EMWRAPS covered the full front and rear bumper of this red Lotus Emira in gloss UNITY USA paint protection film at our Seattle shop in SODO. The idea was simple: protect the original paint. The clear gloss film keeps the factory red looking as it does today, while it takes the rock chips, scratches, bug acid and UV that would otherwise land on the paint.
- Vehicle: Lotus Emira, red
- Service: Full front plus rear bumper in gloss PPF, over the original paint
- Film: UNITY USA clear PPF, gloss
- Finish: Gloss, factory red unchanged
- Shop: EMWRAPS, Seattle (SODO)
What did EMWRAPS do to the Emira?
We installed gloss UNITY USA PPF on the Emira's full front and rear bumper, over the original red paint. Nothing about the color or finish changes; the film is clear and glossy, so the car looks the way it came, with a protective layer on top.
Our Instagram caption for this car said true luxury is protecting what's original. That is the case for clear PPF on a car like the Emira: a mid-engine sports car with a low nose and wide, curved bodywork that picks up road debris, on paint that is worth keeping factory-fresh.
Why protect original paint instead of fixing it later?
Factory paint can't be put back once it is chipped and resprayed. PPF stops the damage before it happens, so the original finish stays original.
A respray is no longer the paint the car was built with. PPF is a clear, self-healing urethane film about 8 mil thick. It stops rock chips, scratches, bug acid and UV, and light scratches in the top coat heal with heat. If the film is ever damaged, the film is replaced, not the paint. It can also be removed without harming factory paint when it is taken off properly.
Gloss PPF or a matte finish?
Gloss PPF keeps the factory look; a stealth or matte PPF changes the finish to satin or matte while still protecting the paint. For an owner who wants the car to look exactly as it left the factory, gloss is the choice.
On a bright red car, gloss film keeps the color saturated and the reflections sharp. EMWRAPS also installs UNITY USA Stealth, a satin-matte film, and STEK DYNOmatte, a true matte film, for owners who want a different look without a repaint. See the options on our matte PPF page.
How much of the car should be covered?
Full coverage protects every painted surface. A full front protects the areas that take the most chips. The right choice depends on how you drive the car and how much of the original paint you want covered.
- Partial front: bumper, hood edge, mirrors and headlights. Usually 1 to 2 days.
- Full front: full hood, fenders, bumper, mirrors, headlights and door edges. Usually 2 to 3 days. See full front PPF.
- Full body: every painted surface. Usually 4 to 5 days. See full body PPF.
For a car bought to keep, many owners choose full body so no panel is left bare. Our post on whether full body PPF is worth it walks through that decision.
What does PPF cost on a sports car in Seattle?
PPF at EMWRAPS ranges from about $1,200 for a partial front up to $8,000+ for full body, and full body PPF runs $6,000 to $8,000+.
The final price depends on the vehicle (size, shape, paint condition), and every job comes with a quote. Manufacturer warranties run 7 to 10 years depending on the brand. For more detail, read our PPF cost guide for Seattle.
How do you care for PPF?
Wait 48 hours after install before washing. Then hand wash with a pH-neutral shampoo. Ceramic coating on top of PPF is the setup we recommend; it adds gloss, a hydrophobic easy-wash surface and UV protection. Over film, ceramic runs $500 to $800, depending on whether it goes on as the last step of a new install or onto film already on the car. See our PPF and ceramic bundle.
Frequently asked questions
Does clear PPF change how a Lotus Emira looks?
No. Clear gloss PPF keeps a Lotus Emira's factory color and gloss finish. On this red Emira, the UNITY USA film sits over the original paint and the car looks as it did before, with a protective layer that stops rock chips, scratches, bug acid and UV.
Will PPF damage original paint when it is removed?
No. PPF can be removed without harming factory paint when it is taken off properly. That is why clear PPF is a good way to keep original paint original: the film takes the wear for years, and the paint underneath stays as it left the factory.
How long does PPF last on a sports car?
PPF manufacturer warranties run 7 to 10 years depending on the brand. Care makes a difference: wait 48 hours before the first wash, then hand wash with a pH-neutral shampoo. Light scratches in the PPF top coat heal with heat, so the film keeps looking clean between washes.
Which PPF brands does EMWRAPS install?
EMWRAPS installs UNITY USA, STEK, SunTek and 3M paint protection film. This Lotus Emira is in UNITY USA gloss PPF. Each brand has its own finish options and warranty, and we can show samples before you decide.
See the Emira on our Instagram.
Get a quote for PPF
If you want to keep your car's original paint protected, send it through the quote form and we reply within 24 hours, or call (206) 383-5328.
