PAINT PROTECTION INSTALLATION INSTRUCTION

Please Read Before Proceeding With The Installation

 

Prior experience with paint protection is beneficial. If you're a DIY installer, we strongly advise conducting thorough research to understand the intricacies of paint protection installation. Incorrect techniques could lead to installation failure, so it's essential to educate yourself beforehand.

  1. Softening the Material:
  1. Stretching the Material:
  1. Dealing with Fingers:

 

We have combined informative YouTube videos that will be helpful in installing the Paint Protection Precut kit that you have purchased.

Please take some time and watch all the videos before proceeding with the installation, you will be greatly rewarded with the outcome if you do a little homework on how paint protection film, stretches, and slip/tac solutions work.

Mixtures:

  1. Distilled water
  2. Isopropyl alcohol (IPA) - 70% concentration is recommended for ( Tac solution )
  3. Baby Shampoo for (Slip solution)

Mixture Instructions:

1. Slip Solution:

2. Tac Solution:

Note:

Tools Required for Installation

  1. Gather Supplies:
  1. Washing the Vehicle:
  1. Clay Bar Treatment:
  1. Surface Decontamination:
  1. Final Inspection:


By following these detailed instructions, you'll properly prep your vehicle for the installation of the precut paint protection kit, ensuring a clean and smooth surface for optimal adhesion and protection.

 

Installation Steps:

1.    Positioning the Film:

·      Spray the panel you tend to install, squeegee the panel to eliminate dust or debris, and respray the panel before grabbing the material

·      It's crucial to have assistance when carefully removing the backing from the pre-cut paint protection film. Another person can help you ensure the liner of the material is properly removed, exposing the adhesive side, while you simultaneously spray your slip solution onto the adhesive.

·       Before squeegeeing, align the film with the desired area on your vehicle's panel where you're installing the paint protection film, ensuring it's positioned correctly. We recommend watching YouTube videos for guidance on where to tactically place it first, as each panel may require different application techniques.

2.    Wet Application:

·       Spray the surface of the vehicle and the adhesive side of the film with the water and soap solution ( Slip Solution ). This will prevent the film from sticking prematurely, allowing you to reposition it as necessary.

·       Gently place the film onto the surface, starting from one edge and gradually smoothing it out with your hands or a squeegee.
The solution will help you slide the film into the correct position.

3.    Squeegee Technique:

·       Once the film is positioned correctly, use a squeegee to remove any excess water and air bubbles trapped beneath the film.
Start from the center and work your way out towards the edges, applying even pressure to ensure proper adhesion.
Use tack solution as needed when the film requires stretching so one side won't pop and move.

·       Be cautious not to apply too much pressure, as this could damage the film or the vehicle's paint or even put a dent in the panel.

4.    Heat Application:

·       If necessary, use a steamer to gently warm the film.
This will help it conform to the contours of the vehicle's surface, ensuring a tight and seamless fit. ( Steamer is highly recommended )

·       Keep the heat source moving constantly to avoid overheating or damaging the film.
Pay extra attention to edges and curves where the film may need more stretching.
Avoid using a heat gun at all costs.

5.    Final Touches:

·       Once the film is properly installed and adhered to the surface, any areas that have edge wrap, rinse the edges with the ( TAC Solution ) let those areas sit and dry for an hour or two before coming back and folding the edge wrap.
If it won't stick, that means water is preventing the film from sticking, which means more time is required before folding the edges.

·       Inspect the film carefully for any air bubbles or imperfections.
If needed, you can use a Diabetic needle to carefully puncture and release trapped air bubbles, then smooth out the film with the squeegee.
A video on how to can be found below.

·       Allow the film to cure for at least 72 hours before exposing it to any water or harsh conditions.

Maintenance:

By following these steps and taking your time during the installation process, you can achieve a professional-looking finish and provide long-lasting protection for your vehicle's paint.


​Common Installation Mistakes:

Now, if you accidentally overstretch the paint protection film during installation, here's how you can trim it using an Olfa knife:

1.    Assess the Damage: Carefully examine the stretched area to determine the extent of the damage and whether it can be trimmed without affecting the overall coverage of the film.

2.    Prepare the Tools: Make sure your Olfa knife is sharp and clean to ensure clean cuts without tearing the film further.

3.    Mark the Trim Line: Use a marker or masking tape to mark the trim line where you want to cut the film.
Be precise and take your time to ensure accuracy.

4.    Cut Along the Line: Hold the Olfa knife at a shallow angle to the surface and carefully cut along the marked trim line. Apply gentle pressure and make multiple light passes if necessary to avoid tearing the film.

5.    Check the Fit: Once trimmed, check the fit of the film to ensure it aligns properly with the surrounding areas.
Make any necessary adjustments by further trimming if needed.

6.    Smooth Out Edges: Use a squeegee or soft cloth to smooth out the edges of the trimmed film and ensure it adheres properly to the surface.

7.    Inspect and Clean: After trimming, inspect the area to ensure there are no rough edges or imperfections.
Clean the surface with a mild soapy water solution to remove any debris or adhesive residue.

 

Removing Paint Protection Film:

You've recently applied a paint protection film but aren't pleased with the outcome of the installation. Now, you're seeking to remove it in order to replace it with a newly purchased panel.

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to properly remove pre-cut paint protection film from a vehicle using a steamer method:

1.     Prepare the Area: Park the vehicle in a shaded area or inside a garage to avoid direct sunlight.

2.     Gather Equipment: You'll need a steamer and a microfiber towel.

3.     Fill the Steamer: Fill the steamer with water according to the manufacturer's instructions and allow it to heat up.

4.     Test the Steamer: Now that the steamer is warmed up let's start.

5.     Begin Steaming: Hold the steamer nozzle about 4-6 inches away from the edge of the paint protection film you want to remove. Start steaming along the edge, moving the nozzle back and forth to evenly distribute the heat.

6.     Heat the Film: Apply steam to the edge of the film for about 30-60 seconds to soften the adhesive underneath. Be careful not to overheat the film, as excessive heat can damage the paint or cause the film to tear.

7.     Peel Back the Film: Once the film is heated and softened, use your hand to gently lift the edge of the film. Slowly peel back the film, keeping the steamer nozzle directed at the area you are working on to maintain heat.

8.     Work in Sections: Work in small sections, heating and peeling back the film gradually. Take your time to avoid tearing the film or leaving adhesive residue on the surface.

9.     Clean Up Residue: After removing the film, use a microfiber towel with goo gone or 70% alcohol to wipe away any remaining adhesive residue.

10.  Inspect the Surface: Once the film and adhesive residue are removed, inspect the surface of the vehicle to ensure it is clean and free from any remaining residue or damage.

By following these steps, you can properly remove pre-cut paint protection film from a vehicle using a steamer method.
​Remember to work carefully and patiently to avoid damaging the paint or leaving adhesive residue behind.

 

We strongly advise taking the time to watch YouTube tutorials and educating yourself on DIY Paint Protection installation techniques. This preparation can greatly enhance your understanding and confidence when tackling the installation.

If you've purchased installation support, feel free to reach out to us via email whenever it suits you best for assistance before you start the installation process.

 

For those tackling DIY paint protection for the first time, it's natural to feel a bit overwhelmed.
​Remember, mistakes happen, but don't fret!
You have the option to purchase a replacement pattern for any errors or simply redo it to achieve a better result.

 

 

Vehicle Prep:
To prepare the vehicle, kindly employ a medium clay bar after washing it.
For comprehensive guidance, please refer to the instructional video linked below.

Mixtures & Tools:

This video explains everything you will need for the installation and how to mix your tack and slip solutions.

Front Bumper:

Here's the correct method for installing a bumper on a Tesla 3 or Model Y.
Notice that the bumper is intentionally cut approximately 3 inches short.
This precise cut allows for proper stretching to eliminate any excess material, ensuring a seamless fit.
To see the correct alignment and stretching technique, fast forward the video to the 3-minute mark.

Additional Video:

Additional Video:

 

Rear Bumper:

This video shows how to properly install the rear bumper Paint Protection Film kit on a Tesla Model 3.

Additional Video:

 

 

Front Hood: 

This video properly shows how to install the hood on a Tesla Model Y or 3 without the T emblem badge on the Precut Paint Protection kit.

 

Additional Video:
This video shows how to properly install the full hood and fenders on a Tesla Model Y and 3 with the T emblem badge on the hood.

 

Hood Emblem Removal:

This video shows how to properly remove a badge or emblem from the paint and clean the glue without damaging the vehicle on a Tesla Model Y and 3.

 

Headlight | Fog Lights:

​This video shows how to properly install the headlights and fog lights on any Tesla Vehicle.
 

 

Front Fenders:

This video shows how to properly install the full hood and full fenders on a Tesla Model Y.

Additional Video:

 


Edge Wrapping:

This video shows how to wrap the edges that overlap on any panel.
You want to let the material dry from any leftover water as shown in the video before wrapping the edges along with making sure the wrapped area is clean before even installing the panel so when you wrap the edge it will stick with zero issues.

Bulk Hood Installation:

This video shows how to install a full hood in bulk.
This technique is used for any hood that has a lot of valleys, curves, and creases.
Great examples of bulk hoods would be on any Truck, a new GR Supra, Porsche Macan, etc...
The install process is the same on any hood that requires a bulk installation method, please check the listing description for recommendations.

Rear Trunk: 2 Piece Tesla

This video shows how to properly install a 2 piece precut for a Tesla Model 3 trunk kit.

Additional Video:

 

 

When To Use A Steamer or Hot Water:
This video demonstrates when to use hot water or a steamer on the material to make stretching the material easier.

 

How To Pop Water Bubbles or Dry Bubbles:

​This video shows how to pop water bubbles or dry bubbles after the installation is complete.

 

Paint Protection Beginner vs Professional Installation:
This video explains in detail, the pros and cons of DIY PPF installation and paying a professional to install PPF in their shop.

 

 

 

For vehicle-specific videos, please search on YouTube.

Note: Not every car has an installation video, as long as you understand how to stretch the material when required, the installation process is straight forward for every vehicle and every panel. Some panels require more stretching of the material than others due to the panel curve.

 

We utilize software provided by renowned paint protection manufacturers to design the patterns used for cutting the film tailored to your vehicle. All kits we offer have undergone rigorous testing and have been installed in our shop before being made available for sale to our customers. We strive to ensure the highest quality and accuracy in our products and installations