Acura MDX

How To Apply Paint Protection Film

by Morph

Paint protection film (PPF) is a clear, energy absorbent, durable urethane film
designed to protect vulnerable areas of your car from:

Stone chips, Small road debris damage, Insect stains, Abrasion, Scratches,
Nicks, Sand and Winter Road Salt, and more!

This low maintenance product is a safe alternative to bras and bug shields,
and is infinitely more versatile in application. Anything that is painted can be
protected. The film can be removed at anytime without causing damage to the paint
underneath (once removed the same piece cannot be re-applied) and can
be washed and waxed just like the rest of the car. Car manufacturers (OEMs)
have actually been applying PPF at the factory to vulnerable painted areas for over
a decade now.

Installation of small pieces of film is fairly simple, however I do not
recommend attempting to install large pieces (hood or bumper coverage)
unless you have substantial experience or training. Area-specific
stretching is required to make large pieces fit and lay out properly.
Mistakes with large pieces can be very costly to correct. But if it is something you
would like to attempt, click here for a Video Clip of a MDX front bumper install.
Video Notes: most companies design their own kits for vehicle patterns so the
pre-cut kit you buy may not have the same coverage as the one shown in the video,
thus the stretch points may differ. Also, while working on the right side, you should
go back to the left side every 5 minutes, carefully lift the film and keep the paint
and film wet until you are finished with the right. If you allow that moisture to dry out,
the film will begin to adhere and may be difficult to lift away without damaging the film.

3M is and has been the industry leader and choice of professionals for PPF.
They back their Scotchgard film with a 5-year limited warranty against cracking, peeling,
bubbling, discoloration and yellowing. They further warranty that it will remain
in place and stay optically clear. Industry tests have revealed 3M's film to retain its
gloss longer and resist staining better than competitors' films.

How and Where To Buy?
PPF can be purchased in a variety of different sizes to suit your needs.
Here is a link to the different sizes available. For smaller areas I recommend
buying the 4" x 84" strip (part # 84904), it is relatively inexpensive
and can be cut to any desired shape/length. You should have enough there
to do most of the smaller vulnerable areas on your MDX (door edges, back of
wheel well arches, mirrors, rear bumper ledge and maybe door handle inserts).

Most likely you have a 3M dealer in your area. Most body shop supply stores
carry 3M products and even if they don't have a lot of the film in stock they
can order it and have it for you within a few days. Check your yellow pages
and call around first. Be sure to have the 3M part number ready for the
product you want, this will make it a lot easier for them to look up.

Project Time: about 10 minutes per piece being applied
Difficulty: 3, on a scale of 1-5 with 5 being difficult.

Tools Required:
- Paint Protection Film
- Measuring Tape
- Sharp Scissors and Xacto or Olfa knife for trimming
- Squeegee
- 2 clean spray bottles
- Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol
- Small bottle of Baby Shampoo
- Clean terry towel or microfiber
- Detailing Clay and Lubricant (optional)

Disclaimer: This guide is to be used as a reference only. The author is
not responsible for any damages. Installation was performed on the door
jam of a 2000 Dodge Neon. Photos are the property of the author and may
not be copied or used for any other purposes.

Click Here For Step-by-Step Guide