How to Apply Frame Protection to ANY Bike: Cannondale Scalpel LAB71

[@anthonyg-can]

Another super detailed video. Thanks Mike!

[@bikesbymike]

Thanks, Anthony.

[@seandonevan3918]

Mike - a very helpful video. Have you ever remove the PPF from a frame - how difficult was it and what method did you use? Any damage to the finish? Tx

[@bikesbymike]

I’ve never removed the PPF off an entire bike. Only small sections. How easily it comes off depends on how old and worn it is. I’ve never tried removing film over five years old, so I don’t know how well that goes. Newer film will generally release quite easily simply by pulling the film off the frame with your hands. If it’s difficult to remove, you can use a heat gun or hair dryer to heat up the PPF first, but just warm it up, don’t get it so hot that you risk damaging the paint. Newer PPF usually won’t leave behind adhesive residue, but if it does, there are adhesive removers on the market. I use Goo Gone as it’s readily available and I usually have it on hand. I’ve only once had issues removing a piece of PPF from a bike frame. The PPF had only been on for a day or two when I decided to pull it off. It came off the regular painted surface just fine, but when I pulled it off a painted decal, part of the decal paint came off with the PPF. They say that PPF can be safely removed off “properly cured painted surfaces.” In my case, I attribute the failure to the decal being poorly applied, not to the PPF. As long as your frame has a good quality painted surface, removal should be fine. Hope this helps. Cheers!

[@normwachholz7221]

Mike, where did you get the 3M film from? Also, would you know if the film can be added to an older bike that has scratches and scuffs? Beautiful new bike BTW.

[@bikesbymike]

Hey, Norm. Thanks! A good place to buy it in Canada is at Instawraps. www.instawrapshop.ca/. Good online store. It’s difficult to find 3M wraps in non-industrial quantities, so good that you don’t have to buy a ton at one time. The wrap will hide a lot of minor scratches. Another benefit of using wrap.