Should You Install PPF By Yourself or Let the Pros Handle It?

It’s well understood that the best way to protect your vehicle from road debris is by installing paint protection film in Charlotte. PPF or clear bra as it’s commonly known is an extremely durable polymer film that protects substrates from chips, scratches, and more.

Plus, advanced nanotechnology has introduced a new line of ceramic coated paint protection films – offering brilliant shine, depth, and hydrophobic properties. PPF protects your car from physical damage and preserves the paint and shine.

While ceramic coatings have been custom formulated for DIY enthusiasts to install themselves, is it possible for a vehicle owner to apply PPF   themselves. Well – in short – yes – it’s possible. However, is it a good idea? That’s another story.

Let’s break down the facts about DIY PPF products and why it’s a good idea to let the pros handle this type of specialist job.

Can You Install PPF Yourself? 

Cars are a significant investment, so it only makes sense to apply extra protection to keep them looking pristine. Robust protective products, like paint protection film (PPF), demand precision. Mishandling can damage the film and lead to significant expenses.

This raises the question: Is DIY PPF installation feasible?

Yes, installing DIY paint protection film is an option. While tackling it yourself can be cost-effective, it comes with several drawbacks. Improper installation could even damage your car. Before proceeding, it’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons of DIY PPF installation carefully.

The Pros of DIY PPF Installation

• Cost-effective – The most significant advantage of DIY PPF installation is the cost savings. By deciding to install the film yourself, you avoid labor costs and save on professional installation fees.
• Convenience – With DIY kits readily available, it’s convenient for vehicle owners who prefer doing things themselves. Plus, with instructions and tutorials easily accessible online, it’s easy to follow along.
• Satisfaction – Some car enthusiasts enjoy working on their cars and find satisfaction in completing projects themselves. Installing PPF can be a rewarding experience for those who love DIY projects.

The Cons of DIY PPF Installation

• Time-consuming – Installing paint protection film requires patience, precision, and time. It’s a meticulous process that can take several hours, and even days for larger vehicles.
• Skill and Experience – Improper installation of PPF can lead to air bubbles, creases, or wrinkles on the film. This not only affects the appearance but also compromises its protective properties. Professional installers have the necessary skills and experience to ensure a seamless application.
• Risk of Damage – Mishandling PPF during installation can cause damage to your vehicle’s paintwork. The film is delicate and requires careful handling, which professionals are trained to do.

On the other hand, if you choose to DIY the application, you only need to pay for the cost of materials and tools—no need to pay for labor. However, there is a big drawback to doing this, and that is the potential for damage. If you make a mistake, you risk damaging the paint and exterior. As a result, you might have to pay even more money than intended. 

Why You Should Leave PPF Installation to the Pros

While you might be tempted to install PPF yourself despite the risk of damage, doing so is generally unwise for several other reasons.

Installation Requires Perfect Conditions

For top-notch paint protection film application, you need the perfect setup. Think of it like a surgeon’s operating room—clean, enclosed, and controlled. Professionals have the right spaces to ensure the film sticks to your car like a glove, keeping dirt and dust at bay.

Now, doing this in your dusty garage or on the driveway? That’s like trying to grill steaks in a hurricane—not ideal! Sure, there’s room, but the mess could ruin the whole process. Trust us, your car deserves better, and so do you!

Right Techniques and Tools

Installing PPF? Do it right! You’ve got to have the perfect tools and techniques to keep it secure and flawless. Arm yourself with the best polishers (to correct paint first), the right cutting and installation tools for that snug fit.

Pros love using computer-generated pre-cut PPFs, ensuring a perfect fit every time. But hey, if you’re going DIY with a razor, make sure you nail it. Otherwise, you might end up with a poorly fitted film—or worse, a scratched-up paint job!

Professional Installation is Clean

A dedicated paint protection film installer in Charlotte not only uses specialist tools and advanced training, but they are also attention to detail focused. PPF is precision cut by using computer rendered plotters. This means that each section is perfectly trimmed for a cleaner installation.

If you attempt to cut the PPF and install the PPF yourself, it’s quite possible that you’ll make mistakes, or even worse, cut the paint with a knife.

Paint Protection Film Installation is Time Consuming

How long does PPF take to install? Simply put – it takes a lot of time. Professionals can take at least 3-4 days to finish an installation. However, DIY-ers will need much longer than that. You will need at least a week to apply for the film. And if the weather doesn’t cooperate with you, this process could take much longer.

Remember, you cannot drive your car while applying the film. It could disrupt the process and cost you more money. Thus, a DIY job will be inconvenient if you drive your car often.

How to Apply Paint Protection Film

Applying paint protection film follows a detailed process. Here’s a rundown of how it’s generally completed. Obviously professional PPF shops in Charlotte have their own techniques and process, but this will give you a general idea of how it’s done.

Clean and Prepare the Car

The car must be spotless before application. Otherwise, all the dirt, dust, and debris on top of the paint will be there when the PPF is applied. These imperfections could interfere with the film’s adherence and remain visible on the vehicle’s surface. 

Once the car is washed, it is entirely dried before application. A microfiber towel removes any water on the surface, especially getting into each crevice and hard-to-reach area.

Afterward, decontaminating the surface is essential, as tree sap, tar, and other contaminants might be stuck on the car. A decontamination product or clay bar is used. This is also an excellent time to correct paint issues like scratches, swirl marks, and blemishes.

Cut the Film

Each PPF film must be cut to the correct size to cover the vehicle. Each part needs a few extra inches of margin around the edges to ensure good coverage. Precision is critical during the cutting process, or some parts of the car might be left exposed.

Apply the Film

Once cut, each piece must be stretched uniformly and applied to the car’s surface. Part of the protective backing is peeled and aligned with the panel edges. This step needs extra care as once the film touches the exterior, it cannot be lifted again.

Once the edges are aligned, pressure is applied while peeling more backing. Pros use a squeegee to smooth out the wrinkles and air bubbles on the parts with adhesive. They apply the film using firm yet gentle strokes.

After applying the film, a hair dryer or heat gun on low settings activates the film’s self-healing characteristics, helping to remove minor scratches and imperfections. These steps are repeated per area worked on.

Initial Drying

Once the primary sections of the film are installed, the film is left alone to dry naturally. This process can take a day or more – depending on the temperature and humidity. This is a crucial step, as it’s likely that small bubbles will appear in the film – which is excess water, slip solution trapped between the film and the surface.

Tucking Seams and Final Install

The second to last step is for the PPF technician to tuck the seams or ensure the edges of the film are secured to the surface. This is another area that takes a gentle hand and precision expertise to do it right.

Let it Settle

After everything, the PPF is left to bond and settle onto the car. It shouldn’t be washed or exposed to any dirt or dust. Finally, professional detail shops will complete a multiple step quality assurance process. This is where tiny edges are precision cut by hand, bubbles are popped, and the film is given a final check for clean installation.

Wrapping it Up – Let the Pro’s Handle Your PPF Jobs

So – in the end, should I do PPF myself? Nope – it’s not a great idea. Plus, you’ll likely waste more time, money, and potentially damage your vehicle. Now, if you’ve got an older car, and you’re not worried about the appearance, and you feel comfortable, it’s not impossible for an experienced detailer to install a DIY PPF kit.

However, ideally, it’s best to let the pros handle it. As you can see in the steps above, installing PPF correctly is difficult, as it requires technique, skill, and the right equipment. DIY installation might be more costly in the long run if you don’t do it properly! 

Lasting Impressions provides premium paint protection film, ceramic coating, and vinyl wrapping installation in North Carolina. Call us at 980-237-2381  or contact us online for more information!

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