Anyone Have PPF Installed on Plastic Pillars?

[LeftyLynn]

I picked up my Badlands over the weekend and it came with light swirls/scratches on all the glossy black pillars between the windows. I'm working on figuring out if they can be buffed out or need to be replaced. Once they're back to how they should be I want to protect them since it seems that the plastic scratches quite easily. Has anyone had PPF put on theirs? I got a quote for $600 today. I really wish Ford wouldn't have put all of that plastic on this vehicle!

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[Rgill]

Some have the dealer install PPF but it can be pricy. You can get some PPF here for the two c pillars. I hear they work well and hid small swirls. If you want more than just those two areas, then you need to go to the pricier kits.

https://www.vortexsigns.com/car-decals/ford/ford-bronco-exterior-accessories-decals-stickers/bronco-sport/c-pillar-post-anti-scratch-piano-finish-protector-film-ppf

 

[dhaas06]

I mentioned in anther thread earlier this week that I ordered the pillars kit from Xpel, so I'll let you know how it goes once it arrives and I have time to apply them. They rate the difficulty only 1/5, so for $200 vs the $600 you were quoted, I think doing it yourself will be worth the savings.

 

[LeftyLynn]

I mentioned in anther thread earlier this week that I ordered the pillars kit from Xpel, so I'll let you know how it goes once it arrives and I have time to apply them. They rate the difficulty only 1/5, so for $200 vs the $600 you were quoted, I think doing it yourself will be worth the savings.

Thanks! I look forward to hearing how it goes for you. If it's anything like applying vinyl screen protectors to phones and other screens, I don't think I'll be happy with how it turns out doing it myself. I'm always so OCD about applying those and they don't turn out as perfect as I'd like.

 

[dhaas06]

Got my kit and did the install today, and I have a newfound respect for the professionals that install PPF! Short version - if anyone is not already trained in applying PPF, and if they are a perfectionist in any way who will be OCD about imperfect results, I suggest having a pro apply your film protection.

I didn't quite realize what I was getting myself into until the kit showed up with no application instructions, so I found this video for an example of how this exact film brand is applied:



Realized I wasn't fully equipped, so picked up PPF application supplies on Amazon including squeegees of different shapes/sizes, a couple empty spray bottles, new microfiber towels and J&J baby shampoo. Mixed up my slip and tack solutions, couple drops baby shampoo for the slip and 25% isopropyl alcohol / 75% distilled water for tack. Followed the steps, took my time.

In the end, I only had one or two of the twelve different pieces turn out what I'd consider perfect. I thought I was being careful and doing a nice job, but invariably would have a bubble here or there, or some sort of imperfection in the film as I tried smoothing out an area or peeling it up and trying again, which then left some tiny wrinkles or patterns in it. At the end of the day I peeled off and gave up on the big triangle ones that go on the C pillar with the fake vent, behind the rear doors. I had the most trouble with these, and the result looked so pathetic that I figured scratches would look better than my bad film application. Still ended up with all the other pieces in decent shape, and overall I'll take any minor imperfections in those pillars' film than scratches everywhere.

All in all no regrets, and at least I got the majority of what I paid for applied and looking fine. Hope my experience helps anyone who may be considering this or other DIY PPF. The actual pieces were cut out perfectly and worked great, it's just a difficult thing to master your first time, and for the price - messing up is expensive!

 

[ChefDank]

Got my kit and did the install today, and I have a newfound respect for the professionals that install PPF! Short version - if anyone is not already trained in applying PPF, and if they are a perfectionist in any way who will be OCD about imperfect results, I suggest having a pro apply your film protection.

I didn't quite realize what I was getting myself into until the kit showed up with no application instructions, so I found this video for an example of how this exact film brand is applied:



Realized I wasn't fully equipped, so picked up PPF application supplies on Amazon including squeegees of different shapes/sizes, a couple empty spray bottles, new microfiber towels and J&J baby shampoo. Mixed up my slip and tack solutions, couple drops baby shampoo for the slip and 25% isopropyl alcohol / 75% distilled water for tack. Followed the steps, took my time.

In the end, I only had one or two of the twelve different pieces turn out what I'd consider perfect. I thought I was being careful and doing a nice job, but invariably would have a bubble here or there, or some sort of imperfection in the film as I tried smoothing out an area or peeling it up and trying again, which then left some tiny wrinkles or patterns in it. At the end of the day I peeled off and gave up on the big triangle ones that go on the C pillar with the fake vent, behind the rear doors. I had the most trouble with these, and the result looked so pathetic that I figured scratches would look better than my bad film application. Still ended up with all the other pieces in decent shape, and overall I'll take any minor imperfections in those pillars' film than scratches everywhere.

All in all no regrets, and at least I got the majority of what I paid for applied and looking fine. Hope my experience helps anyone who may be considering this or other DIY PPF. The actual pieces were cut out perfectly and worked great, it's just a difficult thing to master your first time, and for the price - messing up is expensive!

I've found if you are left with a tiny bubble or two you make a tiny hole and you will be good to go. I use dawn in my soapy solution. Squeegie from the middle out in slow strokes. Atleast with vinly; I'll try this method on my Xpel kit when it arrives

 

[Orlando]

We had XPEL professionally installed. We had the entire front end, the bottom of the doors on both sides, and the installer did our B-Pillers for free with some of the leftover pieces. (I rubbed some dirt at the edge of the door panel pieces so you can see where it stops. They typically can’t be seen.)
Total job was around $1,400.

 

[DakotaTimber]

$300 for Pillars. Valley Mars, Grand Forks, ND.

Valley Mars, LLC 2887 Heartland Business Court Grand Forks, ND 58201 US (701) 335-3915 [email protected]	​
Valley MARS - Home | Facebook
PPF Xpel Ultimate plus Installation		1790​
18" Hood & Fenders , Front Bumper	600​
All Pillars	300​
Door Handle Cups	50​
Rockers	400​
Doors Sills	100​
Door Edges	40​
Hatch Top	100​
Roof Edges	100​
Headlights	100​
Ceramic Coating		1200​
all exterior Paint & Film Xpel Fusion Plus	650​
all exterior Glass Xpel Glass	150​
Wheels Off Xpel Wheel & Calipers	400​
Ceramic Boost One Bottle	0​
Windshield and Misc		75​
Windshield Sharpshield 2x	75​
Bug Deflector, Window Vents & Bumper cover	0​
Total		3065​

 

[bowhunter3714]

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[LeftyLynn]

Got my kit and did the install today, and I have a newfound respect for the professionals that install PPF! Short version - if anyone is not already trained in applying PPF, and if they are a perfectionist in any way who will be OCD about imperfect results, I suggest having a pro apply your film protection.

Thanks so much for confirming my original thoughts. I'm scheduled to have it installed on all of the glossy piano black pieces on Tuesday. My dealership body shop successfully buffed out all the fine swirly scratches and recommended another dealership that installs PPF. They're going to do it for $400. Hopefully it turns out well.

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