A common question we hear from Raleigh area customers who want paint protection film (PPF) installed on their vehicle is, “How long will PPF take to install?” This is a great question!
From start to finish, a full PPF installation (also known as a clear bra) typically takes 2 to 7 business days, depending on your goals and what your vehicle requires.
You may be thinking that even a single day is too long to be without your vehicle, and we understand your concern. But, as hundreds of satisfied local PPF installation customers have experienced already, we can assure you that the pride you’ll feel and peace of mind you’ll experience after getting paint protection film installed on your vehicle will far outweigh the inconvenience of it being in the shop for a few days.
If you’re not entirely familiar with how paint protection film works, it’s a clear, virtually invisible, self-healing urethane film that adheres seamlessly to your car’s original paint, protecting your vehicle from scratches, scuffs, and other abrasions.
Like a superhero’s suit, PPF’s self-healing properties are made possible by elastomeric polymers embedded in the film that “heal” minor scratches and abrasions by returning the film to its original shape when exposed to heat. Pretty cool, right?
What Factors Influence the PPF Installation Time?
How long the PPF installation on your vehicle will actually take depends on these four factors:
-
- The Size and Complexity of Your Vehicle: Larger vehicles or those with intricate body designs require more time to ensure every curve and corner is adequately protected.
-
- The PPF Coverage Area You Choose: Whether you opt for a partial or full wrap impacts the installation duration.
-
- The Amount of Prep Work Your Original Paint Needs: Any existing imperfections need to be addressed before applying PPF, which can add to the time required.
-
- How Long the Film Takes to Cure: The curing process is essential to ensure the film adheres properly to your vehicle’s paint. During the curing process, which takes 24 to 48 hours, it’s crucial to keep the vehicle in a controlled environment.
If you drive a small to medium-sized vehicle, like a Mercedes C-Class or an Audi A4, a full PPF installation will typically take 2 to 3 days. For a full-size truck, SUV, or a sports car like the new Chevrolet Corvette with uniquely shaped body panels, the installation process will take 3 to 7 days.
When is the Best Time to Add PPF to My Car?
The best time to add PPF to your car is as soon as possible, ideally right after purchase. This ensures your vehicle’s paint is in the best condition and provides immediate protection from potential damage.
The Car Dealer Offers PPF, Why Should I Not Just Let Them Install the Film?
While it might seem convenient to let your car dealer install the PPF, there are significant advantages to choosing a specialized PPF installer like AllPro Wraps and Paint Protection Film. Our highly trained and certified installers have years of experience working on all types of vehicles, including one-off sports cars. Unlike dealer technicians who might handle various tasks, our specialists focus solely on PPF, ensuring the highest quality installation. We very seldom cross-train our installers, so their expertise in PPF is unmatched.
My Car is New, the Paint Does Not Need Polishing or Correcting (Not True)
Even new cars can have imperfections in the paint that are not immediately visible. These imperfections need to be corrected before applying PPF to ensure a flawless finish. Proper preparation is vital to the overall success of your PPF installation because while the film will protect your car from future issues, it will accentuate any pre-existing flaws instead of hiding them.
What are the Different PPF Installation Options?
Let’s take a closer look at the different types of PPF (aka clear bra) installations you can opt for:
-
- Partial Front PPF: Covers the area on your vehicle that is most susceptible to dings and scratches. A partial front PPF install includes the hood, the front bumper, and the front fenders (typically 1 business day).
-
- Full Front PPF: Wraps around the entire front of your vehicle, including the front bumper, hood, front fenders, backs of the side mirrors, and headlights (1 to 2 business days).
-
- Full Wrap PPF: Covers your entire vehicle from headlights to tail lights (3 to 7 business days depending on the complexity of your vehicle).
-
- Replacement PPF on a Single Panel: Typically takes only a few hours to complete.
What are the Steps of the PPF Installation Process?
Once your vehicle is in our shop, it will go through the five stages of the PPF installation process:
-
- Preparation/Paint Correction: Your PPF installer will inspect and meticulously wash and detail the exterior of your vehicle to remove any dust, dirt, and wax. They will also perform any paint correction needed to fix existing scratches. Proper preparation is vital to the overall success of your PPF installation because while the film will protect your car from future issues, it will accentuate any pre-existing flaws instead of hiding them.
-
- Custom Film Cutting: Your installer will use specialized software and templates to precisely cut the film to match your vehicle’s specific make and model, ensuring a perfect fit and precise coverage.
-
- Application: Once the film is cut to size, your installer will carefully apply it to your vehicle’s exterior using the proper tools and techniques, smoothing out any wrinkles and air bubbles, ensuring a tight bond to the paint.
-
- Curing: After application, the PPF will need time to cure (dry completely, adhering itself to the paint). The curing process typically takes 24 to 48 hours, and during this time, the vehicle should not be exposed to rain or any other extreme weather conditions.
-
- Final Inspection: Once the curing process is done, your installer will inspect the PPF for any imperfections or lifting and make any necessary touch-ups to ensure a flawless finish.
PPF Maintenance Tips
To ensure your PPF remains in top condition, follow these maintenance tips:
-
- Wait at least 48 hours before washing your car.
-
- Use a pH-neutral car shampoo and avoid harsh chemicals.
-
- Hand wash your vehicle whenever possible to avoid damage from automated car washes.
-
- Regularly inspect the film for any damage and address issues promptly.
Should You Use a Do-It-Yourself PPF Installation Kit?
If you’re considering buying a PPF installation kit and doing the work yourself as a more cost-effective option, here are four reasons why we recommend taking your vehicle to a professional PPF installer instead:
-
- Expert Installation: PPF installation is a difficult job for non-pros to do well, and if the process goes wrong, you could end up spending the money you’re trying to save (and possibly more) to fix the damage. AllPro Wraps and Paint Protection Film expert PPF installers have the knowledge and experience to ensure the film on your vehicle is installed as perfectly as possible, without air bubbles, wrinkles, or lifting.
-
- Dedicated Attention: PPF installation takes hours to complete, and even with the best of intentions, DIY projects can get derailed by other things in life. However, when you take your vehicle to a shop like AllPro Wraps and Paint Protection Film, your PPF installer’s only focus is to work on YOUR vehicle from start to finish. This means your vehicle will receive undivided, white-glove care without distractions, interruptions, or cutting corners until it’s ready for you to drive it home.
-
- Proper Tools: DIY kits don’t include the tools you need to complete the job well, so you’d need to invest additional money for the correct tools. There’s also the risk of inadvertently using the wrong tools, like a vinyl squeegee, which is great for vinyl wraps but not recommended for installing PPF.
PPF installation requires a clean, well-lit, and temperature-controlled environment for optimal results. Installing PPF in your garage or driveway can expose your vehicle to dust, dirt, and other contaminants that contribute to a frustrating and disappointing outcome.
Cost Considerations of PPF
The cost of PPF installation can vary depending on the type of coverage you choose and the size of your vehicle. Here’s a rough estimate:
-
- Partial Front PPF: $1000 – $1,500
-
- Full Front PPF: $2,000 – $3,000
-
- Full Wrap PPF: $5,000 – $9,000
Investing in PPF is worth every penny as it will not only keep your vehicle looking great for years to come but also help to preserve its resale value. Many PPF products come with warranties that last anywhere from 5 to 10 years, giving you long-term protection.
Booking Your PPF Installation
Ready to protect your vehicle with PPF? Booking your installation with AllPro Wraps and Paint Protection Film is easy. Simply reach out to us via our website or give us a call. Our team will guide you through the process, answer any questions, and provide you with a free custom quote. We also offer convenient drop-off and pick-up options to make the process as smooth as possible for you.
Why Choose Us?
At AllPro Wraps and Paint Protection Film, our highly trained and certified installers have years of experience working on all types of vehicles, including one-off sports cars. Our installers are specialists who focus solely on PPF installations. We very seldom cross-train our installers, ensuring that their expertise in PPF is unmatched. This dedication to specialization means you receive the highest quality installation and the best possible results for your vehicle.
Environmental Impact
At AllPro Wraps and Paint Protection Film, we are committed to environmentally friendly practices. Our PPF products are sourced from manufacturers who prioritize sustainability, and we ensure that our installation process minimizes waste and uses eco-friendly materials whenever possible.
Alternative Protection Options
While PPF is an excellent choice for long-term paint protection, we also offer other options such as ceramic coatings and vinyl wraps. Each has its benefits, and our team can help you choose the best solution based on your needs and budget.
Contact Us
If you’re looking for a top-rated PPF installation shop in the Raleigh, North Carolina area, AllPro Wraps and Paint Protection Film is here for you. Reach out to us today for your free custom PPF quote and let’s get your vehicle protected!
