Windshield & Sunroof Protection Film - DIY Pre-Cut / UV + IR Blocking (TWRAPS)

[twraps]

If life span is 1-2 years, how can you tell if the film is end of life? Also, how does one remove the film?

If the film gets so scratched (by wipers, rocks etc) that it's bothering you then you may want to change it. Otherwise you don't need to. Let me put it that way - the film itself won't degrade or anything on its own. I think the most common culprit (based on research) are the wipers scratching it over a prolonged amount of time.
As for removing - check out the last few minutes of my install video (starts at 18:15min) where I show how to remove it. For context - even though that's last in the video, that part was actually show before the install part. What I remove is the UV only version and what I installed after that was the UV+IR version.

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[jaredm]

I've been waiting for your solution! Also sad no R1T yet, but no biggie.

I have two questions though:

- what's the TSER? UV and IR is great, but TSER is also good to know.
- was really hoping for more VLT options. Future option? I'd really like at least a 35%, but even a 20% to match rear windows would be sweet. Blocking the heat is awesome, but I also want to block some light without a sunshade!

 

[twraps]

I've been waiting for your solution! Also sad no R1T yet, but no biggie.

I have two questions though:

- what's the TSER? UV and IR is great, but TSER is also good to know.
- was really hoping for more VLT options. Future option? I'd really like at least a 35%, but even a 20% to match rear windows would be sweet. Blocking the heat is awesome, but I also want to block some light without a sunshade!

That's a good question and frankly I don't know...let me ask my account manager at the factory and get back to you on that (the TSER value).

As for other VLT options - I will ask for that too, perhaps it's something they can custom make for us if we get to the kind of volumes you need for custom made stuff, which by the looks of it might happen sooner than later, if people are happy with the product...that means - it doesn't regularly get destroyed in transit and they manage to apply it properly. Still early to tell. Hopefully will know more within a week or so.

 

[jaredm]

Thanks for looking! I'll still buy the 70% when it's available. Maybe can even do 20% tint inside with your 70% spf outside.

I'm excited. Thanks for working on this and vetting all the film vendors.

 

[twraps]

Thanks for looking! I'll still buy the 70% when it's available. Maybe can even do 20% tint inside with your 70% spf outside.

I'm excited. Thanks for working on this and vetting all the film vendors.

No problem, just FYI interior tint on the sunroof is a bit tricky to install...hence me avoiding this as a product overall as I think most people will fail DIYing it. The issues with it are:
1. Ceramic tint is brittle... you can literally break it if you don't handle it well. Once it gets wet for the install it becomes heavier too, so even more pressure to handle it properly.
2. You're working against gravity, unless....

 

[twraps]

Thanks for looking! I'll still buy the 70% when it's available. Maybe can even do 20% tint inside with your 70% spf outside.

I'm excited. Thanks for working on this and vetting all the film vendors.

Okay the factory just replied that TSER can be calculated with a formula based on UV, IR and VLT (didn't know that) so the result for the UV+IR film is 59.925% TSER.

As for other VLTs they agreed if I ordered 100 rolls...that's some $100k + shipping + duties investment for me though so realistically please don't hold your breath for me on that one just yet

 

[SwampNut]

No problem, just FYI interior tint on the sunroof is a bit tricky to install...hence me avoiding this as a product overall as I think most people will fail DIYing it. The issues with it are:
1. Ceramic tint is brittle... you can literally break it if you don't handle it well. Once it gets wet for the install it becomes heavier too, so even more pressure to handle it properly.
2. You're working against gravity, unless....

That’s how I planned to install the outside film.

 

[Riviot]

I had mine installed professionally, and I do believe my detailer used Gyeon Ceramic Coat on the entire truck, including the windows. It has not been reapplied.

I normally apply Aquapel to my windshield and haven't done this new one yet because I was waiting to put PPF on it. The installers I talked to did not have an external windshield film that was also IR rejection, and wouldn't do both exterior and interior, so I've balked... Until now. But this leaves the question: how will this film react to ceramic coating or Aquapel?

 

[twraps]

I normally apply Aquapel to my windshield and haven't done this new one yet because I was waiting to put PPF on it. The installers I talked to did not have an external windshield film that was also IR rejection, and wouldn't do both exterior and interior, so I've balked... Until now. But this leaves the question: how will this film react to ceramic coating or Aquapel?

The manufacturer of the film recommends ceramic coating actually. I already coated mine with some coatings I got on Amazon but noticed 0 difference in how it handles water. With that said I am working with a chemicals manufacturer in SoCal to make a coating that works and my test sample is arriving tomorrow. I sent them a piece of the film, they tested and made a custom blend that they say works. Let’s see how it all plays out. I should know in a few days.

 

[SwampNut]

The manufacturer of the film recommends ceramic coating actually. I already coated mine with some coatings I got on Amazon but noticed 0 difference in how it handles water. With that said I am working with a chemicals manufacturer in SoCal to make a coating that works and my test sample is arriving tomorrow. I sent them a piece of the film, they tested and made a custom blend that they say works. Let’s see how it all plays out. I should know in a few days.

There are many “fake” ceramic coatings out there. They contain some silicon dioxide but very little, and/or the carrier is insufficient to really make it stick. A proper one will make a noticeable difference. Those come in tiny bottles and require a careful application process. If it’s a big spray bottle and “easy to use” then it’s fake. Or just for touch up, like a quick detailer. I personally use Avalon King Max on everything but there are other good ones too.

 

[Rudboy11]

OK, I want this. I love the fact that it may add some protection to the windshield. I know our windshields seem prone to rock damage. Upon looking at my windshield, I notice what appear to be tiny chips throughout the entire windshield. Only visible up close and in the right light. Nothing major, just tiny little specks and no cracks.

Could installing this lead to bubbles showing or forming in these areas, or is it pretty forgiving?

 

[twraps]

OK, I want this. I love the fact that it may add some protection to the windshield. I know our windshields seem prone to rock damage. Upon looking at my windshield, I notice what appear to be tiny chips throughout the entire windshield. Only visible up close and in the right light. Nothing major, just tiny little specks and no cracks.

Could installing this lead to bubbles showing or forming in these areas, or is it pretty forgiving?

Honestly no idea... the film is flexible (feels like PPF even though it's not made out of TPU like PPF, but EPU), so I'd think it would conform to tiny dips and such, then again my own windshield didn't have those so I don't have first hand experience :/ It's a risk, seems like small risk but still a risk.

 

[Rastadog]

Always use water (do not dry wipe). [This is good advice for life, too #teambidet]

My wipers often do a single dry wipe prior to driving. I’m guessing it’s to clear the sensor array. How is the windshield PPF going to hold up?

 

[R1Thor]

My wipers often do a single dry wipe prior to driving. I’m guessing it’s to clear the sensor array. How is the windshield PPF going to hold up?

I don't know how many times I have to respond to people saying this. (I'd definitely addressed it in this thread at least one other time).

Disable Auto wipers.

Problem solved.

If you turn off auto-wipers, they *do not* do a courtesy wipe. Ever.

I have literally turned mine off since the day I had my windscreen PPF on. No issues.

That said, the PPF (in general) is self-healing, so as long as you're not dry wiping constantly, you'll be fine. The protective film will wear down moreso from road debris and cleaning (over time) because of the buildup of shmoo on it (smushed bugs, bird droppings, pollen, etc).

So, no your windscreen PPF will not self destruct if you accidentally dry wipe one time. Or two times. Just don't do it every day continuously, and you'll be fine.

 

[Riviot]

@twraps I'm thinking about installing this today, my truck is wet from the rain so I figure I can at least clay bar my windshield and get it really clean. It needs time to cure in the sun, right? But that can happen over the next week and doesn't need to go out in the warm/sun immediately, correct?

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