Everyone knows the benefits of installing PPF on cars, and it is one of the most effective ways to safeguard your ride from daily wear and tear. As you know, car paint protection film shields the car from road grime, bug splatters, stone chips, and other harmful environmental and weather elements. Still, many are curious about the application method of paint protection film. So, if you want to know how to do ppf on a car, this guide is for you. Today, we will walk you through a stepwise guide explaining the application process of ppf on a car, so stay with us and learn how professionals install ppf on the car to get durable results and fine finishing.
Materials Required
Before we start, here is a list of materials you will need for this process.
- Paint protection film kit
- Installation gel
- Water and soap solution
- Cutting tool
- Measuring tape
- Rubber squeegee
- Microfibre cloth
- Air pen release
- Heat gun
- Alcohol/Tack solution
Pro Tip:
Speedy application is the key to fine-finishing PPF on car; this is why you should always keep all the materials within your arm’s reach.
Cleaning the Surface
The paint protection film application process does not start with directly pouring ppf on the car. The first step is cleaning to remove all the marks and dirt from the car’s surface. Wash the car with automotive detergent and apply isopropyl alcohol or tack solution to clean the remaining residue.
Measure and Cut
Now, measure the section of your car you will be working on and cut the desired size of paint protection film using the cutting tools.
Pre-application Steps
Now, before applying PPF on a car, you must take care of a few things. Wet your hands with the solution to prevent ppf adhesives from sticking to your hand and making the application process hard for you. Moreover, if you skip this, you may leave your fingerprint on the ppf or car for a long time.
Apply the PPF
Now, take the ppf on a clean working surface with the liner side facing you. Take off the liner and apply the wet solution over it. Do the same with your car’s surface before applying the car paint protection film. Carefully slide the ppf on the car’s surface and flatten it using a squeegee. Overlapping strokes are the best for achieving fine finishing without any bubbles. However, if you have any bubbles, you can get rid of them by rapid squeegee movements towards the edges.
Bonus Tip:
Work from the center to the edges and use a heat gun to soften the film for more intricate curves and edges of the vehicle.
Wipe it Off
Once you are done with the application process, take a wet cloth and wipe out the car’s surface to smoothen the film and remove any excess solution stuck between the car’s surface and the PPF film.
Trimming
Now trim the excess film if needed using the cutting tools. Remember this step is required only if an extra film is hanging from the edges. Take your time and trim the film neatly for a seamless finish.
Final Inspection
Once the ppf film is installed on the car and the edges are trimmed, inspect your car to make sure the film is secured, and the edges are trimmed. If there is a bubble, you can use the squeegee or heat gun to smooth it out. Run the squeegee one last time to ensure proper adhesion.
Let it Dry
After applying PPF to the car, let it dry. Generally, the film takes up to 48 hours to dry completely.
Expert Tips
To get ultimate protection and enjoy PPF film’s benefits, it is important to accurately apply ppf on a car. So here are a few expert tips you should keep in mind while installing PPF on the car.
- Experts recommend using Teflon and polyurethane squeegees to bend paint protection film edges.
- Use pointy tools for proper installation at the edges.
- Keep the tools clean because installation quality and finishing depend on the cleanliness during the process.
- Stretch the film carefully and apply it uniformly on the surface to avoid the formation of air bubbles.
- Use alcohol or soapy water to create stronger adhesion between the paint protection film and the car’s surface.
- Apply heat on the edges using a heat gun to bend the film on the edges and apply it firmly on the surface.
- If you are a newbie, use the wet application method to apply PPF on the car to prevent it from scratching during the application process.
Do You Need Professional Help?
If the PPF application is too much for you or you don’t want to take a risk, our doors are always open for you. With our ten years of experience and dedicated team of experts, we provide the best car protection services in town. We guarantee the best results and ultimate protection that you are looking for. Come see AutoBoss today.
Conclusion
Knowing how to install PPF on a car seems interesting, but the PPF application process needs proper attention at each step to enhance longevity and achieve ultimate protection goals. In this quick guide, we have explained the steps you need to take to accomplish a professional finishing of car paint protection film. Don’t forget the pre and post-PPF installation steps, as they are the key to successful and flawless PPF installation.
FAQs
Can I apply PPF myself?
Yes, you can. Numerous DIY PPFs are available in the market that car owners can buy and apply the car paint protection film on their vehicles themselves.
How much does it cost to PPF an entire car?
PPF cost is not fixed as various factors influence car paint protection film costs. However, it usually ranges from $600 to $8000.
How is PPF installed on a car?
Remove the liner from the film to install PPF on a car and spray the installation gel. Once sprayed with the installation gel, slide it on the car’s surface and smooth it out using tools from the PPF installation kit.