Pros and Cons of DIY PPF
For those who pride themselves as seasoned automotive detailers, the thought of applying paint protection film (PPF) to their vehicle personally may have crossed their minds. This DIY approach is often motivated by the desire to cut costs associated with professional car detailing services. While this might prove effective for some, it’s worth considering the trade-offs between financial savings and the advantages of having a professional apply a clear protective car film, given the potential stress and time commitment involved. Though it is true that PPF needs not necessarily coat the entire body of your car and that to apply it to one specific section will take less time than applying it to all painted areas, there is a misconception that should be dispelled that this makes the process entirely straightforward.
Pro: Cost Saving
Applying PPF yourself will undoubtedly be more economical compared to hiring a professional, eliminating expensive labour charges. When you hire a professional PPF installer, you are not just paying for the materials but also for the skills and experience of the technician. These labour costs can significantly inflate the total expense, especially for intricate installations or extensive coverage. In contrast, taking the DIY route means you retain all the money that would otherwise go to a professional.
Con: Skill Requirement
Accurately applying PPF demands a certain level of skill which typically develops through consistent practice. If you lack experience in this procedure, you risk creating bubbles and wrinkles in the film, along with misalignments that could affect your car’s appearance. The years of training that professionals undergo to confidently apply PPF the first time is a big reason so many people choose to leave it up to them.
Pro: Customisation
Customisation is a key benefit to DIY PPF application. You have the option to precisely select the areas to protect, ensuring a tailored fit that matches your preferences. For example, if you know the side of your car is likely to come up against scrapes from bushes, or you’re concerned about the poor parking of others in public areas, you may choose to apply PPF to the sides as a priority over the roof of the car.
Con: Time-consumption
Installing PPF yourself can be time-intensive, especially if you are new to the process. The application of protective film will require a high level of patience and effort to achieve the desired results. It is advisable to research how to apply PPF beforehand, watch how-to videos, understand what tools are required, how to effectively use them to achieve the best fit, and undergo the actual application, which can be intense for a novice, often requiring breaks and realignments.
Pro: Flexibility
Self-application offers the freedom to work at your own pace without the restriction of adhering to scheduled appointments, giving you the option to take breaks and come back later.
Con: Risk of Damage
Incorrect PPF installation could damage your car’s paint and exterior surfaces, resulting in costly repairs later down the line. The result of this could be the hiring of a professional to restore the paint and then replace the PPF anyway.
Pro/Con: Aesthetics
A subpar DIY PPF application can mar the look of your car with uneven edges, creases, and bubbles undermining the primary purpose of why the PPF was installed in the first place. Conversely, a proper application enhances your vehicle’s aesthetic qualities, and nowadays PPF can come customised with different textures, hues, and patterns to match your preference.
Con: Resale Value and Limited Warranty
Improperly installed PPF may not offer the same level of protection as professionally installed film, which could affect your car’s resale value. Professional installations often come with a warranty for added protection, whereas self-installed PPF will lack this benefit.
Ultimately, the decision to self-apply PPF requires an individual assessment of skill and consideration of available options. Opting for professional installation offers peace of mind, ensuring your car’s paint is safeguarded and maintains its impeccable appearance. If you decide to opt for a professional installation, feel free to get in touch with us to explore your options and schedule a top-quality PPF application that will preserve your car’s paint and keep it looking immaculate.