Why DIY Paint Protection Film is a Bad Idea
Any car buff worth his (or her) salt will tell you how satisfying it is to wash, wax, or even restore a car. After all, what could be better than seeing your hard work pay off and being able to drive around in a gleaming car that you’re proud of? While we’re the last people who would discourage an honest day of car detailing fun, there are certain things that are best left to the professionals, and like an open-heart surgery, this is one of them. And here is why:
Reason 1: B-films
Here’s the thing about paint protection films; they’re not cheap. And the reason they
are priced the way they are is because they are very difficult to manufacture. To produce a high-quality roll of film with little to no defects is not always possible, and the rolls that come out not so perfectly? Well, those are most likely the ones that you will be buying from the internet at a discount. Defective paint protection films are prone to orange peels, stretch marks and adhesive problems, and while they can technically still offer protection to your car, they are going to affect the vehicle's appearance and cause more problems down the road when you eventually remove the films.
Reason 2: Cutting Edge Problems
Paint protection film installations can be done in 2 different ways. One, with hand cut films, and two, with computer generated precut films. While it is easier to install computer-cut paint protection films, the patterns for these are usually reserved for professional detailers. Home installers therefore will resort to installing hand-cut films. However, that process involves using a razor to trim the film that's already laid on the car paint. A slight slip of hand and you might end up damaging that precious factory paint coat rather than protecting it.
Reason 3: Dusty Installs
Another reason why paint protection films should be installed by a professional detailer is the dust factor. Paint protection films are consisted of a TPU material and fixed with a very strong adhesive layer. What that means is that the adhesive will pick up any little specks of dust or pollutant present during the installation. Professional detailers will carry out the installation in a clean room, but it could be difficult to find a dust-free zone when it comes to DIY installs. Any dust that gets trapped between the film and car paint will be very visible, especially on light-colored vehicles. The impurities will also produce air bubbles, which can also be very distracting.
If you're thinking about installing paint protection films on your vehicle, your best bet would be to find a professional car detailer who has the experience and equipment necessary to perform a quality install so that your film can protect your car paint for years to come.
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