PPF Affordable DIY from TWRAPS

[BigE]

I usually keep my vehicles for 7-10 years and have only done PPF in critical areas as PPF definitely has both pros & cons. If you've witnessed PPF fail late in its life, it is a nightmare to remove as it comes off in 1,000 pieces, not in a sheet. Also, once you get a nice rock cut/chip in the PPF, it's there until you replace that section, etc, etc. Many on here have posted pictures of their $8-10K full body PPF which IMHO makes zero sense but to each his own if you have money to burn. I recently found TWRAP's that I think will be perfect for what I'm looking for. I can buy the few pieces of XPEL Ultimate I believe the R1T will really need for for our use for ~$250. I've done PPF on motorcycles and cars in the past, which is why I'm amazed at what installers are getting away with...it's really not rocket science and these prices are that of a plastic surgon. So for $250 I can cover my headlights, the front bullnose, door entry kick plates + $90 for CQuartz UK 3.0 and I can put one of the best ceramic coats (2 coats + wheels) for a total of $340 and a Saturday babying our new Rivian (when that day finally comes). Just thought I'd share for those looking to do some DIY.

https://twraps.com/collections/rivian

Sponsored

 

[ATL_R1S]

If you've witnessed PPF fail late in its life, it is a nightmare to remove as it comes off in 1,000 pieces, not in a sheet.

I've never done this myself, but I have seen this made easier by AMMO NYC in a video showing how they use an electric kettle to heat up water nice and hot to pour over the PPF and soften the adhesive, making it much easier to remove in as few pieces as possible.

That said, these are cool products worth considering. I just wish they offered a left and right side piece for the front bumper to allow more complete coverage.

 

[NY_Rob]

Just looking at the very blunt nose of the R1T I imagine it will be a huge rock magnet. If nothing else, the whole flat front area including the headlights and lightbar will be crucial. You might be able to get away without the hood and fender wrap, but if it's in your budget... do them too.

 

[Forager]

This looks like a good compromise and if the pieces are precut that could make DIY reasonable. I like the tints for the light bars a lot.

 

[mabowden]

I've never done this myself, but I have seen this made easier by AMMO NYC in a video showing how they use an electric kettle to heat up water nice and hot to pour over the PPF and soften the adhesive, making it much easier to remove in as few pieces as possible.

That said, these are cool products worth considering. I just wish they offered a left and right side piece for the front bumper to allow more complete coverage.

I agree on the left and right side piece for the front bumper. Wasn't the Twraps guy posting here or on reddit? Perhaps we could ask?

 

[cohall]

Kit available for tinting your headlights...genius

 

[moosehead]

Thanks for posting. Gotta give props to these guys coming up with solid aftermarket options for Rivian so soon. They already have 17 Rivian wrap options, including Xpel 10ml, for most panels. Gotta believe they will quickly add the front left and right bumper sections.

While I agree with Cohall one shouldn't be smoking headlights, they also provide color wrap options for the 20" staple wheels and whatnot that are pretty slick.

 

[zefram47]

I've previously PPF'd my Corvette with ceramic. With all the flat panels on the Rivian I can't imagine it would be all that difficult. The big PITA factor is when you have sharp creases or large compound curves...or if you want to try and wrap the edges under to hide the PPF look. Because I'll be off-roading my truck, I assume I'll wind up having to replace PPF panels over time anyway, so it seems a waste to spend thousands on a pro job. I'll likely just source the PPF material myself again and do Adams Graphene Ceramic over everything. Last time I went with the top level 3M film, but I might look to Xpel this time around.

 

[dleepnw]

hmmm, worth a try if i can save that much money.

and i agree with you that install prices are insane. i know it takes solid skills and experience to apply it well but seriously.

 

[NorthernOak]

You can get a more complete precut front piece from xpel. Still not entirely sold on it but it's an option.
https://www.xpel.com/Bumper-Kit-ULTIMATE-PLUS_6023

 

[zefram47]

You can get a more complete precut front piece from xpel. Still not entirely sold on it but it's an option.
https://www.xpel.com/Bumper-Kit-ULTIMATE-PLUS_6023

Geez...looks like $6300 for just the pre-cut film for the full truck. Starts to make the pro job price seem reasonable.

https://www.xpel.com/paint-protecti...-Cars--AND--Light-Trucks/2022/Rivian/R1T/None

 

[shamoo]

If you can do it yourself, all the reason to save some money.

But it sort of is "rocket science". It is an art and it is clear from the results from someone who does a cheap job vs. someone who does a good job.

Granted, anything more than $2500ish for the front is too much (which is on the high end of reputable installers in Southern California). A more acceptable range is $1800-1900 (the person I use, but I've also done several cars with him).

A good installer will not use precut pieces, or if they are precut they are precut to the general shape and much larger so they still have to cut to size and wrap around the edges. You should never actually see PPF on the car once it is installed unless you are looking at a corner closely. Even then, a good installer will hide it very well.

Here's a random example of a good install.

Here's a bad one.

This is pre-cut where you see the lines and it doesn't wrap around. If this is okay to you, that's perfectly fine. It still protects the car, but some folks who are anal about their cars, will not accept something like this and are willing to pay a little more.

If the car isn't consistently clean, dirt/dust will gather along the edge and you'll see the edge. You have to spend more time cleaning it.

 

[FutureTruck]

Thanks for sharing. Planning to do the rockers and front end with this....hopefully by the time I get my R1T they'll have a full front end wrap kit.

 

[EarlyAdptr]

Anyone have experience REMOVING said PPF? I just can't help but think taking this stuff off is a nightmare and could damage the factory finish.

 

[Northish]

Anyone have experience REMOVING said PPF? I just can't help but think taking this stuff off is a nightmare and could damage the factory finish.

Yes. Do it on a warm day and go SLOW or you risk pulling paint with it. The film itself from a reputable mfg. won't harm the finish. Just don't be in a hurry - it's not a "yank it like a band-aid" thing.

Sponsored