STEK is a ceramic-infused, self-healing paint protection film installed only by certified shops. Atomic Auto Spa is a certified STEK installer in Round Rock, TX, offering partial front, full front, track pack, and full body PPF coverage.
Paint protection film is only as good as the installation behind it. You can put the best film in the world on a car and get a bad result if the surface wasn’t prepared correctly, the patterns weren’t extended to the edges, or the installer cut corners on fit. That’s why we chose STEK USA as our PPF brand and went through their certification process. At Atomic Auto Spa, we’re a certified STEK installer in Round Rock, and every film job we do follows the same preparation standard we apply to our ceramic coating packages.
Call (512) 888-9310 or book your consultation to schedule a paint assessment.
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Why STEK Paint Protection Film
We looked at every major PPF brand before committing to one. STEK stood out for three reasons: the film itself, the clarity, and the self-healing technology built directly into the topcoat.
Most PPF films are a layer of thermoplastic urethane with a basic clear coat on top. STEK’s DYNOshield line embeds ceramic particles into the topcoat at the factory level. That means the film arrives hydrophobic. Water beads and runs off the surface the same way it does on a ceramic-coated vehicle, without needing a separate coating applied on top. It also means the film is harder and more resistant to surface contamination than films with standard topcoats.
The self-healing property is real, not marketing language. Minor scratches on the film’s surface close when exposed to heat, whether from sunlight or warm water. This keeps the film looking clean over the years of use rather than accumulating a network of fine surface marks.
STEK offers multiple finish options: the DYNOshield clear gloss, DYNOmatte for a satin finish, DYNOblack for a stealth look, and DYNOprism for a color-shifting effect. Most customers choose DYNOshield, but the matte option is popular on vehicles that already have a factory matte or satin paint. See our full paint protection film page for a full overview of coverage options.
You can read more about the full STEK product line at stekautomotive.com.
What We Do Differently
A few things separate a professional PPF installation from a budget one. Here’s where most of the difference shows up.
Paint correction is included. We perform paint correction on every panel before the film goes on at no additional charge. Most shops either skip this step or charge extra for it. We include it because PPF is a semi-permanent application. If there are swirl marks or fine scratches under the film when it’s installed, they’ll be there permanently. Our paint correction process addresses the paint surface before any film touches it.
We extend patterns and wrap edges. Basic pattern cuts stop at the edge of a panel, which leaves a visible edge line and an exposed strip of paint along every border. We extend patterns and wrap edges wherever possible, which produces a cleaner visual result and better protects the areas most prone to lifting. This is standard practice at our shop, not an add-on.
Climate-controlled installation. Dust and temperature affect film adhesion during installation. We install all PPF indoors in our facility. Contamination under the film during installation causes bubbles and premature lifting, and there’s no way to fix it without removing and reapplying the film.
What "Certified STEK Installer" Actually Means
STEK USA doesn’t certify every shop that wants to offer its film. Certification requires completing the training program and demonstrating that the facility and its process meet the certification standards. We went through that process because it aligned with how we already work: mandatory paint correction before film, climate-controlled installation environment, edge wrapping on every applicable panel.
The certification matters for a practical reason: STEK’s manufacturer warranty is tied to certified installations. Film applied by an uncertified installer isn’t covered under the STEK warranty. Customers who’ve had PPF installed elsewhere and experienced premature lifting, yellowing, or edge peeling often find out after the fact that the shop wasn’t on STEK’s certified installer list. By that point, the warranty is void, and the film needs to be removed and reapplied.
We’re listed on STEK USA’s official certified installer directory. Get a quote from us and ask the same of any other shop you’re considering. Ask specifically whether they’re on the STEK certification map and whether their installation includes paint correction and edge wrapping. Those two questions will tell you most of what you need to know about installation quality before you commit.
Our STEK installation process starts with a paint depth assessment, runs through full decontamination and correction, then moves to climate-controlled film application with computer-cut patterns extended past the basic template dimensions. Every edge that can be wrapped gets wrapped. That’s what a certified STEK installation looks like. Shops that skip correction, cut at panel edges, and install outdoors are not meeting the standard to which the film is designed. Many customers also add engine bay cleaning or ceramic window tinting to the same appointment.
STEK PPF Coverage Options
We offer several coverage levels depending on how the vehicle is used and how much protection makes sense for it.
Partial Front
Covers the areas most exposed to road debris: the front bumper, hood leading edge, and mirrors. Good entry-level protection for daily drivers who spend a lot of time on highways. If most of the rock chips you’re getting are on the front end, this targets the problem efficiently.
Full Front
Adds full hood, fenders, and headlights to the partial front package. This is our most popular option. It covers every high-impact surface on the front of the vehicle and handles the vast majority of road debris damage patterns we see come through the shop. The full front package makes the most practical sense for most vehicles.
Track Pack
Designed for vehicles that see track days. Adds rocker panels, door edges, and mirror backs to the full front coverage. Rock chips thrown off other vehicles’ tires at speed go everywhere, and the track pack accounts for that.
Full Body
Every painted surface on the vehicle. Makes the most sense for new vehicles being kept long-term, high-value collector cars, or owners who want to preserve factory paint without any gaps. Full body coverage typically takes two to three days of shop time.
The STEK Installation Process
Every PPF job at our shop follows the same process. Nothing about this is a one-day drop-off situation.
Step 1: Paint Assessment
We start with a thorough assessment of the paint condition before discussing film options. Paint depth measurements tell us where the clear coat is thin and whether any areas need special attention during prep. We also document any existing damage so there’s no question about what was there before we started.
Step 2: Decontamination and Correction
The vehicle goes through a full decontamination: two-bucket hand wash with deionized water under 10 PPM, iron fallout removal, and clay bar pass. After that, we perform the appropriate level of paint correction based on the paint condition we found during assessment. This is included in every PPF installation, not a separate line item.
Step 3: Panel Prep
After correction, each panel gets a final wipe-down with panel prep solution. This strips the last traces of polishing oils from the surface. Film won’t bond cleanly to any surface with contamination or residue, and this step ensures strong initial adhesion.
Step 4: Film Cutting and Application
We use computer-generated patterns cut to the specific make, model, and year of your vehicle. Patterns are then extended at the edges rather than cut to the basic template size. The film is applied wet and positioned carefully before being squeegeed into place. Each panel gets full attention before we move to the next one.
Step 5: Edge Wrapping
Wherever the panel geometry allows, we wrap film around the edges rather than cutting them. A cut edge is a potential point of failure over time. Wrapped edges seal out moisture and debris from getting under the film.
Step 6: Final Inspection
Once all panels are done, we inspect the entire job under lighting before the vehicle enters the curing phase. Any issue with adhesion, edge alignment, or contamination gets corrected at this stage.
Step 7: Curing and Release
The film needs time to bond with the paint fully. We hold the vehicle until the adhesion is set before releasing it. You’ll get specific aftercare instructions when you pick up the vehicle.
STEK PPF for Texas Roads
Central Texas road conditions are genuinely tough on vehicle paint. I-35 through Round Rock and Austin runs through active construction zones for most of the year, and the road surface quality varies enough that rock chips are a regular occurrence for anyone commuting through that corridor. Highway 290 and the roads connecting Round Rock to the hill country add another layer of exposure to loose aggregate.
The heat compounds everything. High ambient temperatures cause road debris to be thrown with more force, and the thermal cycling between day and night temperatures accelerates any damage that does get through. A full front PPF installation addresses this directly.
We regularly work on vehicles from Austin and Georgetown.
Customers from Cedar Park and Hutto also make the drive for certified STEK installations.
Customers from Leander and Pflugerville also make the drive for certified STEK work.
Most customers driving on I-35 daily see a noticeable difference in hood condition within six months of installation versus before.
STEK PPF Combined with Ceramic Coating
PPF and ceramic coating solve different problems. PPF stops physical damage from rock chips, scratches, and road debris impacts. Ceramic coating provides UV protection, chemical resistance, and protection against surface contamination. The two work well together.
Applying a GYEON ceramic coating over STEK PPF is the most complete protection package available. The ceramic layer makes the film surface easier to clean, adds UV resistance, and extends the film’s effective lifespan. We handle both in-house, which means the sequencing is done correctly and the prep work isn’t duplicated.
Location and Booking
Atomic Auto Spa is at 3401 Sunrise Rd, Suite 210, Round Rock, TX 78665. We’re open Monday through Friday, 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM.
Call (512) 888-9310 to book a paint assessment. We look at the vehicle in person before recommending a coverage level. Bring it in, and we’ll tell you exactly what the paint needs and what each coverage option covers on your specific vehicle. Our exterior car detailing and maintenance wash packages are available to keep the film performing after installation.
STEK PPF FAQs
How long does STEK PPF last?
STEK’s DYNOshield and DYNOmatte films carry a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty. Real-world lifespan depends on how the vehicle is used and maintained, but properly installed STEK film routinely performs well past that window. The warranty covers yellowing, cracking, peeling, and delamination under normal use conditions.
Does PPF affect the appearance of the paint?
Gloss film slightly enhances paint depth. Most people can’t distinguish film-covered panels from uncoated ones under normal lighting. Matte film will noticeably change the finish appearance, which is why it’s typically used on vehicles with factory matte or satin paint, or on customers who specifically want that look.
Can PPF be removed?
Yes, and properly installed PPF can be removed without damaging the original paint. This is one advantage over vinyl wraps in some cases. When you’re ready to remove or replace the film, we handle that as well.
What's self-healing film, and does it actually work?
Self-healing refers to the film’s ability to close fine surface scratches when exposed to heat. Sunlight and warm water are both enough to trigger it. It works on surface-level marks in the film’s topcoat. It won’t fix damage that cuts through the film itself. Think of it as the film healing its own wear rather than healing damage to the paint underneath.
Should I get PPF or ceramic coating?
They serve different purposes, so comparing them directly misses the point. PPF protects against physical impacts. Ceramic coating protects against UV radiation, chemicals, and surface contamination while enhancing hydrophobic performance. If your main concern is rock chips, PPF. If your main concerns are UV protection and ease of maintenance, consider a ceramic coating. If you want both, we recommend starting with PPF and applying ceramic coating on top.
What's the difference between full front and partial coverage?
Partial coverage targets the front bumper, hood leading edge, and mirrors. Full front adds the complete hood and fenders. The full front package handles the majority of impact zones for most driving patterns and is the coverage level we recommend for anyone who does significant highway driving.
How do I wash a car with PPF on it?
Use the two-bucket method with pH-neutral soap. Avoid automatic car washes, especially brush washes. High-pressure washing is fine, but keep the nozzle moving and don’t aim directly at film edges. Wax and most paint sealants are compatible with PPF, though with STEK’s ceramic-infused topcoat, you generally don’t need them.
How do I find a certified STEK PPF installer near me?
STEK USA maintains an official installer directory on its website at stekautomotive.com. A certified installer will have completed STEK’s training program and can be verified on that directory. When comparing shops, ask specifically whether the installer is listed on the STEK certification map, not just whether they stock STEK film. Shops that carry the product but aren’t certified aren’t covered by STEK’s manufacturer warranty. We’re a certified STEK installer in Round Rock, TX. Call (512) 888-9310 to schedule your car detailing packages or PPF assessment. We also offer dry ice cleaning and steam extraction at the same facility.
What makes a certified STEK PPF installation different from a standard PPF job?
Certified STEK installers follow a specific installation process to ensure the film performs to spec and qualifies for warranty coverage. At our shop, this means mandatory paint correction before every installation, climate-controlled indoor application, computer-cut patterns extended past the basic template dimensions, and edge wrapping wherever the panel geometry allows. A shop that skips correction, cuts at panel edges, or installs outdoors isn’t meeting the standard the film is designed for, and the installation won’t be covered under STEK’s warranty.
How long does installation take?
Partial front packages can often be done in a day. Full-front jobs typically run for one to two days. Full-body coverage takes 2 to 3 days or more, depending on the vehicle. We don’t rush installation. Rushing leads to bubbles and poor edge alignment.
Is my vehicle's paint in good enough condition for PPF?
That’s what the initial assessment is for. We look at the paint before recommending anything. If correction is needed first, we’ll tell you what level is appropriate and include it in the installation process at no extra cost.
Can PPF be applied to matte or satin paint?
Yes. STEK DYNOmatte film is specifically designed for this. The film preserves the matte finish without adding any gloss. Standard installation procedures apply, though matte surfaces require additional care during the prep stage to avoid leaving any high-gloss residue.