99 Rodinea Rd Unit 14, Vaughan, ON, Canada
Paint Protection Film (PPF) is an excellent investment to preserve your vehicle's pristine appearance, protecting against scratches, rock chips, and environmental elements. However, one of the most common issues car owners may encounter is lifting edges of PPF. We get it, seeing your expensive paint protection film peel can be alarming, and immediately put you into a state of dysphoria. Need not worry; this issue is common place in the industry, and easily rectified. At Toronto Buffing Inc., we believe in educating our clients to help them understand why this occurs, how to prevent it, and what remedies are available.
Extreme example of PPF lifting
Poor Finishing: Proper installation techniques are crucial. Edges must be adequately heated and allowed ample drying time to ensure strong adhesion. Skipping this step can lead to premature lifting.
Overstretch on Curves: Installing PPF on egg-shaped panels or tight curves involves stretching the film, increasing tension and susceptibility to “peel back.”
Friction: Sometimes, film edges wrapped too closely around panels or those in contact with trims experience friction-induced lifting.
Vehicles sometimes have inadequate clearcoat coverage, particularly in less-visible areas such as under the hood or edges. PPF relies on this clearcoat for a strong bond; insufficient clearcoat coverage weakens adhesion, resulting in lifting.
In certain scenarios, repainted panels themselves may lift during or after PPF installation. This is not related to the bond of the ppf to the paint, but the bond of the paint to the panel. This is common in poor resprays.
Lower-quality films with subpar adhesives often experience lifting because the adhesive isn't robust enough to withstand environmental pressures or regular use.
Extreme temperature fluctuations, especially sudden transitions from hot to cold, can cause "film shock," resulting in edge lifting even on well-installed films.
High UV / Heat Exposure: Excessive sun exposure softens adhesive and weakens edge hold.
Third party interference from the end user can sometimes cause issues with paint protection film to bond. Factors such as washing vehicle too soon after installation, picking at corners, applying direct high pressure at the film, performing high speed polishing near or around PPF'ed panels can cause premature lifting.
Bulk installations involve pushing the limits of film. This issue is simple to remedy if caught early (simple heat).
When attempting the perfect installation, installers will try to "butt" up film as close to edges and trim. as possible. These trim pieces vibrate and move ever so slightly overtime, which can cause minor lifting. The solution here is trimming the amount of material that is causing the "interference".
At Toronto Buffing Inc., we proactively manage edge lifting by:
Despite best efforts, minor edge lifting can occasionally occur, and it's considered standard within the industry. At Toronto Buffing Inc., we emphasize the importance of a follow-up appointment after your initial PPF installation to inspect and address potential lifting promptly.
Our follow-up appointments include:
While lifting edges can be concerning, rest assured it's a manageable issue and a natural part of vehicle protection maintenance. Toronto Buffing Inc. is committed to delivering high-quality installations and unmatched aftercare services. Your vehicle’s aesthetics and protection remain our priority, and our expert team is always ready to address your concerns and maintain your peace of mind.
Contact us today for a comprehensive PPF solution tailored specifically for your vehicle.