Is DIY PPF Worth It?

If you’ve been exploring your options for paint protection film (PPF), you’ve probably at least considered self-installation. DIY PPF kits promise to save car enthusiasts money with pre-cut panels of film that can be applied in your home garage with no experience necessary. 

If this sounds a bit too good to be true — it usually is. While the upfront cost of DIY paint protection is less than professional installation, many drivers (even those with lots of at-home detailing experience) report regretting their attempt to install their own PPF. 

Without access to the right tools and materials, this attempt to save money can easily end up costing more than professionally applied PPF. Here are some of the most common issues drivers encounter when they attempt to install their own paint protection film. 

Poor Software = Improperly Sized PPF Panels

One of the most crucial yet underrated factors in a flawless PPF installation is the fit of each panel of film. If each piece isn’t matched to the exact dimensions of your vehicle, it will need to be stretched or trimmed.

With DIY PPF, drivers have no choice but to hope that the plotting software used to route their film is up to date and that the manufacturer hasn’t approximated any dimensions. Otherwise, unsightly patches of texture and seams are inevitable, no matter how skillfully you install the film.

Precisely-sized panels are so critical to a great end result, ATD only uses XPEL’s proprietary DAP software to plot PPF. This software is designed to work with XPEL’s brand of film and their vast pattern repository guarantees that even rare cars will get a perfect fit. 

Incorrectly sized panels, even if the variation is slight, not only look bad — they also don’t protect your paint effectively. If your DIY PPF doesn’t properly cover and adhere to your car’s surface, you’ve wasted a great deal of time and money. 

Paint Protection Installation Challenges

Most automotive enthusiasts don’t have access to the tools, training, and extra hands available in professional detailing shops — and if they do, they’ve already spent considerably more money than a professional PPF installation would cost. 

DIY PPF is no small task. These application mistakes are easy to make, and they can cause your film to fail. 

Visible Seams Shorten Lifespan by Years

Even though high-quality film is very thin and nearly invisible, the slight difference in the way it refracts light will create visible lines if it doesn’t fully cover the panel.

Careless-looking results aside, mid-panel seams are vulnerable to the elements. Professionally installed PPF can be expected to last 7-10 years with proper care, but when edges are left exposed, this lifespan is much shorter. PPF that starts to roll or peel has to be removed, effectively turning a money-saving project into a liability. 

Air Bubbles Increase Likelihood of Adhesion Failure

Without the right tools, pockets of air can become trapped beneath the surface of the film. 

Bubbles are unsightly and can lead to adhesion failure as they shift around the space between your paint and PPF. Unfortunately, there is no “do-over” for panels of film that don’t get applied correctly on the first attempt. Panels with air bubbles will need to be replaced. 

Imperfect Seals Cause Yellowing

If PPF isn’t properly sealed to your car’s surface, its crystal clear finish won’t last long. 

Incorrectly installed PPF allows in dust and moisture. Over time, this damage contributes to an unsightly yellow, cloudy appearance that can only be remedied by removing the film altogether. 

Voided Warranties

Premium PPF vendors like XPEL recognize that paint protection is an investment. The conditions of their warranty require your PPF installer be appropriately trained and certified, and that all aftercare products are approved for use with their film. 

A major pitfall of DIY PPF installation is that the absence of professional oversight can leave you outside of any warranty coverage. Even if your film fails through no fault of your own, you’ll likely be responsible for replacing it or repairing any damage to the underlying paint. 

Professional PPF Installation Protects Your Investment

Reputable PPF installation is the best way to achieve flawless results and ensure that you have recourse if something goes wrong. 

Professional detailing services cost money because they save money. Invest in seamless, invisible coverage that looks great while providing excellent protection against the chips, scratches, and dings that erode your car’s resale value. The long-range benefits are well worth it.