You want to make sure that your vehicle receives top protection that makes it look like new for years to come. After you have your vehicle’s paint protection film inspection, it is time to make sure that the installer performed a top-notch job. Here is what to look for when inspecting your vehicle.
1. Check the edges
The most important place to look are the edges of your vehicle. This is where the paint protection film ends. This is also the area where a poor installation can result in peeling. Therefore, you will want to check each area. Here is a checklist of the “edges” on your vehicle:
- Wheel wells
- Rocker panels
- Trunk lid
- Door edges
- Bumpers
- Trunk lid
2. Check dust and dirt under film
Your vehicle should have been completely cleaned and free of any dust or dirt before the paint protection film is applied. Therefore, you will want to make sure that there is no dust or dirt under the paint protection film. Anything that is stuck under the film will stay there until the film is removed. To help you look for dust and dirt, you should consider using a flash light. If you don’t have a flashlight, then use the camera light on your smartphone.
3. Check for visible glue
Glue is used to fuse the paint protection film to your vehicle’s exterior. Therefore, you will want to check if there is any excess glue that is visible to your naked eye. The glue may be located at the edges of the paint film. If you see any signs of visible glue, make sure that you point it out the installer right away. Over time, that glue can dry and become hard to remove.
4. Look for a gloss finish
A sign of a good paint protection film installation is that your vehicle has a nice glow to it. Experts say that a professionally installed paint protection film should provide a gloss finish for five to ten years. If the film is not properly installed, then the overall look of your vehicle can be smokey. Be sure to check out the vehicle, from all angles, under a good light. In some cases, your vehicle may look great. In other cases, there may be an issue where the film was installed.
5. Look for peeling
You will want to make sure that the paint protection film is not peeling away before you take it from the shop. Be sure to carefully look over every surface where the film is applied. Even a little bit of peeling will cause the film to slowly remove itself from the surface of your vehicle over time. It’s better to detect this small problem at the shop before it becomes a bigger issue later.
6. Inspect for stretch marks or roughness on surface
In the cases of poor installation, there will be stretch marks or roughness on the surface of your vehicle. All parts of the vehicle – where the film is applied – should be completely smooth. If you find any questionable surfaces on the vehicle, be sure to point it out to the installer right away.
7. Video record the inspection
It is a good idea to create a video of your inspection. A video can not only help you carefully inspect details of the vehicle, it can also provide video documentation in case there is an issue with the shop. Here are some tips on how to create the proper video for your inspection.
- Make sure you have the right lighting – You will want to make sure that your video shows off your vehicle in the most realistic way possible. Therefore, you should have good lighting. You can try to film the vehicle in an area that offers you lots of lighting and little chance for shading.
- Zoom in on the edges where the film was applied – The edges of the vehicle, where the film was applied, are going to be one of the most crucial areas to inspect. Therefore, you will want to zoom in on those areas to ensure that the installer did a good job. Also, zooming in will allow you to see details that will be hard to discern with the naked eye.
- Add commentary to any issues that you find – It is a good idea to add your own commentary while you are film. This will allow you to identify and remember specific issues with the film. Be sure to mention what exactly you found wrong and the area of the vehicle that you are filming. For instance, you can say, “There is some peeling on the right rear passenger door edge near the handle.”
- Slowly pan over the surface – Finally, you will want to slowly pan over the surface where the film is applied. This will allow you to carefully check for any issues with the installation. Make sure that the lighting is good so you can detect any irregularities more easily.
When should you inspect the vehicle?
It is recommended that you inspect the vehicle within 10 to 14 days after installation. Any defects must be pointed out to the shop during inspection. This will ensure that any issues can be corrected before they become permanent.
Top quality PPF services in Toronto
ID Protection® provides top paint protection film installation and colored PPF installation in the Toronto area, including North York, Oakville, Burlington and Durham. Whether you drive a luxury, exotic, or off-road vehicle, we can provide you with professional paint protection film installation that stands out. Our professional installers can work quick to complete your installation which is backed by our shop guarantee. You can also contact us and sign up for our PPF training if you want to become an installer yourself and have a hands-on practice. Contact us today for a fast, free quote.
