STEK
STEK designs and manufactures paint protection, window, and windshield films in-house, selling globally through 82 distributors and 1,360+ certified installers to vehicle owners, detailing shops, dealerships, commercial buildings, and government buyers.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2014
- HeadquartersBellevue, United States
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What STEK does
STEK Co., Ltd., founded in 2014 in Bellevue, Washington by a team of engineers, designs and manufactures paint protection film (PPF), window film, windshield protection film, and car care products, with manufacturing conducted in-house at company-owned TPU factories modernized in 2023. The company has built a portfolio of "world's first" film technologies, including the first TPU-based Color PPF (2017), 10-layer multi-sputter window film (2018), Graphene window film (2019), TPU-based windshield protection (2020), Forged Carbon PPF (2022), and Chrome PPF (2022), sold under the DYNO, FORCESHIELD, LUNARAY, and STEK FORMULA sub-brands. Revenue is generated through wholesale film and chemical sales to 82 regional distributors and 1,360+ certified installers globally, recurring CUTZ pre-cut software subscriptions, installer training programs at academies in Seattle, Germany, Finland, and the UK, and direct-to-enterprise sales through its PDI/AOEM (dealerships), Architectural (UN-certified since 2021), and Marine channels. End customers span individual vehicle owners, automotive detailing shops, car dealerships, commercial building owners, and government/institutional buyers such as the United Nations.
STEK firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- STEK
- Legal name
- STEK Co., Ltd.
- Website
- https://stekautomotive.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2014
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- STEK designs and manufactures paint protection, window, and windshield films in-house, selling globally through 82 distributors and 1,360+ certified installers to vehicle owners, detailing shops, dealerships, commercial buildings, and government buyers.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
STEK industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Automotive Paint Protection Film
- NAICS
- Plastics Packaging Materials and Unlaminated Film and Sheet Manufacturing (32611), Plastics Product Manufacturing (3261), Resin and Synthetic Rubber Manufacturing (32521)
- SIC
- Unsupported Plastics Film & Sheet (3081), Plastic Materials, Synth Resins & Nonvulcan Elastomers (2821)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Polyurethanes (MDI/TDI, Polyols, PU Systems) (IMAEADAH)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE/TPU/TPV) Compounds (IMANABAC)
Keywords
Where STEK is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Bellevue
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices13 records
Markets served
STEK business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- PPF and Window Film Product Sales: STEK generates revenue primarily through the sale of its proprietary Paint Protection Films (DYNO, FORCESHIELD brands), window films (LUNARAY brand), windshield protection films, car care products (STEK FORMULA), and accessories. Products are sold through a global network of authorized distributors, certified installers, premium shops, and direct-to-business channels (PDI/AOEM for dealerships). Revenue is driven by product volume across transparent, color, pattern, and chrome PPF categories.
- Pre-cut Software Subscription: STEK offers a pre-cut software subscription (CUTZ/Filmcutz) enabling installers to cut film patterns. The subscription model provides recurring revenue from the installer network.
- Training and Certification Program: STEK provides installer training courses at multiple global locations (STEK USA in Seattle, SPANDEX Germany, SPANDEX Finland, The Vinyl Academy UK). Training fees contribute to revenue and drive product adoption among certified installers.
- STEK FORMULA Car Care Products: STEK FORMULA is a professional detailing product line including cleaning agents, installation gels, coatings (Paint Coat, Glass Coat, Wheel Coat, Leather Coat, Fabric Coat), and ceramic coatings (QUARTZ, FINAL COAT, SUPER COAT). Sold to professional detailers and certified installers.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels7 records
Marketing channels8 records
STEK product offering
Product offeringCore offering
STEK manufactures and sells premium thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) paint protection films (PPF), graphene-enhanced window films, TPU-based windshield protection films, and a professional car care product line (STEK FORMULA). The company sells products through a global network of certified installers, regional distributors, and direct B2B channels targeting automotive dealerships, commercial buildings, and the marine sector, while supporting installers with pre-cut software (CUTZ) and the STEKSHIELD digital platform.
Product overview
STEK Automotive is a paint protection film (PPF) and automotive film technology company offering a comprehensive portfolio of protective solutions. The core product lines include DYNO-branded PPF (Clear, Color, Pattern, Chrome, Headlights, Windshield Protection), LUNARAY window films with graphene technology, FORCESHIELD protective films, and STEK FORMULA car care products. Supporting products include Pre-cut Software (CUTZ), STEKSHIELD digital platform for CRM, STEK Premium Shop solutions, PDI/AOEM business solutions, Architectural window films, and Marine protection. The company also offers training programs and maintains a global network of authorized installers and distributors.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- DYNO: Premium paint protection film brand for high-end vehicles, offering clear, color, pattern, chrome, and windshield protection films. Features hydrophobic, self-healing, and scratch-resistant properties.
- FORCESHIELD
- LUNARAY
- STEK FORMULA
Products and services
- Paint Protection Film (PPF) Premium thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) Paint Protection Film offering defense against chips and scratches with advanced fluorine technology. Available in Transparent, Color, Pattern, and Chrome variants, sold through certified installers and dealerships to vehicle owners seeking paint preservation.
- DYNOshield Premium clear paint protection film with fluorine-infused top coat, self-healing properties, ultra-gloss finish, super hydrophobic coating, and 12-year warranty covering yellowing, bubbling, delamination, and cracking. Sold to certified installers and dealerships for high-end vehicle owners.
- DYNOmatte Matte finish paint protection film with TPU technology and hydrophobic properties. Matches factory frost, frozen, and matte paints while protecting against chips and scratches. Sold to installers serving matte-finished vehicle owners.
- DYNOlite Lightweight paint protection film with 8-mil thickness, self-healing, hydrophobic, and stain-resistant properties. Designed for easy installation.
- DYNOmight Extra-thick paint protection film with 25% thicker TPU base layer for ultimate durability. Targeted at off-roaders, utility vehicles, and track enthusiasts.
- DYNOsupreme World's first hydrophilic plus type PPF designed to resist water spots and contamination with maximum resistance to yellow dust, fine pollutants, and heavy rain with dirt.
- DYNOpure Climate-combat PPF for extreme climates offering greater gloss, water repellence, and water-spot resistance than DYNOshield.
- DYNOprism Color-shifting metallic flake finish PPF with unique prism effect, providing paint protection while creating an ever-changing array of colors.
- DYNO Color Series PPF Color paint protection films in gloss and matte finishes including DYNOblack, DYNOred, DYNOgreen, DYNOwhite, DYNOgray, DYNOpurple, and DYNOorange. Environment-friendly alternative to traditional paint with smaller carbon footprint.
- DYNO Pattern Series PPF
- DYNOchrome World's first TPU-based Chrome Paint Protection Film with mirror-like chrome aesthetics, exceptional durability, and self-healing properties.
- DYNOtop Windshield Protection Film Premium TPU-based windshield protection film resisting chips, scratches, and road damage with 2.6x enhanced shock absorption versus unprotected glass and 99% UV rejection.
- DYNOtint Window Film TPU-based window film with graphene technology for heat gun free installation. Features nano-ceramic particles, exceptional heat rejection, and lifetime warranty.
- LUNARAY Window Film Innovative window film brand with graphene cooling technology for advanced heat rejection, UV protection, and effortless installation. Includes PET film line with NEX+, SMART+, and ACTION+ series, plus ICY and VISION series.
- FORCESHIELD Paint Protection Film Series Paint protection film series combining cutting-edge protection with bold designs. Features F Series (F7 Clear, F5 Clear/Matte, F3 Clear/Matte), Black-gloss/matte, Twilight, Carbon, and Amber variants with over 120 colors.
- STEK FORMULA Car Care Products Professional detailing product line including FOAM (alkaline foam), SHAMPOO, BUG remover, IRON remover, TAR & ADHESIVE REMOVER, PREP, DYNO FINISH (ceramic spray), QUICK DETAILER, Paint Coat, Glass Coat, Wheel Coat, Leather Coat, Fabric Coat, QUARTZ, FINAL COAT (CNT-infused), SUPER COAT (10-year durability), and PPF COMPOUND KIT. Sold to professional detailers and certified installers.
- Pre-cut Software (CUTZ) Subscription-based pre-cut pattern software enabling unlimited pattern cutting on unlimited film. Available to certified installers via subscription.
- STEK Architectural Window Films Commercial window film solutions including SPECTRE (10-layer sputter film), GR (Graphene cooling technology), Dual Reflective, Silver Reflective, Safety & Security, and Anti-Graffiti films. UN certified since 2021.
- STEK Premium Shop Program One-stop shop solution offering full STEK service to potential customers including installation zone, customer rest zone, consultation zone, and display zone. Premium Shops are authorized to expand into B2B, B2G, PDI, and LANDMARK projects.
- PDI/AOEM Business Solutions Comprehensive solutions for Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) and OEM markets including C-Series products, CUTZ Software, Customer Management Tool, 3D Studio, Web Design, and marketing materials.
- STEK Training Program Multi-day immersive training course teaching PPF installation fundamentals. Training locations include STEK USA (Seattle), SPANDEX Germany, SPANDEX Finland, and The Vinyl Academy (UK). Covers tools, installation techniques, common problem areas, film maintenance, trimming, and film business management.
- STEK Marine Marine-specific protection solutions for boats and watercraft, addressing saltwater corrosion, UV damage, and surface abrasion through protective films.
Quantifiable outcome
- DYNOtop's shock protection is enhanced 2.6x compared to glass without any film
- +6 more outcomes
Companies that use STEK
Customer profileSegments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
STEK technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature11 records
STEK partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- United Nations (UN)coreSince 2021, STEK has been a UN certified supplier of window film, meeting the highest standards of quality and performance required by the United Nations. This certification validates STEK's architectural window film quality for commercial and government applications.
- Skin Cancer FoundationcoreSTEK is a member of the Skin Cancer Foundation's Corporate Council. STEK's ICY, ACTION, SMART, NEX, and VISION Series Window Films have received Seals of Recommendation from the Skin Cancer Foundation, certifying that these products block at least 99% of UVA and UVB rays, protecting users from skin damage and skin cancer.
- International Window Film Association (IWFA)coreSTEK is an official member of the International Window Film Association (IWFA), the world's trusted source of window film information. IWFA membership supports STEK distributors in entering the dealer market and confirms STEK's compliance with all industry standards and regulations worldwide.
- Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA)coreSTEK is a SEMA member. The Specialty Equipment Market Association represents over 7,000 member companies in the worldwide car culture industry. STEK participates annually in the SEMA Show to unveil new products, conduct training, and meet with the global installer and distributor network.
- SPANDEX GermanycoreSPANDEX Germany (led by Rainer Lorz) is an authorized STEK training partner offering PPF installation training for Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. The program teaches STEK's full product portfolio for optimal PPF installation in the European market.
- SPANDEX FinlandcoreSPANDEX Finland is an authorized STEK training partner offering an accredited PPF installation training program in Europe. The course covers tools, installation techniques, common problem areas, film maintenance, trimming, and film business management.
- The Vinyl Academy (UK)minorThe Vinyl Academy in Bristol, UK is an authorized STEK certification partner offering PPF, car wrapping, and vehicle tinting training and certification. Students learn real skills and receive STEK certification upon completion.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
STEK competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- XPEL: XPEL is the largest publicly-traded pure-play paint protection film (PPF) manufacturer, with a global installer network and a tightly comparable product catalog (clear, color, pattern PPF plus window film). It is the most direct competitor to STEK's DYNO line in premium PPF and competes head-to-head through authorized-installer channels.
- Avery Dennison (Automotive Wrap & PPF): Avery Dennison's automotive wrap and paint protection film lines (including Supreme and Neo PPF series) compete directly with STEK's DYNO color and pattern PPF in the wrap-style protection segment. Its global converter/installer network and strong brand recognition make it a meaningful head-to-head competitor in the color and patterned PPF category STEK pioneered.
- Hexis (Silex / Karbon PPF): Hexis is a French manufacturer of automotive wrap films and paint protection films including the Karbon and Silex PPF lines, targeting a similar premium installer channel. Hexis overlaps with STEK on color/textured PPF and shares the European/international distribution model.
- Madico Window Films: Madico manufactures automotive and architectural window films (including Wincos, Black Premium, Sun-Gard lines) under a global dealer/distributor model mirroring STEK's LUNARAY go-to-market. It is a comparable specialty film producer with overlapping channels in architectural and automotive tint.
- PremiumShield (Prismafilm): PremiumShield is a specialist TPU-based paint protection film brand competing directly with STEK's DYNO range in the premium PPF segment. It sells through certified installer networks and offers self-healing and color/pattern films comparable to STEK's product set.
Broad incumbents
- 3M (Automotive Aftermarket Division): 3M's automotive film division (3M Wrap Film, 3M Crystalline Window Film, Scotchgard PPF) competes with STEK's PPF and window-tint lines across both DIY and professional installer channels, leveraging massive R&D and OEM relationships. As a broad industrial conglomerate, it offers overlapping capabilities but is not specialized in the high-end PPF niche STEK targets.
- Eastman Chemical (SunTek / Llumar / Suntek CP Films): Eastman owns the SunTek and Llumar window-film and PPF brands, which compete directly with STEK's LUNARAY window films and DYNO/FORCESHIELD PPF. Eastman combines deep chemical-supply integration with a global installer/distributor footprint and is one of the largest players in architectural and automotive window film.
- Saint-Gobain (Solar Gard): Saint-Gobain's Solar Gard brand is a global manufacturer of automotive and architectural window films, including nano-ceramic and metallized sputter coatings that overlap with STEK's LUNARAY and SPECTRE lines. As a building-materials conglomerate, it brings scale and OEM channels but with broader scope than STEK's specialist PPF focus.
Emerging players
- KPMF (Kay Premium Marking Films): KPMF specializes in color and textured automotive wrap films with growing PPF offerings, overlapping with STEK's DYNO color/pattern series. While historically wrap-led, its recent PPF expansion places it as an emerging player in the same premium installer channel.
- XPEL Architectural / Hanita Coatings: Hanita Coatings, an Avery Dennison company, is a growing architectural solar-control and safety window film manufacturer with products comparable to STEK's SPECTRE multi-layer sputter and graphene architectural films. It represents an emerging player in the same commercial-window-film category STEK is expanding into.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
STEK social profiles
Digital presenceSTEK compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance8 records
STEK financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
STEK leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
STEK funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
STEK M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about STEK
What does STEK do?
STEK manufactures and sells premium thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) paint protection films (PPF), graphene-enhanced window films, TPU-based windshield protection films, and a professional car care product line (STEK FORMULA). The company sells products through a global network of certified installers, regional distributors, and direct B2B channels targeting automotive dealerships, commercial buildings, and the marine sector, while supporting installers with pre-cut software (CUTZ) and the STEKSHIELD digital platform.
Is STEK a public or private company?
STEK is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was STEK founded?
STEK was founded in 2014. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is STEK based?
STEK is headquartered in Bellevue, United States, in the North America region.
How does STEK make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. PPF and Window Film Product Sales are the primary driver. The others are pre-cut Software Subscription, training and Certification Program and STEK FORMULA Car Care Products.
Who are STEK's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are XPEL, Avery Dennison (Automotive Wrap & PPF), Hexis (Silex / Karbon PPF), Madico Window Films and PremiumShield (Prismafilm). Broad incumbents are 3M (Automotive Aftermarket Division), Eastman Chemical (SunTek / Llumar / Suntek CP Films) and Saint-Gobain (Solar Gard). Emerging players are KPMF (Kay Premium Marking Films) and XPEL Architectural / Hanita Coatings.
Does STEK have an API?
No public API is recorded for STEK.
What industry is STEK in?
STEK's product category is Automotive Paint Protection Film. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAEADAH, Polyurethanes (MDI/TDI, Polyols, PU Systems), with a secondary code of IMANABAC, Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE/TPU/TPV) Compounds. Its NAICS code is 32611 and its SIC code is 3081.