This Nissan GTR came to Apex Detail Studio in Dubai with a faded, cracked grey wrap, and someone had fitted PPF over the top of it. We removed the wrap and the old film without damaging the paint, then covered the original black paint in premium satin PPF. Full PPF starts from AED 12,000 for sedans and coupes, depending on options, before 5% VAT.
Jump to section · 10 parts
- What went wrong with this GTR?
- Can you put PPF over a vinyl wrap?
- How did we remove the wrap without damaging the paint?
- Why satin PPF instead of another wrap?
- Watch the full GTR rescue
- What does the finished GTR look like?
- Is there aftercare after the install?
- How much does wrap removal and PPF cost in Dubai?
- Frequently asked questions
- Fix your wrap or PPF at Apex
Job card
- Car: Nissan GTR, black paint under the old wrap.
- Before: faded grey wrap with a copper stripe, with PPF fitted over it.
- Service: wrap removal, old PPF removal, full new PPF.
- Finish: Premium satin PPF over the original paint.
- Where: Apex Detail Studio, Al Quoz, Dubai.
A wrap is meant to change a car’s look for a few years and then come off cleanly. When it fades and cracks, and PPF has been laid over it, removal gets much harder: the film locks in the damaged wrap, and pulling both off carelessly can lift the paint underneath.
If you are dealing with a tired wrap or a film job gone wrong, this GTR shows how we fixed it, with every photo taken from the video further down the page.
Got a bad wrap or PPF job?
Send photos of your car on WhatsApp and the team will tell you what can be saved and what it will take.
What went wrong with this GTR?
The old grey wrap with its copper stripe had faded and cracked, and a layer of PPF had been fitted over it. That combination is a problem: the film protects a wrap that is already failing, traps the damage underneath and makes both layers harder to remove safely.
Can you put PPF over a vinyl wrap?
You can, but we do not recommend it on a wrap that is already ageing. The film bonds to the wrap, not the paint, so it inherits every crack and lifting edge, and it adds a second layer that has to come off later. PPF belongs on clean, sound paint, or on a fresh wrap fitted at the same time by the same studio.
For the difference between the two, read colour PPF vs vinyl wrap.
How did we remove the wrap without damaging the paint?
Slowly, with controlled heat. Warming the wrap softens its adhesive so it lifts away from the paint instead of pulling the clear coat with it. The old film and wrap were taken off panel by panel, then any adhesive left behind was cleaned off before the car was washed.
- Inspection. We checked how badly the wrap had cracked and how the old film was bonded.
- Wrap and film removal. Both layers came off with controlled heat, panel by panel.
- Adhesive clean-up. Residue was removed from the paint.
- Wash. The car and wheels were washed to leave clean paint for the new film.
- New PPF. Premium satin film was fitted over the original black paint, edges tucked.
- Final check. The finish was inspected and wiped down before handover.
The wrap removal on this GTR
Fitting the new satin film
Why satin PPF instead of another wrap?
Because the owner got a new look and real protection in one layer. Satin film turns the gloss black paint into a smooth matte black, and unlike a vinyl wrap it is self-healing and made to absorb stone chips. The original paint underneath stays protected, and the film can be removed later to return to gloss.
Compare finishes in our gloss vs satin PPF guide.
Watch the full GTR rescue
The full job on our YouTube channel, from the faded wrap to the finished car.
What does the finished GTR look like?
The GTR left in a smooth matte black satin finish, with the original paint protected underneath.
Inside the cabin
Is there aftercare after the install?
Yes. Every car we protect is covered by our yearly maintenance package, so the film stays in top condition year after year.
- PPF inspection: we check for wear, lifting edges and any damage from the road or weather.
- Hydrophobic refresh: we restore the film’s water-repellent top layer.
- Gentle hand wash and detail: the car is cleaned the safe way for film.
- UV check: we make sure the film is still protecting against fading and oxidation.
How much does wrap removal and PPF cost in Dubai?
Full-body PPF at Apex starts from AED 12,000 for sedans and coupes, depending on options, before 5% VAT, and satin film is priced as an option. Wrap and old film removal is quoted after we see the car, because it depends on the wrap’s condition. Our PPF cost guide explains the rest. For another rescue job, see how we fixed a Range Rover damaged by hand-cut PPF, and read why PPF yellows, peels or lifts.
Frequently asked questions
Is aftercare included?
Yes. Our yearly maintenance package covers a PPF inspection, a hydrophobic refresh, a gentle hand wash and detail, and a UV check.
What did Apex Detail Studio do to the Nissan GTR?
We removed a faded, cracked wrap and the PPF that had been fitted over it, cleaned the original paint and covered it in premium satin PPF.
Can you remove a car wrap without damaging the paint?
Yes. With controlled heat and patience, the adhesive softens and the wrap lifts away from the paint instead of pulling the clear coat.
Can you install PPF over an old wrap?
It is possible but not recommended on an ageing wrap. The film bonds to the wrap, inherits its cracks and makes removal harder later.
Is PPF better than a vinyl wrap?
For protection, yes. PPF is self-healing and absorbs chips, while a wrap mainly changes the look. Satin or colour PPF can do both.
Can satin PPF be removed later?
Yes. It can be removed professionally to return to the original gloss paint.
How much does wrap removal and PPF cost in Dubai?
Full-body PPF starts from AED 12,000 for sedans and coupes, depending on options, before 5% VAT. Wrap removal is quoted after inspection.
How do I book my car in at Apex?
Send photos and your car details on WhatsApp to +971 58 549 2739. Our studio is at 6A Street, Al Quoz Industrial 3, Dubai.
Fix your wrap or PPF at Apex
Send photos on WhatsApp and the team will tell you what can be saved and what it will take.
WhatsApp ApexCall +971 58 549 2739
Apex Detail Studio, 6A Street, Al Quoz Industrial 3, Dubai · Saturday to Thursday, 10am to 7pm
