As Coloured Paint Protection Film (PPF) continues to evolve, installers are looking for products that offer not just visual impact, but reliability, efficiency and long‑term performance. Over the past 12 months, industry expert Darryl Holcombe from Shades has been extensively testing dry apply PPF films to understand which solutions genuinely deliver in real‑world conditions.
A STEK‑certified installer and PPF trainer with The Vinyl Academy, Darryl has worked with a wide range of PPF films throughout his career. His conclusion is clear: there is a gap in the market — and STEK Coloured PPF is setting a new benchmark.
A Year of Testing Dry Apply PPF Films
Dry apply PPF is not new, but consistency across products has been a challenge for installers.
“There are a lot of dry apply PPF films on the market right now,” Darryl explains.
“Some are successful, some really aren’t. Over the last year, I’ve tested numerous options, and there’s a clear difference when you find a film that’s been engineered properly.”
According to Darryl, STEK Airforce Forceshield Coloured PPF stands out due to its balance of workability and finish — something installers immediately notice during application.
What Sets STEK Coloured PPF Apart?
From an installer’s perspective, Darryl highlights several key performance advantages that separate STEK Coloured PPF from other PPF films currently available:
- Excellent adhesive characteristics – strong without being aggressive
- Impressive cold stretch – allowing smooth installation without distortion
- Film memory and stability – staying in complex areas where other films lift or fail
- Exceptional gloss level – delivering a premium visual finish expected from coloured PPF
“The adhesive is spot on,” Darryl says.
“It allows you to work confidently, reposition when needed, and once it’s down, it stays down — even in areas where other films struggle.”
For installers working on high‑end vehicles, this consistency is critical.
Goodwood 2025: STEK Coloured PPF Under Pressure
One of the most demanding real‑world tests came at Goodwood 2025, where Darryl wrapped a Porsche GT3 in STEK Vampire Red Coloured PPF.
The conditions were far from ideal.
“It was extremely hot — not what you’d choose for a complex install,” Darryl explains.
“But despite that, the film performed incredibly well. The cold stretch, the gloss, the way it laid down — it just worked.”
Even under heat and time pressure, the film maintained stability and finish, reinforcing confidence in its performance on demanding projects.
Summit Surrey: Speed, Finish and Efficiency
More recently, Darryl applied STEK Coloured PPF in Diamond Purple to his own personal vehicle at Summit Surrey — a scenario installers know leaves no room for compromise.
The result?
“The entire car was completed in around 2 days which reduces the instal time by half when compared to wet apply coloured PPF,” Darryl says.
“With wet apply PPF, you’re realistically looking at up to five days for an install like this.”
This dramatic reduction in install time demonstrates one of the biggest benefits of modern dry apply Coloured PPF: efficiency without sacrificing quality.
Closing the Gap in the Coloured PPF Market
For Darryl, STEK Coloured PPF currently represents the most complete dry apply PPF solution available.
“There’s been a gap in the market for a long time,” he says.
“STEK Airforce, in my opinion, is my favourite dry apply Coloured PPF film available right now — especially when you factor in install speed, finish and reliability.”
As demand for coloured paint protection film continues to grow, installers and customers alike are looking for products that combine protection, aesthetics and practicality. Real‑world testing like this helps separate marketing claims from genuine performance.
Learn More & Train with The Vinyl Academy
Darryl Holcombe also delivers professional PPF training through The Vinyl Academy, helping installers develop the skills and confidence needed to work with advanced PPF films, including STEK Coloured PPF.
For those looking to expand into coloured PPF or refine their techniques, training from an experienced, STEK‑certified installer provides invaluable hands‑on insight.
