Home Automotive Detailing Paint

How to Apply Paint Protection Film

Updated: Jun. 19, 2019

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Spray-on paint protection

The paint on the leading edge of car hoods is on the front line for gravel and sand damage. Until recently, you only had two ways to protect the hood: install a “bra” or apply paint protection film. Bras are not only ugly but also lower gas mileage and trap road grit, which damages the paint. Paint protection film looks and works much better, but professional installation costs about $500. Now there’s a product that DIYers can apply to protect against paint chips—spray-on/peel-off paint protection film.

Several companies make this paint film, but we chose the 3M Paint Defender product for this story because it lasts up to a year. It costs about $25 and contains enough material to coat the bottom third of your hood. Find it at any auto parts store. We asked 3M product expert Todd Mathes to walk us through the prep and application process for DIY paint protection film.

You’ll also need car-washing supplies, poly sheeting to cover the entire car and ground, clean-edge masking tape and a microfiber cloth. Or buy the optional installation kit and a spray trigger. The entire job takes less than two hours. Here’s how it’s done.

Prep the vehicle

The engine and hood must be cool when you apply the product. A hot engine will heat the hood and force-dry the spray between coats, defeating its self-leveling feature. So check the weather report and pick a time when it’ll be cool, dry and calm. Park the car in a shaded area the night before. Then start the paint protection film project by washing the car with car wash soap. Make sure you remove all traces of bug splatter and tar. Then rinse and dry completely.

Next, pop the hood and prop it open about 4 in. with a roll of paper towels or a block of wood.

Tarp, tape and wax

Photo 1: Tape the poly sheeting to the hood

Carefully apply the first layer and then the second layer directly below it. Make the second tape line as straight as possible, and press down along the edge to seal it to the hood as you apply. Double over one end of the tape to make a peel tab.

Photo 2: Wax the exposed hood area

Squirt a dollop of wax onto the hood and work it in with a microfiber towel. Continue wiping until the surface is free of haze.

Spread a poly sheet over the entire vehicle. Then spread sheeting on the ground to catch any overspray. Starting at the grille, use a scissors to cut straight up the center of the poly, stopping about 18 in. from the bottom edge of the hood. Then cut right and left out to the fenders until you have formed a “T” cutout. Tuck the flaps under the hood and tape them inside the engine compartment to prevent them from moving while you spray. Secure the rest of the sheeting to the car and floor with tape to prevent it from blowing onto the wet finish.

Next, tape the top of the “T” to the hood. Apply another layer of tape to form the clean edge between the spray film and the rest of the hood (Photo 1). Once the poly is in place, apply the synthetic wax included with the product (Photo 2). Waxing is an important step to make removal of the paint protection film easier a year from now. So even if you’ve recently waxed the car, do it again using the wax packet included with the product.

Apply the coating

Photo 3: Spray the hood with protectant

Starting at the tape line and spraying down to the bottom edge of the hood, spray the product continuously in alternating left to right rows at the rate of two seconds per foot. Overlap each row slightly. Immediately spray a second layer, moving up and down over the same section. Then apply a third coat in the side-to-side pattern. We used 3M paint protection film in this project.

Photo 4: Remove the tape while the spray is wet

Grab the doubled-over peel tab and pull the clean-edge tape up and away from the wet edge.

Shake the can of 3M Paint Defender for a full minute before applying paint protection spray. Then hold the paint protection spray nozzle 6 to 8 in. from the hood and apply three coats to one-half of the hood (Photo 3). Spray all three coats in one continuous motion (don’t stop and start at the ends of each row or coat). Move the can at the rate of six seconds per pass. Continue spraying onto the fender, over and above the tape line, and below the bottom edge of the hood to get a uniform film thickness at the edges. A proper application of the paint protection film should have an “orange peel” texture and a slightly milky look. Don’t worry—the product self-levels and dries clear. Then spray the second half of the hood. When you’re done, remove the clean-edge tape while the spray is still wet (Photo 4).

Park the car in the sun and let it dry for two to four hours. The paint protection film cures fully in one to four days, depending on the air temperature and humidity.

A year from now

Photo 5: After a year, peel off the film

Lift up a top corner and pull the paint protection film down toward the bottom of the hood to release as large a piece as possible. Then use both hands to pull the old film up and across the hood. Wipe the excess off the edges with a rag. Apply a fresh layer of paint protection film following the steps shown.

Our expert says that the film can last a bit longer than one year but may yellow from UV exposure. However, the longer you wait, the harder it is to remove, so don’t push your luck. Pop the hood and peel the paint protection film loose around all three edges using your fingernail. Then remove all the film (Photo 5).

Required Tools for this Project

Have the necessary tools for this DIY project lined up before you start—you’ll save time and frustration.

• Microfiber towels
• Rags
• Utility knife

Required Materials for this Project

Avoid last-minute shopping trips by having all your materials for this paint protection film project ready ahead of time. Here’s a list.

• 3M Paint Defender kit or other paint protection film
• Car washing supplies
• Clean-edge masking tape
• Poly sheeting