Avoiding PPF Installation Mistakes Tips on Ensuring a Killer Finish

By Narayan Andrews

PF is the best way to protect your vehicle from rock chips, water stains, scratches, etc. However not following a strict process before and during installation will lead to mistakes and failures of the film. 90% of failures are installer errors. One small shortcut or mistake will ruin the film. Causing you to lose time and money.

7 Guarantees for a FAILED PPF Install:

1. Not Prepping the vehicle correctly. Washing/ cleaning is the most important step before installation. The vehicle should be spotless from all dirt and contaminants. Make sure the floor is clean. Check for ceramic coating.

2. Choosing a poor-quality film. Installing a cheap / low-quality film isn’t the best idea. Doing so will likely cost more money in the long run. A low-quality PPF film won’t last very long. It will start to fade, crack and fail. It’s always better to choose premium PPF films. I always say if I wouldn’t put on my own vehicle, why would I put on a client’s?

3. You have to be patient during the installation process. PPF installation can take a while; definitely longer than installing vinyl. If you rush the installation, you risk making even more mistakes. It may not seal properly while wrapping the edges. You might end up trapping dirt and debris under the film.

4. Not Aligning the panels correctly. Alignment needs to be perfectly done. If you don’t paint edges can be exposed and not protected. Defending the purpose of PPF.

5. Not doing Full Coverage. Clients will be tempted not to do full coverage because of the cost. Everything hurts exposed paint. Doing partial coverage will cost more in the long run because those areas will need to be replaced or repainted eventually.

6. Not having formal training or hands on. I would recommend getting training from all manufacturers. Not all PPF films are made equal.

7. Not using the proper water and slip solution. Every PPF film requires different ratios of slip and tack solutions. If you have too much or not enough, it makes the installation more difficult.

Regular training and practice are crucial for mastering PPF installation, as new techniques and products are constantly emerging in the market. Additionally, investing in high-quality tools and materials can significantly reduce the risk of installation errors, ensuring a flawless finish every time. Understanding the dos and don’ts of PPF is important for repeat business and guaranteeing your work. Don’t get caught in a claim, because you failed to follow the simple installation rules.

Narayan Andrews

Narayan@spectrumautollc.com

Owner/Operator, Spectrum Auto

• Avery Dennison Certified PPF Trainer

• Avery Dennison/3M/ORAFOL Certified Installer