PPF course
How to Install Paint Protection Film
This video course shows you how paint protection film works, how to plan a job, and how to install and cut bulk film on a real car without damaging the paint. No previous experience with PPF needed.
- 14
- Lessons
- 1h 15m
- Of video
- 5
- Sections
- No experience needed
- On-demand video
- Printable cutting templates
- Certificate
- Mobile access
Udemy sets the price and often runs discounts. The current price is on the course page.
What is paint protection film, and is it worth it?
Paint protection film (PPF), also called clear bra, is a clear, high-shine protective layer installed directly on the clear coat. It is usually 150 to 200 microns thick and gives excellent protection against rock chips. It is also the only paint protection that genuinely helps against scratches: waxes and ceramic coatings don’t. A good-quality film can last from several years to well over a decade.
Whether it is worth the money depends on the car and how it is used. The course explains what PPF can and can’t protect against, so you can decide before you spend anything.
What can you install yourself as a beginner?
Entry-level work: a headlight, door cups, door edges, mirror caps or a hood. A headlight, door cups or mirror caps are enough to start practicing on.
The course ends with a complete bulk film install on a hood, start to finish, so you see every step on a real panel.
How do you cut PPF without cutting into the paint?
You don’t cut through the film in one pass. You score it through more than half of its thickness, then let the tear finish the job as you pull the excess away. That keeps the blade out of the paint.
The course has a lesson on hand cutting, with printable templates to practice on before you touch a car.
What does the PPF course cover?
What PPF is
What paint protection film is made of, what it can and can’t protect against, and when it is worth the money.
Film types
Tell TPU, TPH and PVC films apart, and set a realistic expectation for how long each one lasts in your climate.
Coverage and material
Choose a coverage package based on the three damage zones on a car, and calculate how much film a job needs.
Pre-cut or bulk
Decide between pre-cut kits and bulk film, based on the car, the job and your own skill level.
Tools and solutions
Set up your tools, and mix slip and tack solution to a ratio you can repeat on every job.
Installing and cutting
Prepare the car and workspace, install bulk film on a hood with anchor points, squeegee technique and folded edges, and cut without touching the paint.
What’s in the curriculum?
Section 1: Start Here
- Introduction
Section 2: Understanding Paint Protection Film
- What PPF Is and What It Does
- Types of Film and How Long They Last
Section 3: Planning the Job
- Coverage Packages and Material
- Tools, Equipment and Solutions
- Pre-Cut vs Bulk Film
Section 4: Installing the Film
- Preparing the Car
- Installation Process
- Practical Lesson: Bulk Installation on a Car Hood
- Hand Cutting the Film
- Common Mistakes
Section 5: After the Install
- PPF Maintenance
- Removing PPF
- Conclusion
Who is this course for?
A good fit if
- You own a car and want to protect it yourself, starting with the entry-level work.
- You’re a detailer who wants to add PPF to the services you already offer.
- You’re thinking about a paid PPF training and want to understand the craft before spending money on it.
- You’re paying a shop for PPF and want to know what to ask, what the warranty covers and what a good edge looks like.
Looking for something else?
This course covers paint protection film. For the full wash and decontamination workflow, see the exterior course. To correct the paint before protecting it, see the polishing course. Both are on the courses page.
Who teaches it?
I'm Stefan Nikolić. In January 2016 my brother and I launched Titanium LTD in Belgrade, importing and distributing Chemical Guys, XPEL and later Auto Finesse across Serbia, and running our own detailing shop. I handled the brand and marketing side, taught detailing workshops, and worked on cars from interior cleans to full paint protection film installs. Read my full story.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need experience to take the PPF course?
No previous experience with paint protection film is needed. A car or a single panel is enough to start: a headlight, door cups or mirror caps.
What tools do I need to install PPF?
A squeegee, a knife with snap-off blades, a heat gun, two spray bottles and clean microfiber towels. The tools lesson covers what you need, including how to mix slip and tack solution.
Should I use pre-cut kits or bulk film?
It depends on the car, the job and your skill level. The course has a lesson comparing the two, and the practical install uses bulk film on a hood.
How long does paint protection film last?
A good-quality film can last from several years to well over a decade. The course explains TPU, TPH and PVC films and how long each one really lasts depending on your climate.
Is the course useful if I'm paying a shop to install PPF?
Yes. You will know what to ask, what the warranty covers and what a good edge looks like.
What is included with the course?
14 lessons in five sections, about 1 hour 15 minutes of on-demand video, printable cutting practice templates, closed captions, a certificate of completion, and access on mobile and TV.
How much does the course cost?
Udemy sets the price and often runs discounts, so the current price is shown on the course page.
Ready to learn paint protection film?
The full course is on Udemy.