DIY vs. Professional Paint Protection Film Installation: A Step-by-Step Comparative Guide

In the day and age of easily finding information online, installing DIY-ing Paint Protection Film (PPF) may seem like the smart choice, offering the flexibility to work at your own pace and potentially save on labor costs. However, due to the complexities involved, it’s often best to leave PPF installation to the professionals.

We’ll break down both installation processes step by step to help you determine which option is right for you.

Preparation for Installation

DIY

When tackling PPF yourself, the first step is gathering the right tools and materials:

Heat Gun

Purpose: Softens the PPF, making it flexible and easier to stretch and mold to the contours of your vehicle. This flexibility is vital for ensuring the film conforms smoothly to curves and edges without tearing or wrinkling.

Squeegees

Purpose: Used to apply the film onto the vehicle’s surface. Squeegees help smooth out the film, removing air bubbles and ensuring it adheres without any pockets of air, which are crucial for a flawless, transparent finish.

Precision Cutting Tools (like knives or blades)

Purpose: Necessary for trimming the excess film. Accurate cutting ensures that the PPF fits exactly to the specified areas of your vehicle, providing complete coverage without overlapping or gaps.

Optional Tools for Enhanced Installation

In addition to the essential tools, consider these optional items to help make the installation process smoother and potentially improve the outcome:

1. Detailing Clay Bar: Used to clean the vehicle’s surface thoroughly before applying the film. It removes contaminants that can cause imperfections under the film.
2. Slip Solution: A mixture of water and a small amount of baby shampoo or liquid soap, used to lubricate the surface, allowing easier squeegee movement and adjustment of the film during application.
3. Alcohol Solution: Used after the slip solution to clean the surface and ensure good adhesion of the film to the vehicle’s body.
4. Lint-Free Cloths: Essential for cleaning the surface and hands to avoid leaving residues or lint under the film.
5. Measuring Tape: Helps in pre-measuring the film before cutting, ensuring you cut the right amount of material without waste.
6. Gloves: Protects your hands and prevents fingerprints and natural oils from getting on the film during installation.

 

Professionals

While some professionals use tools similar to those a DIYer would use, but of a higher professional quality, there are some tools that are typically not available or more difficult to get a hold of for DIYers.

Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Systems

Some professional shops use Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Systems, a type of software that allows for the creation, modification, analysis, and optimization of a design, in lieu of manually measuring and cutting film patterns.

At Ultimate Window Tinting, we use XPEL’s DAP software, which provides access to pre-cut patterns that are specifically designed for even the latest vehicle models, ensuring a precise fit and optimal coverage. With this tool, it eliminates the risk of misapplication and wastage, a level of accuracy difficult to achieve in DIY settings.

Paint Correction Tools

Paint correction plays an important role in the application of PPF, ensuring a perfect canvas for the film to attach to.

Dual Action Polishers:

These polishers are known for their oscillating and rotating movement which minimizes heat build-up, reducing the risk of burning the paint. They are perfect for effectively removing defects without leaving further swirls or holograms.

Rotary Buffers:

Rotary buffers are powerful tools that work by spinning a polishing pad at a constant speed. They are highly effective at rapidly removing deeper scratches and more severe paint defects.

Orbital Polishers:

Orbital polishers offer a random orbital motion that makes them safer and easier for less experienced technicians to use. They are great for light to medium paint correction work.

Note: While paint correction is an essential aspect of preparing for PPF application, it’s important to note that we do not offer extensive paint correction services at Ultimate Window Tinting, beyond clay bar and hand wax. For clients seeking deep paint correction, such as removing severe scratches or defects, we recommend having this done at a specialized service provider before installation.

 

Installation

DIY

Before installing, make sure your work area is spotless and free of any dust or debris that could interfere with the application process. A clean and dry environment is crucial for achieving a flawless finish.

1. Slowly peel the backing off the PPF, starting from one end. Be careful not to stretch or distort the film as you peel.
2. Align the film with one section of the vehicle, such as the hood or fender. Starting from one end, gradually work your way to the other to maintain alignment.
3. Begin at the center of the film and work outward towards the edges. This helps to push air bubbles out as you go.
4. Use a squeegee to press the film onto the vehicle’s surface, using smooth, even strokes. Apply firm pressure to ensure the film adheres properly.
5. Keep the film taut as you apply it to prevent wrinkles and bubbles. However, be careful not to overstretch the film, as this can distort its shape.
6. If bubbles form, gently lift the nearest edge of the film and use the squeegee to push them out towards the lifted edge. Work slowly and carefully to avoid creating new bubbles.
7. Once the film is in place, use a heat gun on a low setting to carefully seal the edges. This helps to ensure full adhesion, especially in areas that contour around curves and edges.
8. After sealing the edges, inspect the entire surface for any remaining bubbles or imperfections. If necessary, gently lift and reapply the film to correct any issues.

Professionals

As a customer, you don’t have to worry about the installation process, your car is in good hands with the experienced professionals. Instead, you can use your free time to:

1. Run Errands: Take care of any errands or tasks you’ve been putting off.
2. Relax: Use the time to unwind and relax, whether it’s catching up on your favorite book or the latest Netflix show.
3. Work Remotely: If you have work to do, bring your laptop and work remotely from the waiting area.
4. Enjoy a Coffee: Treat yourself to a coffee from Starbucks just a 10 minute walk away!

 

Curing and Finishing Touches

DIY

Curing times can fluctuate based on factors like temperature and humidity. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for your specific film to achieve optimal results. Extreme temperatures, whether too hot or too cold, can impact the curing process. It’s best to apply PPF in moderate conditions and allow sufficient time for curing.

• Avoid Disturbances: It’s important to recognize that household activities can inadvertently disrupt the curing process. For example, kids playing near the vehicle or needing to use it for errands can introduce disturbances that compromise the bond. Additionally, minimizing the use of the vehicle is advisable. Excessive driving or parking in areas with heavy debris can increase the risk of contaminants interfering with the curing process.
• Thorough Examination: After the curing period, carefully inspect the PPF for any imperfections, such as bubbles, wrinkles, or misalignments. Addressing these issues promptly is crucial to achieving a flawless finish. If you notice any imperfections, be prepared to take immediate action to correct them. Using a heat gun and a squeegee, gently work out any bubbles or wrinkles to ensure a smooth surface.
• Trimming Excess: If there is any excess film extending beyond the edges of the vehicle’s panels, use precision cutting tools to trim it carefully. This step is essential for achieving a clean and professional-looking finish. Take your time to ensure that the cuts are precise and that the edges blend seamlessly with the contours of the vehicle.

NOTE: If significant problems persist, you may need to consider starting the installation process again to achieve the desired results.

Professionals

• Controlled Environment: Professionals work in controlled environments, such as temperature-controlled garages to create ideal conditions for curing. This helps to minimize external factors that could affect the curing process, such as dust or humidity.
• Accelerated Curing: Professional-grade curing methods, such as infrared lamps or heat lamps, can accelerate the curing process without compromising the quality of the bond. This allows for faster turnaround times, getting customers back on the road a lot faster.
• Quality Assurance: This is what professionals do for a living—apply PPF on cars. They undergo extensive training and gain hands-on experience to deliver results that  meet the highest standards of quality and precision. And if any issues are caught during the inspection process, they are trained to address them promptly and effectively.

 

PPF Installation: DIY vs. Professional: Cost and Benefit Comparison

Choose Ultimate Window Tinting For Professional PPF Installation

When it comes to protecting your vehicle, the choice between DIY and professional PPF installation is clear. While DIY may seem tempting, the complexities involved and potential for errors make professional installation the smarter option.

At Ultimate Window Tinting, our expert technicians use state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to ensure flawless results and long-term durability. Don’t compromise on quality—schedule your professional PPF installation today for peace of mind and superior protection. Contact us now to get started.