the film. We usually have cars with PPF in our storage facility which you can look at.
Please be aware that:
Car detailing is a deep cleaning, restoration, and protection process for your vehicle, both inside and out. Unlike a regular wash, detailing involves specialised tools and products to remove contaminants, restore surfaces, and protect paint, upholstery, and trim. The goal is to make the car look, feel, and even smell as close to new as possible.
A regular car wash mainly removes surface dirt from the exterior. Detailing, on the other hand, goes much further:
• Exterior detailing includes washing, decontaminating (like clay barring), polishing, and applying wax or ceramic coatings.
• Interior detailing involves deep-cleaning carpets, seats, and panels, conditioning materials, and removing odours.
In short: a wash cleans the surface; detailing restores and protects it.
For most vehicles, a full detail every 4–6 months (2–3 times per year) keeps it in great condition.
However:
• If you drive daily or park outdoors, you might benefit from quarterly detailing.
• If your car is garage-kept and lightly used, twice a year may be enough.
Regular maintenance washes between full details help preserve results.
A full detail typically takes 4 to 8 hours, depending on the vehicle’s size, condition, and the level of service.
• Basic interior/exterior detail: 3–5 hours
• Premium or deep detail: 6–10 hours
• Paint correction or ceramic coating: Can take up to 1–3 days
A professional full detail usually includes:
Exterior:
• Hand wash and dry
• Wheel, tire, and wheel well cleaning
• Clay bar treatment
• Polishing or paint correction
• Wax, sealant, or ceramic coating
• Exterior trim dressing and glass cleaning
Interior:
• Vacuuming (carpets, seats, trunk)
• Steam cleaning or shampooing
• Leather cleaning and conditioning (if applicable)
• Dashboard, vents, and panel cleaning
• Interior glass cleaning
• Odour elimination
Absolutely. Detailing can rejuvenate an older car by restoring faded paint, removing stains, and improving the overall appearance. A proper detail can make an older car look several years newer and protect it from further wear and damage. It’s also a great way to preserve sentimental or collectible vehicles.
Yes — a well-detailed car almost always sells faster and for more money. A clean, glossy exterior and spotless interior make a strong impression on buyers or appraisers.
Decals are made from vinyl, a durable, weather resistant plastic material.
Car decals can be removed. They can be peeled off without damaging paint (great for temporary logos or promotions).
Yes! We can make custom decals. Please contact us to discuss your requirements and get advice and design input if needed. We design and CNC cut all vinyl decals ourselves.
Usually, no — if they’re applied and removed correctly. Decals won’t harm factory paint but problems may occur if the paint is already damaged, faded or the decal is left on for many years without care. We advised they are removed by a professional.
Avoid high-pressure washers or direct spray at decal edges.
Don’t use abrasive brushes or harsh chemicals — they can lift edges or dull colours.
Yes — but carefully.
• Avoid getting wax under the edges, which can cause peeling.
• Use non-abrasive, silicone-free wax and apply gently.
For raised or cut decals, wax around them instead of over them.
On average:
• High-quality cast vinyl decals: 5–8 years
• Factors like sun exposure, climate, and care all affect lifespan.
Garaged or shaded cars help decals last longer.
The prices varies according to whether:
Fully certified by Suntek and Xpel Ultimate PPF