We all know the fantastic car protection film that is getting much attention today. Yes, I am talking about PPF film. Paint protection film provides ultimate protection to the cars. Isn’t it the dream of every car owner? An SUV owner needs a PPF film as much as a luxury car owner. Moreover, the weather in Canada is crazy. You need paint protection film to save your car from harmful environmental factors. Also, you must have heard you need professional PPF installers to get a flawless finish. But have you ever wondered what professionals do with your car when you leave it at their shop? Aren’t you curious about the PPF installation process? Let’s dive in and learn how professionals install PPF films on vehicles.
How is PPF Installed?
This is one of the rarely asked questions, but it has crossed the minds of many. People are getting more and more aware of paint protection films. This also makes them curious about how DIY and professional PPF installation are different from each other. You can easily spot a poorly installed PPF on a car among hundreds of cars. Do you want to know how professionals achieve a flawless finish that’s virtually invisible? Well, there is a whole process behind it. Here are the steps involved in PPF installation.
Prepping the Vehicle
PPF is not applied directly onto the car as soon as it arrives at the shop. The process starts with prepping the car for the PPF installation. It is important for the firm adhesion of the PPF film with the car’s surface. Paint protection film full installation takes 5 to 7 days. Therefore, you should choose a place for a clean, warm, nicely lit place for the installation.
Clean the Vehicle
The process begins with cleaning the car entirely. Start with dusting off the dirt particles from the car’s exterior. You can also use soapy water and microfibre cloth to clean the car if it’s too dirty. Professionals use a clay bar with a lubricant to remove stubborn marks. These include contaminants like tree saps and road grime. Once you are satisfied with the cleaning, dry off the vehicle. Professionals prefer using a blower to save time.
Related Article: Is it worth getting paint protection film
Inspect the Vehicle
After cleaning, inspect the car. Do you see any scratches or chips? Always remember you should get rid of paint imperfections before applying the PPF film. You can also perform a paint correction service if needed. Your car should be as flawless as possible before applying the PPF. In the end, you can use isopropyl alcohol. This removes paint sealants and waxes still left on the car’s surface.
Steps Involved in PPF Installation
All the steps mentioned above are pre-installation steps. Now comes the actual process where experts deal with the PPF.
- Begin the process by selecting the application compound. You can use soap solution, installation gel, or a sealant solution. Every installer chooses the application compound according to his feasibility. It provides the required lubrication for the smooth application of PPF.
- Now, cut the PPF film according to the desired design. You can not apply the same size of PPF to every car because every car has a unique shape and design. It is important to get a PPF that fits the car. Once you have the size, it’s time for the application.
- Coat your hands completely with the application compound. If you wonder why you need to do this, it won’t let the product stick to your hands.
- Now, start applying the film. Remove the liner from the PPF to free its adhesive side. Treat the adhesive side of the film with the same compound you will be using for application.
- Apply the treated PPF onto the car. Spread it evenly with the application compound and ensure all car parts are covered.
- Level the applied PPF on the car’s surface with the help of professional tools. PPF experts use a squeegee to apply the PPF to the car’s surface. With the help of to and from motion, remove bubbles and any extra compound stuck between the film and the car’s exterior surface.
- You can also apply heat for a more smooth and contoured finish. Alcohol solution works like magic to firmly bind the film with the car while stretching.
Bonus Tips
Do not let the car surface to dry. For a robust adhesion, it is important to keep the adhesive side of the film wet all the time. It ensures smooth application, flexibility, and wrinkle-free PPF installation.
- Once you are done applying the PPF, examine the car carefully. Do you see any unattended parts? Is the film peeling from any corner? A professional installation has no such issues.
- Once you are satisfied with the application, wipe off the surface. You can take a soft microfibre cloth for this.
- Inspect the vehicle last time. In case you find any bubbles, puncture them with an air-release pen. With the help of a squeegee, smooth the film.
- That’s all. Now let the film dry, which takes 48 hours.
Do not unnecessarily touch your car and give a proper time to cure. Also, do not wash your car after the PPF installation. You should at least wait a week or longer. Our comprehensive guide on washing a car with PPF will help you keep your PPF-wrapped car looking like new for years.
Do you Need Help From Professionals?
We have explained the whole process of installing PPF in the easiest way possible. Still, if you think you won’t be able to do this yourself, we are always here for you. The professional PPF installers of AutoBoss are highly experienced in installing PPF on vehicles. They have worked on almost all kinds of cars. Whether you have a luxury car or a rugged truck, every vehicle is a piece of cake for AutoBoss PPF experts.
Conclusion
Installing PPF is not a child’s play. Also, it is not a one-day-long process. Normally, PPF installation takes six to seven days. You need to follow every step carefully for perfect finishing. Follow the steps in this guide to apply PPF on a car yourself. You can also use the information for knowledge purposes. It will help you understand how professionals do it.
FAQs
Can you install PPF yourself?
Yes, there are DIY PPF kits available in the market. You can use them to apply PPF on your car yourself. Remember, you need to have the proper tools to apply PPF yourself. Otherwise, it will be a waste of time and money.
How much does it cost to PPF?
PPF cost is not fixed. You can expect to have it in between $1000 to $2000 on average.