Has anyone installed their own clear film? I have watched some installations on some of the televised auto shows that use a wetting solution under the film before it is applied to allow some movement before final 'stick'and 'set'. It was then squeeged in place and allowed to dry with no bubbles.
While I am not so cheap that I would not mind paying to get the job done right, I would enjoy doing it my self if I could do it right just to have the satisfaction of saying that I did it my self, if I did it right, and it looked/was done right, ie no bubbles, straight.
Well, o.k., don't mind saving a buck or two if possible also......

 

It's intensely difficult to get right. The film is cheap, give it a try.

 

It is a skill and an art. You'd hire a plumber or an electrician. Hire a pro.

 

The wetting solution is a mixture of baby oil (johnsons) and water ............ I believe

but I don't know what the proportions are

 

Precut patterns or custom cut?

 

Picture the old comedy skits of people hanging wallpaper for the first time :-)
CRS

 

NOOOO! Baby oil will destroy it.
Its baby shampoo, one tiny drop.

 

ooops

close

how much water to 1 drop ?

 

OP
You can learn just like thousands of other kids did.
Watch a youtube video and practice.
Worst case is you will have to do it twice.

 

LOL close enough.

you are just trying to break the tension in the water- i.e. making it more slippery. carwash also works. There is no specific amount. As you know even the smallest drop in a gallon of water will break the surface tension.

 

The argument for learning to do it is that it can provide supplemental income in hard times.

Its easier nowadays because of film cutting wire. So no need for precut templates.

 

Yea, that is why I was asking. The versions I have seen are pre-cut/custom. Baby oil/baby shampoo is a big difference. I hate to hear those "Ops", especially around explosives, etc.....

 

I do all the stickers / armor on my jeep. I use a spray called Rapid Tac. A local installer put me onto it. I'm not sure if it would be good for the clear tho.. I've done a lot with my jeep and would still never try it on the jag. But, my skill with that is already known to be bad. Lol..

 

I had precut done on mine and do not like the results. Mine was also poorly installed. The edges around openings will be back about 1/4 inch or better. If you do custom cut you can roll the edges at the openings and fully cover the hood. You may also want a second person to assist you.

 

That is what I am trying to find out about. The set I have seen is advertised on Amazon. Do not know who the supplier is.

 

When I did I.C.E installs we had a local company come in and put the Secure Film stuff on the glass of the cars.
Damn good stuff that secure film.
Costs a bit, but well worth it to help protect your valuable equipment.
I've seen so many cars where the owner has done it themselves and it looks terrible, use a reputable firm, it's so much easier, plus they will cut it to the full size of the glass.

 

steve10
You are saying I.C.E. and mentioning the 'glass'. I was planing to cover nose and possible front of wheel wells and any areas exposed to road hazards. what are you referencing?

 

I've just re-read your post, it wasn't until post #14 that anything was mentioned about the hood of the car. I wrongly assumed you were on about clear film on the door and rear window glass.
My bad.
P S
​​​​​​​I.C.E = in car entertainment.

 

Gotcha. Some of us on this side of the Atlantic are still learning that the 'bonnet' is not the roof, things we put in the trunk, you put in the 'boot', and the Jag is made from 'aluminium'. Definitely do like those cars from Coventry though. Thanks for clarifying the terms.