Beginner trying to learn, where I'm at...

[vetteowner]

Hello, thanks for allowing me to join.  I'm a retired auto technician/High School Automotive Instructor. Enjoyed working on cars all of my life. I have had and still have several nice cars (mostly Corvettes) and enjoy keepng them nice. I have a lift in my garage which helps with the install on lower areas of the vehicle. I have been tinkering with PPF film here and there on rock chip prone areas on my cars. I have been sucessful sometimes installing where it was acceptable to my liking, but never perfect.  I have had to rip several off and start over.  That doesn't bother me because I really want to master this. Education isn't free and if it means wasting film and time I understand. I have gotten over the fear of installing it on small areas (front of wheel well area on rear quarter of C8 Corvette) and shrinking it with heat gun to smooth out fingers but cannot do an insatll without getting any bubbles completely. Some installs the bubbles have dried over a couple of weeks and were acceptable for me. But other installs were not, and I had to start over. The solution I'm using is the typical 16oz distilled water and 2 or 3 drops of baby shampoo. The film is Ebay pre-cut kits. Can anyone shed any light as to what I'm doing wrong to minimize the bubbles?  Is there a different solution I should be using?  Is there a better film to start with that is easier to use for beginners? I'd appreciate any advice or tips I can get. Thanks in advance! 

[Dano]

Welcome to the forum!

 

I would recommend Global non-cap ppf and get a second bottle with plain water only to flush the edges for better adhesion.

 

If you're leaving water behind try using a different squeegee. I prefer a dark yellow turbo from Interwest.

 

Instead of heating I think you should be streaching the film into place to pull the fingers out.