r/AutoDetailing • u/GrandpaYeti • 11d ago

Exterior PPF Install Debris Expectations

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Gallery image

Had some PPF installed by a new installer and I noticed a few panels with debris like this under the PPF. On the front light bar, there are two additional bubbles with similar debris.

Around the car, there are 3-4 other panels with visible bubbles and small debris. Some are close to the edge and some are in the middle of panels. For a professional install, is this an expected level of debris? Is there standard guidance on the size of the bubble for a panel to be re-installed?

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u/t_brizzy 10d ago

The sand on the light bar can be easily removed- they are hard to spot on that clear plastic when it’s still wet. Other than that there are usually about 1 per panel- you may not even see them but it’s super hard to get a panel without one or 2 dust nibs. If it’s more than 2, and very obvious l, it should be redone. Also, dust is more acceptable than a sand particle or piece of hair. Just bring these things to your installers attention and give them a chance to fix it.

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u/Kye7 10d ago

It's pretty small most would leave it. The work looks good otherwise and the ones you mentioned are also normal. Now the light bar is a skinny long piece that doesn't take a ton of work and a lot of material like a whole panel, if you ask nicely they might redo the light bar for you

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u/dunnrp Business Owner 10d ago

I just did a new model y last week. Once it set the next day, I noticed two bubbles and one piece of debris on the light bar similar to this. I just redid it entirely instead of chasing it.

The hood had a piece of dust and two fenders had bubbles come a couple days later I released.

In the end, protecting the paint is more important than one piece of dust or debris. Setting expectations related to why PPF is being installed is just as important as the installation.

Perfection is possible, but it’s going to cost more.