Aston Martin Rapide PPF and Dry Ice Cleaning in Dubai: Full Film Plus a Cleaner V12 Engine Bay

Quick answer: This black Aston Martin Rapide received full paint protection film for lasting paint protection, paired with a dry ice treatment to bring its hidden areas back to a clean, refined finish. The dry ice work reached the places owners rarely see, including the 6.0 V12 engine bay, removing years of dirt and buildup without water or abrasion. The result is a four-door grand tourer that is protected on the outside and clean where you do not normally look.

The Aston Martin Rapide is a rare shape on any road: a four-door, four-seat grand tourer built around a 6.0 litre V12, produced from 2010 until 2020. Its long bonnet and deep black paint look superb, and both show every chip, swirl and speck of dust.

This car came to us for two things. Full paint protection film to keep that finish safe, and a dry ice treatment for the areas that a normal wash never reaches. We filmed the work across three reels, and this is what each stage involved.

What was done to this Aston Martin Rapide?

The car received full-body PPF over every painted panel and a dry ice treatment of its hidden areas, including the engine bay.

Pairing the two makes sense. Film protects what everyone sees, while dry ice deals with what nobody sees until the bonnet goes up.

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Why does black paint on a Rapide need full PPF?

Black paint is the least forgiving finish on any car. Stone chips show as bright specks, and fine wash scratches catch the light on every curve. The Rapide’s long bonnet and wide front wings sit in the line of fire for road debris on Dubai’s highways.

Full-body PPF puts a clear, self-healing layer over every painted panel, so there are no visible film lines and no unprotected areas. For more on dark finishes, read black cars and protection, and see our PPF price guide for film options.

How does dry ice clean an engine bay safely?

Dry ice cleaning fires small pellets of frozen carbon dioxide at the surface. On impact they turn straight into gas, lifting dirt, grease and old residue without water, chemicals or abrasive media, and without leaving anything behind to clean up.

That suits an engine bay well. Pressure washers can push water into electrical connectors, and strong degreasers can stain plastics and coatings. Dry ice lets the technician work around cast engine parts, covers and components in a controlled way. Our guides to dry ice detailing in Dubai and the benefits of dry ice cleaning explain more.

How did Apex Detail Studio carry out the work?

1. Inspection. We checked the paint, existing marks and the condition of the engine bay and hidden areas, and photographed the car.
2. Dry ice treatment. The engine bay and overlooked areas were cleaned with dry ice, removing years of dirt and buildup.
3. Wash and decontamination. The paint was washed and decontaminated so no grit or fallout was trapped under the film.
4. Pattern preparation. Vehicle-specific patterns were prepared so there was minimal blade work on the car.
5. Film installation. Every painted panel was covered, with edges wrapped wherever safe.
6. Final inspection. Paint, film edges and the engine bay were checked under studio lighting before handover.

Cleaning first matters. Doing the dry ice work before the film is fitted keeps dust and residue away from freshly installed edges.

What does PPF and dry ice cost for a car like this?

Full-body PPF at Apex starts from AED 11,000, depending on the film, before 5% VAT. Using XPEL, full-body pricing starts from AED 15,000 for a sedan or coupe. Dry ice cleaning and detailing are quoted per car after inspection, because the condition of the engine bay and the areas involved vary a lot.

Send photos of the car and the engine bay on WhatsApp and we will reply with a first figure.

How should the car be looked after afterwards?

• Hand wash with a pH-neutral shampoo and clean mitts, rinsing sand off first.
• Keep pressure-washer nozzles away from film edges and out of the engine bay.
• Dry with clean microfibre towels to avoid water spots on black paint.
• Bring the car back for an inspection of film edges and a check of the engine bay when needed.

If you plan to add a coating on top of the film, read ceramic coating over PPF first.

Frequently asked questions

What did Apex Detail Studio do to the Aston Martin Rapide?

The car received full-body paint protection film and a dry ice treatment of its hidden areas, including the V12 engine bay. The work protects the black paint and removes years of dirt and buildup from areas that are often overlooked.

Is dry ice cleaning safe for an engine bay?

Yes, when carried out by trained technicians. Dry ice pellets turn into gas on impact, so there is no water, chemical residue or abrasive media left in the engine bay. It suits areas where pressure washing and harsh degreasers could cause problems.

Why choose full-body PPF on a black car?

Black paint shows chips, scratches and swirls more than any other colour. Full-body PPF covers every painted panel with a clear, self-healing layer, so there are no visible film lines and nothing left unprotected.

How much does full PPF cost on an Aston Martin in Dubai?

Full-body PPF at Apex Detail Studio starts from AED 11,000, depending on the film, before 5% VAT, and XPEL full-body starts from AED 15,000 for a sedan or coupe. Each car is confirmed after inspection.

Can dry ice be done at the same time as PPF?

Yes, and it works best that way. We do the dry ice cleaning before the film goes on, so dust and residue are dealt with before any edges are sealed.

How do I book my car in at Apex?

Send the car’s details and a few photos on WhatsApp to +971 58 549 2739. We will suggest a plan and arrange an inspection at our studio in Al Quoz Industrial 3.

From our reel on Instagram, 23 August 2026.