DIY - PPF Installation - Partial Front End Installation!

[@nateojala]

Hey man just wanted to say your videos are fantastic. I recently started up an auto detailing and PPF business. Was supposed to go to a PPF training class in November but it was canceled due to covid which really put a damper on things, but thanks to your videos I've learned a LOT and still been able to do lot of successful PPF installs for customers in the last few months. Very straightforward videos and you show and explain a lot of the small things that other videos overlooked and failed to teach me. Keep it up! Cheers from Minnesota!

[@DriveProtected]

Hey man! Thanks for the kind words and thanks for checking out the videos. Where is your shop located in Minnesota? We’re up in Manitoba, so not that far away from you.

[@nateojala]

​@@DriveProtected I'm in Duluth, MN. Just working out of my garage for now and I also work at a body shop as well so I do all the PPF replacements for them. Getting better each job, and your videos have really made it easy to learn some good techniques. Hoping to get a commercial location at some point! Love your shop by the way, very clean!

[@DriveProtected]

Awesome! Keep it up. If you ever need any help with anything, shoot me a email @ [e-mail] and I’ll help you out

[@johnnytest42]

Thanks for your vidéos. I'm french and in some months I received my first new cars and I think with all your videos I'm ready to make himself some parts in PPF but for this time I don't find a dealer who need to sell me a PPF expel. Thanks again for your videos

[@leonep2008]

Great video! What should I do if there is moisture left and is in like a bubble but all the edges are already sealed let's say the next day after install

[@DriveProtected]

Use a diabetic needle and pop it. Shouldn’t be a problem!

[@andrewhastings9138]

Just for confirmation. Slip solution first and once you lay down the film that’s when you spray tac solution to adhere and then squeegee?

[@DriveProtected]

That’s correct

[@ericbeagley5115]

Great video! It looks like the only tools you use are a squeegee, slip solution, and tack solution. Do you get these from Xpel or are they easily available other places?

[@ericsawatzky54]

Yes! Those are all the products we use. The products can be found at XPEL.com or at 44tools.com. Both are great places to use!

[@pssita]

How much would a typical front bumper and half hood, with headlights cost?

[@DriveProtected]

Usually in the $6-800 range

[@KingandTitanRacing]

Great video, what are you using for a slip solution?

[@DriveProtected]

Johnson Johnson baby shampoo and water.

[@KingandTitanRacing]

@@DriveProtected same as suggested in the Xpel website then. Thanks for the feedback! This video convinced me to place the order on my Xpel basket.

[@mareames]

When you relift the film for whatever reason, how do you prevent the lift lines or how do you fix them?

[@DriveProtected]

Great question! A lot of that will depend on how long the film has been down, and the angle you pull the film from. Its pretty hard to explain that over a typed out message. My go to is use hot water to soften the film up, then pull at a low angle to prevent the adhesive from separating. Hope that makes sense!

[@hardipusa]

I've been thinking of trying to diy so was wondering how big of a roll would I have to order for a full car vs say a full frontal? Thanks!

[@DriveProtected]

Thanks for watching the video! Please email me, [e-mail] and I will do my best to help you figure out how much film you need to wrap your vehicle.

[@stevendeleon2201]

What is your tack solution? Thats always the fight for me is getting It tacked down

[@DriveProtected]

Tack solution is 70% water, 30% isopropyl alcohol

[@brianmogle1121]

Does the Expel PPF shrink at the edges and leave a tacky film that collects dirt? I had someone install a 3M PPF (before I knew about Expel) on the front bumper cover of my Mini Cooper. He used a precut pattern and it looks like the pattern was not that good (not close enough to the edges) and it shrunk all over. I don't think he use adhesion promoter on the sharp edges when he should have because they are lifting up in places. After watching these and other install videos, it's obvious now that he didn't do a good job and was inexperienced. It's interesting that you don't disassemble the front bumper cover or remove lights to wrap the PPF all the way around the part like you do for a vinyl wrap.

[@DriveProtected]

Brian, first off, thanks for the comment and the great question! Xpel should not shrink at all once applied. The pre-cut patterns are designed to be stretched into place and if the installer knows how to install, adhesion promoter is not needed. All of our patterns are designed for the best possible fitment. That means the film should stop 1/16'' to 1/32'' of an inch from the edges. Paint protection film, due to its thickness isn't designed to be wrapped around edges like a vinyl wrap would. You can definitely get the film wrapped good and tight, but the film has its limits compared to a vinyl. I hope this answers your questions, and I do apologize for responding so late. Eric

[@jerjaws]

How do you control the small micro fuzzy under film. ? I always find one or two under my installs. You only notice it if you eye fuck it

[@DriveProtected]

I just make sure to do a very thorough prep of my entire working area using a lint free glass cleaning towel. That seems to take care of 99% of any contamination. Usually if I see something I’ll just peel back, get a bunch of slip solution in there and use a tweezer to remove fuzz.

[@TheJasonVoorhees]

I had 3m put on and the lines drive me nuts , so visable

[@DriveProtected]

Oh yeah? What colour is your vehicle?

[@TheJasonVoorhees]

@@DriveProtected carbonized grey, i regret not doing a full hood

[@GasGunsGod]

What is the slip solution!!!!! Jesus

[@DriveProtected]

1.5 CC J&J Baby Shampoo to 32 OZ of purified water