Hi All, I'm finally getting around to sharing my installation of the 3M Scotchgard PRO PPF (Paint Protection Film). I installed it a few weeks ago and I am extremely impressed with it. Important to note that I have a 2020 Prius Prime LE, which means my car doesn't have the various sensors strewn around the bumper. That means the installation is easier in that you're not having to account for lining up the film to those parts of the bumper. Here's what I needed to tackle this installation: 3M Scotchgard PRO Paint Protection Film Kit. I purchased mine via eBay "North Tints" and I highly recommend it. Homemade "Slip Solution" consisting of 24oz distilled water, 8oz 70% isopropyl alcohol 70%, and 2ml baby shampoo. This is absolutely necessary in order to allow you to adjust the film as the backing of the film, as you would imagine, is extremely sticky. I made 2 bottles of the solution and I used almost all of it. 4″ and 2″ squeegees. The squeegee that comes in the kit, while it will do, isn't as soft and forgiving so I got a separate set of them. A tabletop to lay down the kit flat. I would suggest studying which pieces will go where on your car before you begin peeling away. Stool to sit on for the low portions of the bumper to save your legs and back. 10 solid hours of uninterrupted time. I performed the installation over 2 evenings (started at around 9pm and ended at 2-3am). Patience, perseverance, and coffee. This is my first time doing a PPF install and it was very challenging. The kit is extremely well made and the edges are very clean. Despite this, a lot of intuition as to how to stretch the film will be needed. You should study which parts of the film need to be the "anchor point". The kit instructions go over a lot of this. I have some residual air bubbles on the "triangular/VEE" portion of the bumper which, being curved and complex in shape, was the most difficult part of the installation. In time, I'll get some heat to it and hopefully help it to adhere better. Here are some pictures of the process and installation. I wish I could have taken more pictures in between the application, but I was pressed for time. Let me know what you all think! And I'm excited to hear about any other experiences!
I got the kit that covers the first 1/3 or 1/4 of the hood. I think this coverage is great as the "angle of attack" so-to-speak is steep enough that any debris will be deflected above the hood beyond the area of the covered hood.
Can you provide update for this precut kit, after 2.5y how is the film standing? are rock chips more noticiable vs naked bumper/hood? How hard or how bad those seams look after some dirt built-up, can you keep them clean? I'm asking because I'm about to get a partial clearbra on my new Prius (paying someone to do it) and I'd like to know what to expect. If you get rock chips on the film, are they as "bad looking" comparing naked bumper with rock chips? Much appreciated! -FC
The quality films will not crack or damage due to a rock chip, lots of PPF have healing properties also so when the sun gets hot on the surface it will mend any surface swirls and light scratches. The cheap PPF products will dry out and crack over time and also yellow. They can be a pain to remove as well. Stay away from amazon and ebay and only deal with a authorized installer or shop.
