Icon Rocklear offers some of the most comprehensive protection available for your vehicle: up to 120lb of impact resistance, rock-chip and scratch resistance, self-healing properties that allow minor scratches to disappear with heat, and defense against salt spray, UV rays, tar, water spots, chemical etching, gravel rash, tree branches, and shopping carts. But with so much protection already, you may wonder whether adding Paint Protection Film (PPF) on top is worth the investment. Let’s break it down to see when combining the two makes sense.
Icon Rocklear: Industry-Leading Protection
Icon Rocklear is more than a coating—it’s a durable armor that offers both environmental and impact resistance. It adds superior gloss and requires no annual maintenance, providing lifetime coverage that minimizes wear and tear over time.
- Best for: Long-lasting gloss, rock chip resistance, scratch resistance, chemical resistance, UV protection, impact resistance up to 120lb, and self-healing properties for minor scratches.
- Not Ideal for: Absorbing hail or extreme impacts caused by oversized debris at high speeds.
PPF: Physical Impact Absorption with Some Limitations
PPF offers a clear, self-healing layer designed to absorb impacts and protect against deep chips, dings, and scratches. While PPF adds a robust layer to prevent damage in high-risk areas, it has some downsides to consider:
- Best for: Absorbing larger, high-speed impacts and protecting areas prone to frequent contact, like bumpers and rocker panels.
- Longevity: Typically lasts 5-10+ years but can dull, fade, or discolor over time, requiring expensive removal and replacement.
- Not Ideal for: Long-term use without maintenance—fading or yellowing may occur, especially on lighter vehicles. If a rock chip penetrates the PPF, it must be removed to touch up the area beneath and reinstalled, often costing hundreds per panel.
- Costs: Full-body PPF can easily exceed $5,000, with additional expenses for ongoing maintenance and replacements.
Why Add PPF Over Icon Rocklear?
While Icon Rocklear provides exceptional protection, there are specific situations where combining PPF and Icon Rocklear simply makes the best sense.
Mostly Highway or Gravel Road Driving:
- If you frequently encounter road debris at high speeds, PPF applied over Icon Rocklear on common impact areas can get you the best possible protection in the industry.
Luxury or Exotic Vehicles:
- For high-end vehicles, combining PPF and Icon Rocklear ensures long-lasting beauty and maximum protection, especially for preserving resale value.
Rugged Working Environments:
- If you work in construction, farming/agriculture, oil, gas, or drive through unusually rugged terrains, PPF over Icon Rocklear is a smart choice for maximum durability.
When combining PPF and Icon Rocklear, Icon Rocklear would have to be installed first. After the initial 30 day curing period has passed, PPF can be installed over Icon Rocklear.
Common PPF areas to consider are: the front bumper, hood, fenders, a-pillars, roofline, and mirrors.
Combining PPF and Icon Rocklear can get you the best possible protection, absorbing harder impacts and preventing deep chips. With this unmatched combination, the full vehicle is protected, and the front has the thickest & strongest possible level of protection available in the market.
Choosing the Right Solution: Icon, PPF, or Both?
For inner-city driving, either Icon Rocklear or PPF should provide sufficient protection.
However, if you opt for PPF only on the front of the vehicle, the rest of the car remains vulnerable to rock chips and other damages. A full-body PPF installation can cost over $5,000, making Icon Rocklear a more economical choice for those looking for whole-car protection without the hefty price tag.
Additionally, if a rock chip penetrates the PPF, the film must be removed and reinstalled, leading to costly repairs.
In contrast, chips on Icon Rocklear can be touched up in minutes—avoiding expensive PPF replacements per panel.
How We Layer PPF and Icon Rocklear for Ultimate Protection
- Step 1: Apply Icon Rocklear to all painted surfaces, ensuring the vehicle has full chemical resistance, UV protection, and scratch resistance.
- Step 2: Once the 30 day curing period for Icon Rocklear has completed, install PPF over high-risk areas, such as the front bumper, hood, fenders, mirrors, a-pillars, roofline, and rocker panels, to further absorb large impacts.
Conclusion: Layer for the Best of Both Worlds
Icon Rocklear offers an excellent standalone solution for vehicle protection. However, if your driving conditions involve frequent exposure to rough terrain or high-speed impacts, layering PPF on top of Icon Rocklear provides unmatched durability and peace of mind. With PPF in high-impact zones and Icon Rocklear on all surfaces, you’ll get long-term protection without sacrificing the sleek, glossy finish you love.
Interested in learning more? Contact us, and we’ll help you build the perfect protection package for your driving needs!