Paint protection film is a thin, polyester film that protects your car’s exterior from scratches, chips and dings. It’s an easy way to protect your investment and keep your vehicle looking great for years to come. In this guide, we’ll show you how to install paint protection film on your car yourself!
What is paint protection film?
Paint protection film, or PPF, is a thin, clear plastic sheet that protects the paint on your car from scratches and chips. It can be applied to windows, lights and body panels as well as other areas of the vehicle where you want to protect against damage. PPF is removed without leaving residue behind, so it can be reapplied if necessary.
Where do you buy paint protection film?
In addition to the benefits of installing paint protection film yourself, you’ll also be able to save money. The cost of hiring a professional installer can be upwards of $300 (and that’s not including the price of the film itself), but if you buy your own kit and install it yourself, you can get good quality PPF for under $100.
You can also save time by installing it yourself; most DIY kits take less than an hour to apply once they arrive in the mail.
How to install paint protection film on your car
- Use a heat gun to install the film. The heat gun is used to shrink the film and make it conform to the shape of your car’s hood, roof and trunk.
- Use a squeegee to push out any air bubbles. You may have heard of this term before; it refers to those little pockets of trapped air that can appear under your paint protection film after installation, and they’re not good! You need to remove them before they cause problems down the road (like peeling).
- Make sure that you install your paint protection film in the correct direction for optimum results! There are two ways this could be done incorrectly: you might install it upside down or backwards (which would cause problems with visibility). If this happens, don’t panic, just start over again, following these steps carefully until everything looks right again!
Step 1 – Clean the car thoroughly
The first step to installing paint protection film is cleaning your car. You’ll want to start by washing it with a mild soap, rinsing it off, and drying it with a microfiber cloth. Then use a waxing spray (or liquid wax) on all surfaces of the vehicle; this will help protect against water spots and make it easier for you to apply the PFF when you’re done.
Next comes claying: use either an auto-detailer’s clay bar or some automotive hand cleaner on any areas where there are contaminants like dirt or bird droppings stuck on the surface of your car’s body panels, you should be able to see these things if they’re there because they’ll leave marks behind when wetted down!
Step 2 – Measure the window and trim panels
Measure the window and trim panels. Use a tape measure to make sure you get an accurate reading. You want to measure from the top of your window (or other surface) down to where your trim panel is located. If you have a flat windshield, this will be easy; but if not, it may require some careful measuring and estimating. In general, try for accuracy over speed here, you don’t want to end up with more film than necessary!
Step 3 – Lay out the film
Now that you have the film on hand, it’s time to lay it out. First, use a straight edge and tape measure to measure your windows and trim panels. Then mark them with pen or pencil, so you know where the edges of each piece are going to be applied.
Next, cut out all of your pieces using a razor blade (be careful!). It’s best if you can find someone else who knows how to do this step, but if not, just take your time and have patience with yourself!
Finally, apply each piece carefully using an applicator squeegee (or even just some old credit cards) until all surfaces are covered in a thin layer of adhesive film material.
Step 4 – Peel back half of the backing paper
You are now ready to peel back half of the backing paper. Be careful! Don’t touch the adhesive side of the film with your fingers or anything else. If you do, it will be ruined, and you’ll have to start over.
- Peel back half of the backing paper, leaving about 6 inches in front and behind where you want your striping tape lines to be placed (see photo above).
- Use a squeegee (or something similar) to remove excess air bubbles from underneath this newly exposed section of paint protection film by lightly pushing down on it while pulling away from each edge towards the center point with even pressure until there are no more visible bubbles left behind before proceeding further along with next steps
Step 5 – Install in sections from bottom to top
When installing the film, it’s best to start with the bottom half of your car and work your way up. You’ll want to install the side windows first, followed by the rear window, then trim panels like door handles, mirrors and bumpers. Because these parts are smaller than other areas on your vehicle (think: windshield), they’ll be easier for you to reach without having to climb on top of anything or strain yourself in any way.
Better to hire a professional to install paint protection film
If you’re thinking about installing paint protection film on your car, it’s a good idea to hire a reliable PPF installer in Markham. They have experience with the process and know how to choose the right film for your vehicle. They also have the tools and equipment necessary to get the job done quickly and efficiently. And if something goes wrong during installation (which can happen), they’re covered by insurance in case anything happens while they’re working on your car.
Conclusion
The process of installing a paint protection film on your car is not an easy one. However, with the right tools and some practice, you can do it yourself at home. The best thing about this type of protection is that it will last for years without any maintenance required from your part. It will keep those nasty scratches away from ruining the look of your vehicle while also helping against other potential threats such as UV rays or acid rain damage caused by them hitting directly onto unprotected surfaces without anything there to stop them!