DIY PPF: The Ultimate Guide for Beginners

[@HeadsUpSafety1]

Out…flipping…standing. This is one of the most comprehensive videos I’ve seen on anything! Amazing job!

[@DriveProtected]

Thank you so much!

[@JulietHotelFoxtrot]

Dude...this is probably the best DIY PPF video I've seen. I know it's not nearly as easy as you make it look, since clearly you've been doing this a hot minute, but yeah, really just outstanding. There's no pretentious BS going on here like this is curing cancer. It's putting plastic on a car.

[@DriveProtected]

I really appreciate the kind words. Thats the aim of this channel - Teach people how to install PPF with no sugar coating anything.

[@sanfranla9039]

Beautiful !! 👏🏽 I really like how you showed mistakes and the solution to them! Thank you. I’m a detailer (5 years) and this new year I’m going to be implementing ppf into my services

[@DriveProtected]

Good luck! Shoot me an email at [e-mail] if you need any help!

[@Tintdaddy88]

What about the jump cut lmao

[@startingtech3900]

hey bro how did it go a year later you doing PPF ??

[@NoLurp]

Any update? I just started doing PPF and it’s hard 😂

[@towersroofinginc422]

Your patience is incredible. I would have freaked the hell out and broken something.

[@1tdillon]

Best PPF vids out there...straight to the point and provides the need to know details for DIYers. Been corresponding with Eric on a pre-cut set for new Tacoma and he has been unbelievably helpful. Support the channel and business.

[@DriveProtected]

Thanks for the kind words and the support! Greatly appreciated!

[@marcg1964]

Extremely interesting and educational for a DIY'er. Thank you for explaining everything in such detail.

[@DriveProtected]

Thank you for the kind words and the support. Greatly appreciated!

[@Maugwa]

Most installers want to make you believe this IS ROCKET SCIENCE. It's not, ANYONE can do this, take your time for perfection.

[@DriveProtected]

You got that right!

[@DrMatthewHudson]

Thank you for saying this, I'm starting to think I might be able to do it. What's the worst case scenario if I screw up? Can I just rip it off?

[@KubanKevin]

The issue is most high end PPF will not warranty your work and will only warranty the ones done by a shop.

[@DriveProtected]

@KubanKevin PPF manufacturers only warranty the film from yellowing. Shops should warranty their work quality.

[@didierngufu7971]

You're totally right... same as car detailers...

[@jasonthompson869]

As a window tinter in a prior life, I reckon after watching your video I’ve got this nailed myself, thanks for the super high quality and informative DIY video, probably the best one I’ve seen so far.

[@DriveProtected]

Glad you found value in the video!

[@ownedtoomanycars]

Made this look so easy.. people have no idea!!

[@DriveProtected]

Haha! Thanks!

[@aliashraf3621]

Nice video - I liked how you went through the couple of issues that can crop up and how to solve them!

[@DriveProtected]

Thank you! Glad you found value in them!

[@LMFAORTB]

This video gave me the confidence to do this myself, thank you!!

[@DriveProtected]

You’re welcome! If you ever have any questions, shoot me an email at [e-mail]

[@BhajanSangeetSaini]

been looking for this kind of video I am getting my truck and will do it my self.

[@smita1008]

By far the clearest demonstration I've seen! Thank you!

[@DriveProtected]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@chloeleedow7250]

That tack stuff is crazy. So cool 😎

[@FrankA-973]

Absolutely awesome video! Huge help for a beginner.

[@DriveProtected]

🙏🙏🙏

[@kleahy106]

Great video. Better than the 3m professional one. Explains everything clearly 👍

[@DriveProtected]

Thanks!!

[@mrsimo7144]

Brilliant. Thanks. What's tack solution and slip solution, please?

[@peterchristensen5619]

Very good video, not often that mistakes and corrections are shown in videos

[@nilaybhikha6470]

Great video. You do make it simple and doable. Kudos

[@DriveProtected]

Thank you!

[@salimrandall]

Insane attention to detail.

[@DriveProtected]

Thank you!!

[@imrangujjar8736]

Sir, you got a protection on a very great bond. Thank you very much.

[@swbyui]

He makes me feel confident I could do it just as well lol he explained it so well

[@kilo3o3]

This was cool thank you. Never seen the needle trick.

[@Bravoea]

Amazing video! Took a 3 day class few weeks ago and haven’t been able to get it down. Amazing job explaining the process. Ready to get to practice tomorrow!

[@DriveProtected]

Let me know if you need any help! [e-mail]

[@detailboyzglendora2772]

Awesome video and thanks for being transparent

[@alvinabrams1917]

Outstanding video brother!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@DriveProtected]

Thank you!!

[@gth648]

Thanks for sharing brother! Great job. Keep up the great work.

[@DriveProtected]

Thank you for the kind words and for watching!! Very much appreciated!!

[@markneurohr9663]

This was an outstanding video. Thank you. 👍🏻

[@DriveProtected]

Thank you for watching!!

[@VamshiReddyAekkati]

I see slip and tac solution, when are you using either of them, you initially used slip and sometimes you used tac. Got one from you for model y full front.

[@DriveProtected]

Slip solution is used to glide the film into place, Tack solution is used lock the film into place. Thank you so much for your support!

[@Rayshader]

Thanks for sharing, great stuff!

[@BringItMuscleCars]

another great video. I really like them. I am getting ready to do my first PPF install and I am going to order some items from you. I want to support you for making good teaching videos.

[@DriveProtected]

Hey man! That’s awesome. Before you order, reach out to me at [e-mail] and I’ll set you up with a coupon code so you can save some $$

[@mrpsycho7708]

@@DriveProtected Im looking to attempt myself on my 21 sierra. Any tips or discounts?

[@DriveProtected]

Hey man, shoot me a email, [e-mail] and go over everything you need to know to protect your 21 Sierra. Plus I’ll get you a discount as well!

[@waynemetroke7962]

Really great job ! How much does it cost roughly to do a hood of a Silverado like that ?

[@DriveProtected]

$5-600 ish

[@nahpimpin398]

Thanks for this great vidoe. I feel I could give it a shot on the hood. Tackle the front bumper some other time😂

[@DriveProtected]

Good luck on your install!

[@Infofunation]

Excellent video! I can’t even make my bed without wrinkles in it. So nope, I’m not going to wrap my car!!

[@eddyngan9293]

Amazing video. Really great job....

[@remomiyamoto6104]

Fantastic video. Thanks for explaining your work. My only question is what is the tac solution made of?

[@DriveProtected]

Just warm water.

[@gccch]

Excellent instruction! I am going to attempt this on a new Bronco with removable hardtop panels. Wrapping around the edge is not possible due to the weather seals. What do you recommend to leave an edge of film exposed near the edge of the panel? How to cut without damage, and ensure the bond will last?

[@DriveProtected]

Thank you for the kind words! If the edge of the PPF is near the edge of the panel and properly post heated and sealed off, you shouldn't have anything to worry about with the film potentially lifting.

[@Kevthebish]

Not bad. The guy did everything 3M says not to do and it still came out good!

[@DriveProtected]

🤣🤣🤣

[@davidhancock91]

Great stuff, just wonder about the knife contacting the paint on the Pinch welds?

[@DriveProtected]

No worries about that.

[@ozzywraps1196]

Great Video! Can I use soap and water as my slip solution and tact solution when applying PPF?

[@DriveProtected]

Yup!

[@ozzywraps1196]

What are the ratios and can the same solution be used for both slip solution and tact solution?

[@EraBoyz]

You talk about the adhesive line being left behind from using tack solution if needed to lift the PPF back up due to contaminants. If that were to happen would the adhesive left behind need to be polished out? Curious as I’m learning PPF thanks and excellent video

[@DriveProtected]

Adhesive lines are lines in the film. Overtime they will fade away under the sun, but not 100%. They just become less visible.

[@EraBoyz]

@@DriveProtected is there no way to get ride of the adhesive line if the mistake is made and want to correct it on the spot, I guess is what I was asking

[@DriveProtected]

Nope.

[@EraBoyz]

@@DriveProtected understood thank you for the great content

[@DriveProtected]

Thanks for your viewership!

[@morningtidefilms]

What a fantastic video, so well done. Wish you were in my area, I’d pay you to install PPF on my new ride.

[@DriveProtected]

🙏🙏🙏

[@steelydan133]

you the man! very nicely done and explained

[@DriveProtected]

🙏🙏🙏

[@roytjm1]

What size is that ppf film and were did you buy it good job thanks for explaining

[@DriveProtected]

This would be roughly 60”wide by 75”long. Email me at [e-mail] and I can hook you up with the film!

[@supermodestmouse]

appreciate the video! I just got a new car and am planning on doing this asap. but i have literally zero idea what i'm doing.

[@DriveProtected]

Shoot me an email at [e-mail]

[@jesuitmatthew]

Roughly how does this whole process work? Is the film advesive already? Do you put anit slip solution down on the car? Then on the surface of the film that touches the car? Then even on top of the film? Then as you squeegee, where does the tacking solution come into play and what is that doing? Do you have to spray tack between the car and film and then squeegee? Do you tack the top of the film too as you squeegee? If you tack the top of the film what is the purpose of that? Since I'm unfamilar with this, it's hard to tell when you use slip vs tack and to what surfaces. Sorry for the dumb questions. I am wanting to try this for a new car I'm buying. Really impressive work

[@DriveProtected]

The PPF comes with an adhesive on it. The slip solution helps glide the film into place and the tack solution helps tack it into place by activating the adhesive.

[@AtkinsAtelier]

Nice work, some lateral stretching, left to right on the front section of the film will relieve those fingers and make it wrap easier. You'll just have to chase that excess around to the apillar corner. Hard truck hood, hard color, excellent work. I enjoy that hard card but only when I have teflon tape on the edges. ;)

[@DriveProtected]

Thanks for the kind words! I do agree with the hard card, Teflon would make things easier haha!

[@AtkinsAtelier]

@@DriveProtected I've installed for 15 years and never once used a hard card. I went to WFTC for PPF and my manufacturer had just produced a 1/2" telfon tape dispenser. Changed my world lol. Saves cards and I replace it with every new install to keep it smooth. Check it out

[@DriveProtected]

I’m going to have to. Thanks for the tip! Very appreciated

[@Defyfate11]

@@AtkinsAtelier can you provide a link to the telfon tape dispenser? thx :)

[@Dibs03]

What film and products are you using? I am very new to PPF installations using XPEL. What is the Tack solution? Is it the same as XPEL gel?

[@DriveProtected]

We use XPEL ULTIMATE PLUS PPF. All of our tools and solutions can be found in some of the first videos posted on our channel early 2020. Check them out!

[@TintandTransform]

awesome video, adding this to my tinting business.

[@DriveProtected]

Thanks! Email me if you ever need any help with anything - [e-mail]

[@GarageKing]

Great video, what type of squeegee do you recommend. you mentioned the 3M hard card at the end, but what was the pink one?

[@DriveProtected]

The ones we recommend are the pink ones on our site www.DriveProtected.shop

[@GarageKing]

@@DriveProtected Thank you !!

[@Jaglife]

Thank you for the informative video. I want to do it myself because it’s so expensive at a shop. My question is can you mess it up ? How long did it take to to do this?

[@DriveProtected]

Yes you can totally mess it up. My recommendation is that you would find some smaller pieces of film and practice with prior to starting your installation.

[@Jaglife]

@@DriveProtected thank you for quick input.

[@jerjaws]

Excellent video

[@DriveProtected]

Thank you!!

[@akmanserhat]

Good job nice result

[@DriveProtected]

Thank you!!

[@gk9417]

Do you paint correction the hood to take out swirls first 🤷🏼‍♂️🙏✌️🇨🇦

[@DriveProtected]

Nope. We don’t do corrections.

[@ch-lx2fl]

Great video! Thanks.

[@jackyphotos]

Hello, may I ask that no need to use heat gun? btw great vid.

[@DriveProtected]

Heat gun was used on edges of the film once done the install. I just don’t always show it in the videos.

[@therealdiehl4671]

Do you ever use a tack rag before application?

[@DriveProtected]

What is a tack rag? Never heard of that before.

[@ThatFlyGuy98]

Great content you should make a video on what got you into PPF and break it down ! 🫂🤝 this video is awesome Thankyou!

[@DriveProtected]

I’ll be sure to touch on that in one of the next videos. It’s a great story

[@rg-dv9ky]

Nice video but would be nice to know what the "slip solution" and "tack solution" are. Unless I have missed something I don't think you explained what the solutions are composed of.

[@DriveProtected]

This has been gone over in the comment section of many many videos. Just search up PPF Slip and Tack solution on KZbin and you’ll get your answers.

[@rg-dv9ky]

OK, but if you are going to post a video on the basics of PPF Install and you are discussing "slip and tack solutions" it seems like you would at least explain what the solutions are!! Or at least refer people to other videos where you discuss this information. Instead you expect people to have to search for this info from other sources. Kind of ignorant.@@DriveProtected

[@DriveProtected]

@rg-dv9ky I can understand how it may come across as ignorant, but this video is 3 years old and it was one of the very first videos on this channel. We’ve been asked this question so many times in the comment section of this video and other videos. Some videos it’s been explained in detail but not everyone who ask’s actually watches the whole video before asking the question. But since you bring up a great point of not suggesting a video to watch, here you go. Here is one of our solution videos: PPF Pro Tips - How To Mix PPF Solutions kzbin.info/www/bejne/ep7GqaCsh7OIoNU

[@g.tucker8682]

​@@DriveProtectedYou're a very patient guy, Eric!

[@DriveProtected]

You’re like the first person to tell me that haha.

[@stephenwhite5444]

Awesome video! Do you have any idea how many feet it takes to do a F250 crew cab with full size bed?

[@DriveProtected]

Shoot me a email at [e-mail] and I’ll help you out!!

[@scmtkings4]

Thanks for the video. Whats in the tack solution exactly?

[@DriveProtected]

Just hot water

[@koloasurf2012]

Your tack solutions, do you use 100% 70 to 90 % rubbing alcohol or do you mix water with it? Thx

[@DriveProtected]

Mixed with water and I prefer to use the strongest alcohol I can find. In my case more often than not it’s 90+%

[@oldgeordiegeezer3086]

So when you slammed the squeegee on the hood is that an advanced technique?

[@DriveProtected]

Yup. Advanced technique.

[@JBIRD575]

Awesome job brotha whats in the slip how much per quart

[@GoDetailerGo]

Awesome video man. How long did this hood take you if you dont mind me asking. I also want to say thank you for being so positive throughout. I recently watched a different video where the guy was actually trying to convince his audience that PPF was snakeoil.

[@DriveProtected]

Thanks for the kind words! PPF is the furthest thing from snake oil.

[@BentleysGarage]

Is there an ideal temperature inside your shop for installs? It seems that if it’s too hot the film will set too quickly so what is too hot for an install?

[@DriveProtected]

Well I just did an install in a garage in 100 degree weather and we were able to do a successful install. The key is using a TON of slip solution. Ideal temperatures would be 70-85 degrees in my opinion.

[@MichaelPSmith-mps]

you mention slip solution and tack solution several times... is there a specific mixture you use to make this or is this something you purchase? How do you make if it, if that's the case, or what brand do you use if it is a purchased product? thanks

[@DriveProtected]

Slip Solution is 1.5 cc of Johnson & Johnson Baby Shampoo to 32oz of purified drinking water. Tack Solution is just warm water.

[@pnmpl]

Great video !!!!

[@bobkrueger194]

Fantastic video. Thanks. How do you use bulk on the front facia? I am wanting to get away from having to buy precut kits. Kind of expensive.

[@DriveProtected]

If you've never done PPF before, pre-cut film is the way to go.

[@Beyondspotlessauto]

Thank you for this. Trying to do it on my 2022 BMW, you mentioned you preped it already with isopropyl alcohol, what is the dilation rate for it?

[@DriveProtected]

I use it straight at 90% to prep the surface!

[@stingerranger4942]

i was thinking to use magnet to hold it down for small slipery part

[@DriveProtected]

A magnet may work out well

[@keonivaldez7198]

Can you do a video with the heat process too?

[@DriveProtected]

Check out this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qauvfYB3i9yGa9E

[@AADmrstangerbanger]

Any Tips on Snail Trails? I for some reason get them. I must be using to much soap or not enough idk.

[@DriveProtected]

Snail trails?

[@redonechanel2365]

What kind of chemical do you use for last spayed the edges? Alcohol?

[@DriveProtected]

Tack solution.

[@thebrad271]

Hi, why do sometimes you have to remove a plastic layer before installing? I did not see you do that. Is it a brand specific thing? Thank you sir!

[@DriveProtected]

It’s a protective cap sheet that comes from the factory. Some manufacturers remove it, others don’t.

[@Itspronouncednuclear]

So where do you purchase the film for DIY? Most I see is only 12" wide.

[@DriveProtected]

Email me at [e-mail] with what you need and we can get you a price.

[@igornovik3468]

Really nice job man!

[@peshrawable]

Thanks for the video, I live in Iraq and I want to buy roll of film for my 2020 f150 super crew truck,I want to know what size of film I need to buy? For whole truck

[@DriveProtected]

Thanks for the kind words! Id guess you'd need 100' of 60" wide film to pull off that full truck wrap successfully.

[@peshrawable]

@@DriveProtected thank you so much

[@dandee28]

thanks for the tutorial brotha

[@mattb9664]

I suppose it's easier to avoid contaminants (which in my case was these little black speck that came from nowhere) if you use an entire sheet rather than a pre-cut sheet. It's probably cheaper too.

[@DriveProtected]

Tough to say honestly. Contaminants can come from anywhere like the air, your clothing, dirty backing paper, bad quality water etc. Biggest key to avoiding contamination is to minimize the amount of time the adhesive is exposed to the air

[@JBIRD575]

What's in the tac solution

[@elite4124]

Hello there, is it worth paying 1800 to attend a PPF 2 day class? Will that be enough to learn the basics? .. I’m looking to add additional services to my existing business! Any recommendations i would really appreciate it! Thank you

[@DriveProtected]

Shoot me a email at [e-mail] and I’ll dive into this a bit deeper with my thoughts and opinions etc.

[@captainvlog]

you should put a link up to where we can get ppf

[@DriveProtected]

www.driveprotected.shop

[@Freejohnsilkyputty]

Hey have you worked with that self healing Kavaca film? What do you recommend to use for a diy project? Thanks

[@DriveProtected]

Never used anything other than XPEL! If you’re looking for film, hit me up at [e-mail]

[@Freejohnsilkyputty]

@@DriveProtectedthanks pal. Emailing you now.

[@alfredodominguez2997]

Being 5'4" this hood is my most hated that I've done in the 3 years of ppf experience. I'm too damn short to comfortably work around it 😂

[@DriveProtected]

I hear ya man! I feel the same way when I get trucks with lift kits in! Lol

[@sloreo8278]

At about 12:00 when you were finishing up the hood before trimming, were you using tac or soap to finish up the edges? Before you trimmed it.

[@DriveProtected]

Tack solution to help dry out the edges

[@md.sharwarkabir2303]

What are you spraying below the film?

[@DriveProtected]

Slip solution.

[@nitrokyosho]

Nice video

[@gerardomata.costarica]

Do you have to remove all coating or wax off of the vehicle before install?

[@DriveProtected]

Yes you do.

[@edbestward1081]

Are you not concerned about adhesive stretch marks when you pull the 4 corners?

[@DriveProtected]

I’d you know how much you need to stretch you have nothing to worry about.

[@stevemcilroy9518]

For me, DIY stands for " Destroy it yourself"

[@DriveProtected]

😂😂😂

[@702beats4]

Great video! What’s the squeegee that you use in your applications also do you use the fusion solution straight or you still mix something else? Thank you.

[@DriveProtected]

Thanks! The squeegee is the pink Fusion Turbo and the solution is mixed.

[@702beats4]

How do you mix the solution? Thank you very much.

[@DriveProtected]

It comes in a one gallon jug with a hand pump on it. I just use one pump in a 1 litre stay bottle of water.

[@702beats4]

Thanks, awesome videos!

[@DriveProtected]

Thanks for watching!!

[@SweetWrapsGarage]

how's your tack and slip solution mix ? if you dont mind me asking.

[@DriveProtected]

Check out this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h52veWCqlJuon8k

[@nathanield.4527]

What did you do with the back edge portion closest to the windshield? Did you wrap it around the edge or did you cut it on the top of the painted surface?

[@DriveProtected]

We wrapped it

[@darkcloud6888]

Great work.

[@blanehartleb2754]

What an amazing video...

[@beckyalexander1077]

I just had my new 4runner wrapped with Digishield at the dealership. When i got it home, I noticed bubbles on the hood and rock panels. The dealership told me it was normal and would fix itself in a week to a month. Is this really normal and will it really heal itself? Is there anything i can do to help it?

[@DriveProtected]

I’d say that’s normal. If you want the bubbles to go away sooner, grab a diabetics needle and pop them.

[@reppit7497]

When you pull and tack down the front corners do you pull straight down or at an angle, if theres 2 people doing a hood do we pull and tack at the same time?

[@DriveProtected]

I like to pull in a triangle shape and downwards. If you have an extra set of hands that would be a massive help when pulling/tacking

[@Weathergeekdan]

When doing bulk on fenders and areas where you can't access the edges or underneath, how do you cut it accurately without damaging the paint? I almost think overtime the precut PPF kits will show dirt along the edges since they aren't wrapped over the edge.

[@DriveProtected]

So in those situations you would trim along the edge of the panel. The pre-cut film can indeed cause dirt build up over time, but proper washing and vehicle maintenance can help avoid any dirt build up on edges.

[@r.b.somers2052]

Great video! Thanks!

[@michaelmiranda912]

Where do you buy this exact film. I can’t figure out where to buy it at need it wide enough to do a couple hoods and front bumpers. I’ve been looking online but can’t find it anywhere for the width I’m looking for to do a hood

[@DriveProtected]

Shoot me a email @ [e-mail] and I’ll hook you up

[@michaelmiranda912]

@@DriveProtected bet I got you