FAQ: PPF (Paint Protection Film)Updated 3 months ago

How is PPF applied?

All of the PPF kits we sell are designed for DIY installation. Typically, they're supplied with an accessory kit which will include a squeegee and spray bottle to mix your slip solution. The key to any of these kits is to use a LOT of the slip solution - both sides of the PPF, and your hands/fingers. Our kits minimize the number of turns (where the PPF wraps around the corner), but sometimes, for coverage, we do cover part of the corner. In this case, it sometimes helps to let the PPF sit after installing the bulk of it, so the solution can dry out, and the turns will then easily adhere to the surface.

Can I have my wrap shop apply your kits?

We recommend not doing that. Wrap shops use professional installers, so have different techniques and skill to install PPF and wraps. Pre-cut DIY kits tend to not work out so well for them, as they're just not used to them. Any wrap shop will be able to achieve similar results, but they should use their own patterns/materials. We cannot replace PPF that a wrap shop claims didn't fit or was poorly cut - this happens because they're not used to pre-cut kits.

How can PPF be 'self healing'?

Paint Protection Film (PPF) is often described as 'self-healing' due to its ability to repair minor scratches and swirl marks on its own. This self-healing mechanism is primarily facilitated by the heat-sensitive nature of the elastomeric polymers that are incorporated into the PPF's top coat. When the PPF is exposed to heat, such as from direct sunlight or a heat gun, these polymers become more flexible and can return to their original shape, effectively filling in and making light scratches disappear.

What makes XPel the best PPF?

There's a reason why Rivian chose to partner with Xpel for their factory wraps. The product is easy to work with and offers excellent protection. It's US made and guaranteed for 10 years. It is also one of the most expensive PPFs you can buy - this doesn't always indicate quality, but it this case it does, and we're proud to be able to offer Xpel.

What is SolarShift PPF?

This PPF contains a UV-reactive layer that darkens in daylight. Since it's UV-activated, it works much like photochromic sunglasses - the brighter the natural light, the darker is becomes. The benefit of this is you can freely tint your lights, in the knowledge that it protects them, and at night, it has no impact on the light output.

The level of tint is less than pre-tinted PPF. In our tests, we've found that the Purple version gets down to about 33% VLT, and the Shadow version to 40% VLT. Below is a graphic demonstrating VLT levels: