DIY PPF (my experience)

Han4mi · 09-03-2023, 02:04 PM

Some of you have probably considered doing PPF on your precious BMW, but were thrown off by the cost (myself included). I'm happy to report that this can actually be done by yourself for a fraction of the cost.

I really wanted a full stealth wrap on my brooklyn grey m4, but the quotes from local shops were around 5k USD, which is a lot of money. Don't get me wrong - it takes a lot of time and knowledge to get this done right and you probably won't get the same results by doing it yourself, but if you're not looking for perfection, have some spare time (and a secondary vehicle, as you won't be able to use your car for a considerable amount of time) then give it a shot!

It took my around 50h in total to wrap the whole car, not uncluding the time I spent on educating myself (you need to watch YT videos).

The total cost was around 700 USD. 20 meters of matte PPF, 2m of clear PPF and tools included. The width of the film used was 1,52m.

Some tips for beginners, which I found really helpful:

1. Start with cleaning your car. Not just normal everyday cleaning, full decontamination, clay bar, etc. The paint needs to be as perfect as possible. I used Car Pro Reset on each panel before applying PPF, it gets rid of any left over waxes etc.

2. Do not try to apply PPF to a ceramic coated car. It won't stick. You need to polish the car first if you have it. I made this mistake, wasted a piece of fender film and had to do a 1 step paint correction before moving forward.

3. If you are going to apply clear PPF, don't bother with removing badges, lights etc, if you don't feel comfortable with doing so. It's not that difficult and there are tutorials for everything, so I did it for my install (matte PPF changes the look of the paint so I wanted a nice looking install). When removing stuff make sure to get some plastic tools and blue tape to protect your paint.

4. I don't reccomend removing door handles. The YT tutorials aren't very specific and I ended up dropping one of the screws into the door. I will not go into specifics, but the whole door had to be disassembled and it was still a PITA to get it out.

5. You can use a pencil and painters tape to create shapes so you don't have to cut on the car (badges, door handles, etc). You simply put the tape around the object, draw the lines, transfer them to PPF, and cut before applying.

6. Watch tutorials before applying PPF to a specific element. It doesn't have to be a BMW. Most of the same rules apply to specific parts of a vehicle when wrapping. This is very important and you don't want to end up with fingers (excess PPF around the edges). This cannot be fixed if you screw up and use the wrong technique. The front/rear bumpers and trunk are especially difficult (you need to stretch the PPF quite a lot). Ask someone for help when stretching, it gets a lot easier.

7. Learn about slip and tack solutions. I used around 2 drops of baby shampoo per liter for slip and 20% alcohol/80% water for tack. Don't screw this up, it can ruin your install.

8. Use a heat gun or hair dryer to seal the edges and help with difficult parts of the car (the front bumper). The film sticks to the paint very well once heated.

9. Make sure to remove all of the water when squeeging. Don't worry if you find some bubbles later, you can use a needle to pop them and get the water out. Lifting the film once it had time to cure will cause issues, stick to the needle, you won't even see it.

10. Have fun while doing it! If you get stuck or screw up - leave it, watch some YT tutorials and come back the next day.

If you're crazy like me to give this a shot, I'll be more than happy to answer any questions you might have in this thread.

Here are my results:

DK_G80 · 09-04-2023, 08:44 PM

About to give this a go on my BSM. Really want frozen look, but no way paying 6-7k.

Nahlem · 09-05-2023, 12:11 AM

Looking good, there is a saying or at least was when i worked in construction a lot of years ago, there is no better carpenter then your self even if you have never put down a two by four in your life, because it comes down to time = quality, for example when doing a job for your self you will probably take the time to make it as perfect as you can, and that in most cases tends to be better or on par with professionals because the pros don't have the time to do it that well, and have to do a job under time "pressure" to get it done and move on to the next. But if you do it for your self time is not an issue and you can just take it slow and see as many guides as possible to get it done right.

So kudos to you looking great with the PPF.

Forzanerazzurri · 09-05-2023, 12:53 AM

Taking the door handles off is a must for PPF or you get an ugly seam there. I realize you somehow lost a screw but to me thus should be done and it is normally pretty quick and simple.

Han4mi · 09-05-2023, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Forzanerazzurri

Taking the door handles off is a must for PPF or you get an ugly seam there. I realize you somehow lost a screw but to me thus should be done and it is normally pretty quick and simple.

There is a seam, but it's not visible as it's hidden behind the handle. I could have probably done this properly, but getting the screw from the bottom edge of the door took me 4 hours... I just didn't want to risk it.

When you get very close to the car you can see some bubbles or little bits of dirt in some places, it is far from a professional job. However, when you're 2 steps away, the car looks great and is protected. Ultimately, this is what I settled for and will try to do a better job next time.

Han4mi · 09-05-2023, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DK_G80

About to give this a go on my BSM. Really want frozen look, but no way paying 6-7k.

Give it a go, it's really fun and very rewarding when you get a panel wrapped by yourself. Happy to help if you have any issues!

tranquility · 09-05-2023, 05:41 PM

I'm not a fan of PPF as I'm a perfectionist but if your job is half as impressive as your write-up, I'm sure it turned out great. Kudos.

BackOnBlack · 09-05-2023, 11:04 PM

Thank you for this write up and tips, great job, car is looking great. I think I will try this myself just to cover the hood.

Han4mi · 09-06-2023, 03:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BackOnBlack

Thank you for this write up and tips, great job, car is looking great. I think I will try this myself just to cover the hood.

The hood is one of the easiest panels to do, just make sure to stretch it well across all 4 corners so you don't end up with wrinkles on the edges. Good luck!

cooolone2 · 09-06-2023, 05:20 AM

Nice job! Decontaminate the space you work in next time and possibly eliminate those specs under the film

. Ultimately good job and great DIY satisfaction!

LuvMyE92 · 09-07-2023, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Han4mi

It took my around 50h in total to wrap the whole car, not uncluding the time I spent on educating myself (you need to watch YT videos).

The total cost was around 700 USD.

Great write-up! How do you handle the scallops at the front of the hood?

DocL · 09-07-2023, 09:36 AM

Doing your own PPF is certainly an accomplishment. In 1984 I helped a friend tint the windows on his 1965 Mustang. Let's just say a blind monkey could have done a better job lol.

chefwong · 09-07-2023, 12:23 PM

Just curious. What brand /make/thickness of PPF
I've tinkered with this stuff on some outdoor machinery for the yard equipment....

But I let the pro's do this on things that count...

It's not easy on the curves, getting it to tack when u need to, don't lift as then you will get a lift line, contamination, and the long laundry list that goes it. PPF is expensive for sure . Part of that cost is the built in charges that the installer may need to redo a panel either during the install or for the -lifetime- warranty.

Pheonix · 09-07-2023, 12:52 PM

Great Job and excellent write up! Thank you for sharing.
Here are some of tips/tricks I have to share:
-Prepping is extremely important and PPF won't stick to surfaces with any type of wax/sealant/coating. Therefore, at least one step polish is required.
-Pay extra attention to the edges/panel interface and get them really cleaned or you gonna have lifted edges.
-blow out the panel gaps (either pressure washer or compress air). Most of the debris came from these areas during installation (beside the obvious work area).
-i use hot water as both tack solution and help with stretching and get the PPF to conform to odd surfaces. Ik Foam Pro 2 sprayer works really well for boiling water.
-if the edges aren't staying down, just wait for the moisture to dry off 1st then press them down. You might ruined the Adhesive if pressing too much when wet.
-Based on my own Experiences, the Easiest PPF for DIY is Suntek Ultra (the Suntek Reaction (or anything with Top Coat) are extremely hard to work with).
Good luck and nothing more satisfying than be able to DIY PPF and save a ton of money.

Han4mi · 09-08-2023, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LuvMyE92

Great write-up! How do you handle the scallops at the front of the hood?

Treat them as if they weren't there. Stretch the film on each edge and start squeeging (I did a line in the middle of the hood and then continued vertically).

When you get to the indentations add the alcohol solution under the film in that area and it will stretch into place nicely. It will stay down when you remove the water and air, you could heat it up a little to make it easier.

Han4mi · 09-08-2023, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chefwong

Just curious. What brand /make/thickness of PPF
I've tinkered with this stuff on some outdoor machinery for the yard equipment....

But I let the pro's do this on things that count...

It's not easy on the curves, getting it to tack when u need to, don't lift as then you will get a lift line, contamination, and the long laundry list that goes it. PPF is expensive for sure . Part of that cost is the built in charges that the installer may need to redo a panel either during the install or for the -lifetime- warranty.

I got a roll from one of the manufacturers on Alibaba, picked one with decent revenue and good reviews. Thickness is 7.6 mil.

grannyknot · 09-09-2023, 07:29 AM

I started to go down this road but found that all of the companies that make good quality wrap won't sell to the public, only to shops. I asked 3-4 shops if they would sell me enough wrap to do my car and it was a flat no.
There is lots wrap you can buy on amazon but I don't want to waste my time putting on the cheap stuff.
Where did you buy your film?

Limegrntaln · 09-09-2023, 10:00 AM

Agreed $7,000 is a lot of money, but, for me. I just don't have the patience to do 50 hours worth the work to my car. I didn't go with stealth, but, everything was removed, I.E. door handles, trunk spoiler, trim, taillights, etc.

The ppf looks great, to my eye, and I'm pretty OCD about seeing little details out of place, but, mine was done really well. I also have full wheels off ceramic. Calipers were also ceramic coated, and I have STek DynoFlex on the outer windshield.

Overall, the car is coated and protected with 2 products that arent sold to consumers, so, the only way for me to get them, is to have them professionally installed.

RACE M3 · 09-09-2023, 10:29 PM

Great job! For $700 and a couple weekends even if it was a 5/10.... well worth it!

You won't feel guilty if you get bored of the look in 6 months and feel obligated to keep it. Well done man!

RsTyle · 01-10-2024, 10:21 PM

I'm a big DIY guy and I'm contemplating doing this. My only hesitation is I don't have large chunk of time to get this all done once. Do you envision any problems if I tackle one panel per weekend? Also, does the matte PPF complicate things in any way? Thanks!

Chilled · 01-11-2024, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RsTyle

I'm a big DIY guy and I'm contemplating doing this. My only hesitation is I don't have large chunk of time to get this all done once. Do you envision any problems if I tackle one panel per weekend? Also, does the matte PPF complicate things in any way? Thanks!

There is no main issue with spreading the job over several weekends, just keep in mind that you will need to clean and prep the surface before you ppf. ie. if you clean and claybar the bonnet one weekend but decided to actually ppf it the next, well you will have to do it all over again. Plus the time waist of removing door handles/etc.

If you are only committing just the two days, that may not be enough times for some panels edge to fully dry to allow edge wrap around.

The very first panel you do will be nerve wracking and will take the most amount of time. My advice is do the smallest and flattest panel you can. The gas cap will be fun, but wrapping those edges will be a pita.

RsTyle · 01-11-2024, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chilled

There is no main issue with spreading the job over several weekends, just keep in mind that you will need to clean and prep the surface before you ppf. ie. if you clean and claybar the bonnet one weekend but decided to actually ppf it the next, well you will have to do it all over again. Plus the time waist of removing door handles/etc.

If you are only committing just the two days, that may not be enough times for some panels edge to fully dry to allow edge wrap around.

The very first panel you do will be nerve wracking and will take the most amount of time. My advice is do the smallest and flattest panel you can. The gas cap will be fun, but wrapping those edges will be a pita.

Thanks for the advice. Can you explain what you meant by "If you are only committing just the two days, that may not be enough times for some panels edge to fully dry to allow edge wrap around"? Does that mean the car needs certain time to fully dry before I can take it out to drive?

If say I do hood only Saturday morning, am I good to drive Monday morning?

09-03-2023, 02:04 PM	#1
Han4mi Enlisted Member 124 Rep 40 Posts Drives: BMW M4 Competition Join Date: Jan 2021 Location: Poland iTrader: (0)	DIY PPF (my experience) Some of you have probably considered doing PPF on your precious BMW, but were thrown off by the cost (myself included). I'm happy to report that this can actually be done by yourself for a fraction of the cost. I really wanted a full stealth wrap on my brooklyn grey m4, but the quotes from local shops were around 5k USD, which is a lot of money. Don't get me wrong - it takes a lot of time and knowledge to get this done right and you probably won't get the same results by doing it yourself, but if you're not looking for perfection, have some spare time (and a secondary vehicle, as you won't be able to use your car for a considerable amount of time) then give it a shot! It took my around 50h in total to wrap the whole car, not uncluding the time I spent on educating myself (you need to watch YT videos). The total cost was around 700 USD. 20 meters of matte PPF, 2m of clear PPF and tools included. The width of the film used was 1,52m. Some tips for beginners, which I found really helpful: 1. Start with cleaning your car. Not just normal everyday cleaning, full decontamination, clay bar, etc. The paint needs to be as perfect as possible. I used Car Pro Reset on each panel before applying PPF, it gets rid of any left over waxes etc. 2. Do not try to apply PPF to a ceramic coated car. It won't stick. You need to polish the car first if you have it. I made this mistake, wasted a piece of fender film and had to do a 1 step paint correction before moving forward. 3. If you are going to apply clear PPF, don't bother with removing badges, lights etc, if you don't feel comfortable with doing so. It's not that difficult and there are tutorials for everything, so I did it for my install (matte PPF changes the look of the paint so I wanted a nice looking install). When removing stuff make sure to get some plastic tools and blue tape to protect your paint. 4. I don't reccomend removing door handles. The YT tutorials aren't very specific and I ended up dropping one of the screws into the door. I will not go into specifics, but the whole door had to be disassembled and it was still a PITA to get it out. 5. You can use a pencil and painters tape to create shapes so you don't have to cut on the car (badges, door handles, etc). You simply put the tape around the object, draw the lines, transfer them to PPF, and cut before applying. 6. Watch tutorials before applying PPF to a specific element. It doesn't have to be a BMW. Most of the same rules apply to specific parts of a vehicle when wrapping. This is very important and you don't want to end up with fingers (excess PPF around the edges). This cannot be fixed if you screw up and use the wrong technique. The front/rear bumpers and trunk are especially difficult (you need to stretch the PPF quite a lot). Ask someone for help when stretching, it gets a lot easier. 7. Learn about slip and tack solutions. I used around 2 drops of baby shampoo per liter for slip and 20% alcohol/80% water for tack. Don't screw this up, it can ruin your install. 8. Use a heat gun or hair dryer to seal the edges and help with difficult parts of the car (the front bumper). The film sticks to the paint very well once heated. 9. Make sure to remove all of the water when squeeging. Don't worry if you find some bubbles later, you can use a needle to pop them and get the water out. Lifting the film once it had time to cure will cause issues, stick to the needle, you won't even see it. 10. Have fun while doing it! If you get stuck or screw up - leave it, watch some YT tutorials and come back the next day. If you're crazy like me to give this a shot, I'll be more than happy to answer any questions you might have in this thread. Here are my results:
	Appreciate 19 mcsquared828.00 90rr121.50 Nahlem1208.00 chris7197610.00 G35POPPEDMYCHERRY4999.00 BackOnBlack1348.50 Pheonix396.50 hC1001691.50 co_440i201.00 grannyknot1010.00 Bruuuce365.50 Limegrntaln14251.00 RACE M3677.50 zero2sixtyZ1048.50 SWFLf10382.50 Hornet-01179.00 JRocinante0.00 Dochere241.00 Dnshift179.00 Tweet Quote

09-04-2023, 08:44 PM	#2
DK_G80 Registered 2 Rep 4 Posts Drives: 2022 M3 Comp Join Date: Oct 2021 Location: San Antonio, Texas iTrader: (0)	About to give this a go on my BSM. Really want frozen look, but no way paying 6-7k.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-05-2023, 12:11 AM	#3
Nahlem Captain 1208 Rep 914 Posts Drives: None atm Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Sweden iTrader: (0)	Looking good, there is a saying or at least was when i worked in construction a lot of years ago, there is no better carpenter then your self even if you have never put down a two by four in your life, because it comes down to time = quality, for example when doing a job for your self you will probably take the time to make it as perfect as you can, and that in most cases tends to be better or on par with professionals because the pros don't have the time to do it that well, and have to do a job under time "pressure" to get it done and move on to the next. But if you do it for your self time is not an issue and you can just take it slow and see as many guides as possible to get it done right. So kudos to you looking great with the PPF. __________________ Current Car: Bicycle Former Car:BMW i4 M50 Brooklyn Grey (MY22)\| BMW i3s BEV (MY19)\|Former Car: BMW X1 20d x-drive (MY16)\|BMW m235i (MY14)\|Former Car: BMW 120d (MY12)\|Former Car: Volvo C30 T5 R-Design (MY08)\|Former Car: Volvo C70 T5 (MY06)\|Former Car: Volvo S40 2.0T(MY1999)
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09-05-2023, 12:53 AM	#4
Forzanerazzurri Banned 6991 Rep 3,275 Posts Drives: E46 M3 Coupe/G80 M3CX Join Date: Jul 2021 Location: Alberta iTrader: (0) Garage List 2003 BMW M3 Coupe [0.50] 2022 BMW M3 Competi ... [5.12]	Taking the door handles off is a must for PPF or you get an ugly seam there. I realize you somehow lost a screw but to me thus should be done and it is normally pretty quick and simple.
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09-05-2023, 05:41 PM	#7
tranquility sportscars only 3499 Rep 3,271 Posts Drives: 2011 Z4 sDrive 35i Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Montréal iTrader: (0)	I'm not a fan of PPF as I'm a perfectionist but if your job is half as impressive as your write-up, I'm sure it turned out great. Kudos.
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09-05-2023, 11:04 PM	#8
BackOnBlack Keep Up the RPMs 1349 Rep 535 Posts Drives: M3CS Join Date: Aug 2023 Location: Germantown, MD iTrader: (0) Garage List 2005 BMW 645Ci [0.00] 2024 BMW M3 CS [9.80]	Thank you for this write up and tips, great job, car is looking great. I think I will try this myself just to cover the hood. __________________ Cheers, BoB
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09-06-2023, 05:20 AM	#10
cooolone2 Captain 702 Rep 756 Posts Drives: 20' M240iX B58, 01' 330XI E46 Join Date: Jul 2019 Location: NY, USA iTrader: (0)	Nice job! Decontaminate the space you work in next time and possibly eliminate those specs under the film . Ultimately good job and great DIY satisfaction!
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09-07-2023, 09:36 AM	#12
DocL Captain 2112 Rep 954 Posts Drives: 2018 M3 Comp 6spd Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: Delray Beach iTrader: (2)	Doing your own PPF is certainly an accomplishment. In 1984 I helped a friend tint the windows on his 1965 Mustang. Let's just say a blind monkey could have done a better job lol. __________________ 2018 F80 M3. YMB/BLK. ZCP. Three Pedals. "Education will never be as expensive as ignorance."
	Appreciate 1 chris7197610.00 Quote

09-07-2023, 12:23 PM	#13
chefwong Major 465 Rep 1,196 Posts Drives: X5 Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: NYC iTrader: (0)	Just curious. What brand /make/thickness of PPF I've tinkered with this stuff on some outdoor machinery for the yard equipment.... But I let the pro's do this on things that count... It's not easy on the curves, getting it to tack when u need to, don't lift as then you will get a lift line, contamination, and the long laundry list that goes it. PPF is expensive for sure . Part of that cost is the built in charges that the installer may need to redo a panel either during the install or for the -lifetime- warranty.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-07-2023, 12:52 PM	#14
Pheonix Major 397 Rep 1,012 Posts Drives: 2007 Z4 M Coupe 2012 e93 M3 Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (8) Garage List 2007 BMW/Z4MC [0.00]	Great Job and excellent write up! Thank you for sharing. Here are some of tips/tricks I have to share: -Prepping is extremely important and PPF won't stick to surfaces with any type of wax/sealant/coating. Therefore, at least one step polish is required. -Pay extra attention to the edges/panel interface and get them really cleaned or you gonna have lifted edges. -blow out the panel gaps (either pressure washer or compress air). Most of the debris came from these areas during installation (beside the obvious work area). -i use hot water as both tack solution and help with stretching and get the PPF to conform to odd surfaces. Ik Foam Pro 2 sprayer works really well for boiling water. -if the edges aren't staying down, just wait for the moisture to dry off 1st then press them down. You might ruined the Adhesive if pressing too much when wet. -Based on my own Experiences, the Easiest PPF for DIY is Suntek Ultra (the Suntek Reaction (or anything with Top Coat) are extremely hard to work with). Good luck and nothing more satisfying than be able to DIY PPF and save a ton of money.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-09-2023, 07:29 AM	#17
grannyknot Captain 1010 Rep 809 Posts Drives: 2008 Z4M coupe Join Date: Oct 2021 Location: toronto iTrader: (0)	I started to go down this road but found that all of the companies that make good quality wrap won't sell to the public, only to shops. I asked 3-4 shops if they would sell me enough wrap to do my car and it was a flat no. There is lots wrap you can buy on amazon but I don't want to waste my time putting on the cheap stuff. Where did you buy your film? __________________ 2008 E86 M coupe
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09-09-2023, 10:00 AM	#18
Limegrntaln Major General 14251 Rep 7,174 Posts Drives: 2022 DG/BLk xDrive M4C Wk 34 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Sacramento Area iTrader: (3) Garage List 2022 G82 M4 Competi ... [9.42]	Agreed $7,000 is a lot of money, but, for me. I just don't have the patience to do 50 hours worth the work to my car. I didn't go with stealth, but, everything was removed, I.E. door handles, trunk spoiler, trim, taillights, etc. The ppf looks great, to my eye, and I'm pretty OCD about seeing little details out of place, but, mine was done really well. I also have full wheels off ceramic. Calipers were also ceramic coated, and I have STek DynoFlex on the outer windshield. Overall, the car is coated and protected with 2 products that arent sold to consumers, so, the only way for me to get them, is to have them professionally installed. __________________ 2022 DravitGrau /Black Full Merino M4 Competition M xDrive / Production Week 34/ Delivered 10/19/21/ IG: dravit_m4_comp YT: G Dubyou
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09-09-2023, 10:29 PM	#19
RACE M3 Lieutenant 678 Rep 561 Posts Drives: 02 S2k, 04 Rx8, 22 M3P, 23 m3 Join Date: Sep 2022 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	Great job! For $700 and a couple weekends even if it was a 5/10.... well worth it! You won't feel guilty if you get bored of the look in 6 months and feel obligated to keep it. Well done man!
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01-10-2024, 10:21 PM	#20
RsTyle Enlisted Member 14 Rep 44 Posts Drives: 2024 M3C Join Date: Oct 2023 Location: Toronto, Canada iTrader: (0) Garage List 2024 M3C [0.00]	I'm a big DIY guy and I'm contemplating doing this. My only hesitation is I don't have large chunk of time to get this all done once. Do you envision any problems if I tackle one panel per weekend? Also, does the matte PPF complicate things in any way? Thanks!
	Appreciate 0 Quote