If you are a Bentley owner, you know the importance of preserving its value and aesthetics with adequate protection of a Paint Protection Film (PPF). However, mistakes happen to numerous car owners and enthusiasts alike during the process of PPF application. Knowing about these mistakes and following the appropriate techniques to avoid them can make a huge difference in terms of achieving a flawless finish. In our post today, we are going to check out the common mistakes one can make during the PPF application process on their Bentley and offer the best tips to ensure a seamless and successful installation.

Understanding PPF and Its Importance

Paint Protection Film (PPF) serves as the clear shield safeguarding the exterior of your Bentley from any chips, scratches, and other sorts of damages that are often caused due to external factors. The film is designed to be self-healing and durable, offering the ideal protection against UV rays, road debris, and other sort of contaminants. Irrespective of the numerous perks, inappropriate application eventually leads to unsightly results like misalignments, bubbles, and premature peeling. Knowing about the common mistakes specifically made during the application process is important to garner the best outcomes.

Skipping Surface Preparation

One critical mistake often made during PPF application is neglecting the adequate preparation of the surface. A cleaner and smoother surface is important for the film to follow appropriately. Dirt, dust, wax, or grease eventually leads to a lack of adhesion, which causes the film to lift or bubble over time.

It is advisable to wash and polish the outside of the car and ensure that it dries before applying the product. A clay bar is another layer that can help remove embedded contaminants. You should then check the surface for any bumps, pits, or other minor blemishes, which should be repaired before the application of the flooring.

Poor Film Selection

PPF comes in several types, and knowing which type can ensure effectiveness and longevity is vital. Nobody can argue that many goods in-store differ in quality and performance. If the wrong film is chosen, then the longevity of the picture is threatened by the development of a fad, yellow colour, or even peeling off.

Selecting a trustworthy PPF brand is essential when you visit a Bentley servicing centre like GVE London for routine maintenance and polishing. Suppress your feelings and choose between the thickness, clarity of the picture, and self-healing properties of the film.

 

Incorrect Installation Techniques

One should realise that methods of installing the PPF film can influence the result quite a lot. Due to the lack of guidance, most DIYers misapply the film, for instance, by wrong aligning, wrong tension, or stretching the material in the wrong manner.

If you are unsure how to apply PPF, ask for assistance from professionals. PPF can only be correctly applied by experts who know the exercise. If undertaking a do-it-yourself project, it is recommended to view video clips and read manuals very carefully to avoid misuse of techniques.

Overstretching the Film

Certain extensions can be applied when applying the PPF, which, if aggravated, can lead to various problems, such as distortion and stress on the film. This is mostly caused by installers who attempt to place the film around intricately curved areas such as corners.

It is recommended that a heat gun be used to warm the film beforehand before placing it on challenging curves. This technique helps offer a good stretch while avoiding the possibility of breaking down. Do not overheat the film, as the effects of heat can make the film too soft or even shrink.

Ignoring Air Bubbles

Beneath the PPF, the presence of air bubbles can distort the film surface and interfere with the effectiveness of its protective layer. Some of them can remain unseen and unnoticed for a long time, or many installers pay little attention to small bubbles as they tend to disappear with time. Still, this may be an even more major issue in the future, while various challenges arise in the modern stage.

During use, a squeegee is advised to press out the air bubbles. If bubbles may appear after the installation, a pin or needle can be used to remove them. Trust the film back down gently to fix it perfectly into position and make sure that it is properly connected.

Inadequate Trimming

When finishing this type of surface, one must trim the excess material after applying the PPF. Improper trimming causes jagged edges, which need to be avoided to give the car an excellent appearance.

When trimming the excess film, it is recommended that you use a sharp blade and a good hand. Time must be taken to ensure that any cuts made at the edges are clean, which will help improve the overall look of the installation. It is also suggested that you use a template to apply in complex regions to get a tighter pattern.

Not Allowing for Proper Curing

After installation, the PPF compound needs time to solidify or polymerise fully. If one tries to rush the process, one is most likely to develop problems like lifting, peeling, or poor adhesion. A common sign is that many people may be anxious to drive their newly protected vehicle home, and this hastiness is liable to create complications in the future.

According to the manufacturer’s instructions, always ensure that you use the right curing time that has been set. Do not wash the car, take it to areas with direct sunlight, or drive the car for a specific number of hours after having installed the product. It is also the reason why the curing done by the manufacturer should be allowed so that the film has a long-lasting ability.

Neglecting Maintenance

After the PPF installation has been completed successfully, further servicing is necessary to check or confirm whether the film is in good condition. If not well taken care of, some may discolour or be damaged by harsh cleaning agents such as bleach.

You should wash it using an alkaline-free shampoo and a soft fibre material on a routine basis. Do not handle abrasive materials or corrosive chemicals that could harm the film. Moreover, it is advisable to apply a ceramic coat over the PPF to enhance the level of protection.

Conclusion

The application of the paint protection film on the Bentley is the ideal way to maintain its aesthetics and safeguard its value. However, addressing the common mistakes associated with the PPF application helps to ensure a successful installation. Take the time to prep the surface of your Bentley in the right way, select the right film, and employ the appropriate technique, leading to a pristine finish that boosts the vehicle's beauty. Always ensure to invest in a professional installation that helps save time.