Lesson 1Liquids and solutions: slip solutions (surfactants, wetting agents), tack solutions, reactivation liquids, iso-based degreasers and safe pH rangesThis section covers slip, tack, and reactivation liquids, including surfactant choice, dilution ratios, and safe pH ranges. It explains iso-based degreasers, contamination risks, and how solution choice affects positioning, adhesion, and film stability over time.
Slip solution chemistry and surfactantsTack solution mixes and use casesReactivation liquids and safe handlingIso-based degreasers and residue riskspH ranges and material compatibilityLesson 2Optical properties: gloss, clarity, refractive index, effects on metallic paintThis section explains how PPF interacts with paint and light, covering gloss levels, clarity, refractive index, and how film construction influences colour depth, flake pop on metallic finishes, and visible defects like haze, orange peel, and distortion.
Gloss measurement and visual evaluationClarity, haze, and orange peel controlRefractive index and color shift on paintEffects on metallic and pearl flake popLighting setups for optical inspectionLesson 3Workshop environment equipment: lighting specifications, temperature and humidity control ranges, dust control, work stands and panel supportsThis section defines workshop environmental requirements, including lighting levels and colour temperature, temperature and humidity ranges, and dust control. It also covers work stands, panel supports, and layout planning for safe, efficient PPF installation.
Lighting intensity and color temperatureTemperature and humidity control rangesDust control, filtration, and airflowWork stands and panel support optionsBay layout and safety considerationsLesson 4Film mechanical properties: tensile strength, elongation/stretch limits, memory, and limits for cold/heatThis section explains key mechanical properties of PPF, including tensile strength, elongation and safe stretch limits, memory behaviour, and temperature limits. It connects datasheet values to real-world handling, panel coverage, and long-term dimensional stability.
Tensile strength and tear resistanceElongation specs and safe stretch zonesFilm memory and shrink-back behaviorCold and heat handling temperature limitsReading and applying datasheet valuesLesson 5Common failure modes of films and causes: yellowing, delamination, edge lift, silvering, and stress whiteningThis section examines common PPF failures such as yellowing, delamination, edge lift, silvering, and stress whitening. It links each failure to root causes in materials, surface prep, solutions, and technique, and outlines prevention and diagnostic approaches.
Yellowing causes and UV contaminationDelamination from poor prep or tensionEdge lift from design and techniqueSilvering from trapped air or textureStress whitening from overstretchingLesson 6Fundamental PPF material properties: thickness ranges, topcoat chemistry, self-healing mechanismsThis section covers core PPF construction, including film thickness ranges, base TPU characteristics, and topcoat chemistries. It explains self-healing mechanisms, scratch resistance, stain resistance, and how material design affects installability and durability.
Typical film thickness and layer stackTPU base film types and quality gradesTopcoat chemistries and performanceSelf-healing mechanisms and triggersStain resistance and maintenance impactLesson 7Essential installation tools: squeegees, suede/felt tools, heat guns, IR lamps, knifes, pin tools, edge tucks, and tensioning aidsThis section reviews essential installation tools, including squeegees, suede and felt tools, heat guns, IR lamps, knives, pin tools, edge tucking aids, and tensioning devices, with guidance on selection, maintenance, and safe, precise use on vehicle panels.
Squeegee types, edges, and stiffnessSuede and felt tools for soft finishesHeat guns and IR lamps: setup and useKnives, blades, and safe scoringPin tools, edge tucks, and anchorsLesson 8Adhesive systems: permanent vs repositionable adhesives, adhesive transfer, adhesion promoters, edge lift factorsThis section details PPF adhesive systems, comparing permanent and repositionable adhesives, and explaining wetting, flow, and cure. It covers adhesive transfer, use of adhesion promoters, edge sealing strategies, and factors that drive edge lift or failure.
Permanent vs repositionable adhesivesAdhesive flow, wetting, and cure timeAdhesive transfer causes and fixesAdhesion promoters and primersEdge sealing methods and lift factors
