EDITOR’S NOTE: This is a sponsored post from Eastman Performance Films, respected worldwide as a producer of energy solutions including professional-grade window films, industrial coatings, adhesives, and laminates.
When you invest in PPF, it helps your Tesla hold its resale value and helps you enjoy driving more. Still, the process of getting PPF can be stressful. Use the eight key questions here to educate yourself, prepare to talk with installers, and find a shop that will treat your Tesla right.
What PPF brands do you carry?
It’s important to talk brands to ensure you get the best product for your vehicle and driving conditions. You may have a favorite, and shops will have theirs. A brand could be preferred because it’s well known, a breeze to install, or because it offers specific solutions. For instance: SunTek offers 72” wide PPF for seamless installation on oversized hoods, and SunTek Ultra Defense provides high-impact damage protection for more vulnerable areas of your Tesla.
Where can I see your PPF installation work?
You could get a link to an online gallery of photos, or maybe even find that someone is willing to show off vehicles waiting for pickup. Either way, pride in workmanship and pristine results are solid indicators you’ve found a professional shop that delivers consistently stellar work. Bonus points: an impressive installation on your exact Tesla model.
Can I see your installation area?
If you don’t get a yes, move on. When you do and are looking around, remember that the more organized and clean the area, the better. This is evidence of a shop that does precise, careful work. PPF should be installed out of direct sunlight, with temperatures between 60ºF and 90ºF. Make sure these requirements are met.
How do you like to prep for installation?
SunTek recommends starting with a thorough soap-and-water cleaning on and around PPF installation surfaces. Areas where debris can collect, such as headlights, should be blown out with high pressure water or air. Next, a clay bar should be used on all installation surfaces to remove stubborn contaminants such as rail dust. Finally, it’s important to wipe all installation edges with alcohol and a lint-free towel to help create a strong adhesive bond.
Will you disassemble any parts during PPF installation? If so, which ones and why?
Installers sometimes disassemble bumpers and other parts of a vehicle for clear access to execute edge wraps. Some car owners are fine with this, because they want the cleaner look of edge wrapping. Others would rather have no disassembly, even if it means PPF with cut edges. Talk through this aspect of installation to find a dealer who will handle your Tesla how you wish.
Do you use plotter-cut patterns or do custom installs, or both?
There’s more than one way to cut PPF for a precise fit. Plotter-cut patterns (such as SunTek TruCutTM) are used to cut film before placing it on a car’s surface, while custom installs involve cutting film when in place. Either technique will result in satisfying results when executed by an experienced, professional installer. Still, you may have a preference for your Tesla.
How long will installation take?
A turnaround that’s too fast is a red flag. Rushed work is sloppy, plus it’s important to give PPF adhesive some time to set before driving. Expect to drop your car off one day and pick it up the next, at minimum. PPF installations covering more surface area can even stretch into 2 or 3 days.
Can I get ceramic coating and PPF?
Many PPF installers also offer ceramic coatings, which should be applied after PPF installation. Ceramic creates an additional barrier for solvent and water penetration, and won’t interfere with self-healing performance or void the manufacturer’s limited warranty for SunTek paint protection films.
Asking questions is time well spent. It not only guides you to the right shop, but also demonstrates knowledge to ensure you get the most attentive, satisfying service possible.
Have more questions for PPF installers? Please share them in the comments.
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