Your Complete FlexiShield PPF Installation Checklist

The day has finally arrived. Your car, your pride and joy, is rolling into our brightly lit Gulberg detailing bay. The specialized tools are glinting on the cart, and a fresh, pristine roll of FlexiShield film is waiting to be unfurled. The excitement is palpable. But in this key moment, a question arises: are you—and your car—truly ready for the transformation?

A perfect installation is a partnership between a meticulous installer and an informed owner. This FlexiShield PPF installation checklist is your guide to ensuring every step of the process is flawless, protecting your investment, and guaranteeing that jaw-dropping finish you’ve been dreaming of.

Why a Checklist Is Your Best Friend

Think of this list as your roadmap to peace of mind. Following it ensures there are no surprises, no delays, and nothing that could compromise the bond between the film and your paint. It ensures your warranty remains intact and that from the moment you drop off your keys to the moment you pick them up, the entire process is smooth, transparent, and stress-free.

The Pre-Install Prep: Your Homework for a Flawless Finish

What you do in the 24 hours before your appointment is critical. A properly prepped car allows our technicians to start on a perfect canvas, dedicating their time to precision film application rather than basic cleaning.

Task	Description	Estimated Time	Benefit for You
Thorough Wash	Give your car a final, careful wash to remove loose dirt and grime.	45-60 mins	Prevents surface grit from causing scratches during transit to our studio.
Remove Belongings	Clear out all personal items from the trunk, glove box, and door pockets.	10 mins	Allows our team to work freely and ensures none of your valuables are misplaced.
Finalize Film Choice	Be 100% certain about your choice (e.g., Gloss, Matte).	5 mins	Prevents any last-minute changes that could delay the installation schedule.
Confirm Appointment	A quick call or message to confirm your drop-off time.	2 mins	Helps us manage the bay schedule and dedicate the right block of time to your car.

Crucial Note on Paint Defects:

• Don’t wax or apply any sealant to your car before bringing it in. These products interfere with the PPF adhesive.
• If your car has existing swirl marks, scratches, or holograms, they must be removed via paint correction before the film is applied. PPF will lock in imperfections, not hide them.

The Inspection & Approval Stage: What We Do When You Arrive

Once your car is with us, our job begins with transparency.

• Paint Assessment: We use a paint thickness gauge to measure the depth of your clear coat, ensuring it’s safe for any necessary paint correction.

• Correction Agreement: We will walk you through any paint defects we find and agree on the level of paint correction required to create a perfect surface.

• Photo Documentation: We take detailed “before” photos of your vehicle from all angles for our records and your peace of mind.

Install-Day To-Dos: Your Role on the Big Day

Your part on installation day is simple but essential.

• Arrive on Time ⏰: Punctuality ensures your car gets its full, dedicated slot in our workflow.

• Final Walk-around: We’ll do one last walk-around with you to confirm the areas being covered and point out any tricky spots.

• Approve Test Panel (Optional): For matte wraps or unique colours, we can apply a small test piece so you can see exactly how the finish will look.

• Sign the Paperwork: We will have you sign the work order and the official FlexiShield warranty registration form.

• Discuss Aftercare: We’ll briefly go over the critical 24-hour rules and schedule your pickup time.

What Happens in the Bay: The Art of Installation

Once you leave, our certified technicians take over. This is a meticulous process of precision and patience.

• Decontamination: Your car gets a final, intensive cleaning, including a clay bar treatment to remove any bonded contaminants.
• Pattern Plotting: We use FlexiShield’s advanced software to precision-cut film patterns for your car’s specific make and model. This ensures maximum coverage and clean edges.
• Application: Each panel is sprayed with a special slip solution, allowing the technician to position the film perfectly. The film snugly hugs every curve as a rubber squeegee whispers across the surface, pushing out the solution and locking the film in place.
• Edge Work: This is where mastery shows. We carefully wrap the film around panel edges where possible, creating a seamless, invisible look.

The First 24 Hours: The Critical Curing Period

Your car looks stunning, but the work isn’t over. The film is now in its crucial curing phase.

• DO NOT WASH THE CAR under any circumstances.
• AVOID RAIN. If possible, keep the car garaged or under a shelter. Rainwater won’t ruin the film, but it can affect the look of the edges as they dry.
• PARK IN THE SHADE. While the sun helps cure, the extreme 45°C heat of a Lahore parking lot can be too much, too soon. Let it cure gently.
• EXPECT MOISTURE BUBBLES. You may see small, hazy, or watery pockets under the film. This is a regular part of the curing process. Do not touch or press them. They will evaporate on their own through the film’s breathable pores over the next few days.

48-Hour to 7-Day Care: The First Gentle Wash

After the initial 48 hours, you can give your car its first wash if needed.

• Use a pH-neutral shampoo only (approx. 30 ml in a 10L bucket).
• Use the two-bucket method with a soft microfiber wash mitt.
• Do not aim a high-pressure water jet directly at the film’s edges. Keep the nozzle at least 3 feet away.

Long-Term Maintenance Schedule

Frequency	Action	Purpose
Weekly	Gentle Hand Wash	Removes surface contaminants like the dust off MM Alam Road before they can bond.
Monthly	Apply PPF Sealant/Topper	Adds a sacrificial hydrophobic layer, making cleaning easier and boosting gloss/slickness.
Annually	Professional Inspection	Bring it to our studio for a free check-up. We’ll inspect the edges and overall condition.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Don’t “test” the edges. Avoid picking at the film’s edges to check if it’s stuck. The adhesive is pressure-sensitive, and this can cause lifting.
• Wipe up contaminants quickly. Bird droppings and bug splatter are acidic. Wipe them away gently with a quick detailer as soon as you see them.
• Beware of engine steam cleaning. High-pressure steam aimed at panel gaps can lift the edges of the film. Inform your mechanic before any engine bay work.
• No automatic car washes. The harsh brushes and aggressive chemicals of tunnel washes are an enemy to your film’s finish. Hand-wash only.

FAQs: FlexiShield PPF Installation Checklist

1. Can I drive on the motorway right after the installation?

We recommend taking it easy for the first 24 hours. While the film is secure, high speeds could force air and water under any edges that are still setting, especially in humid conditions like those near the Ravi River.

2. What if I see a slight haze or fogginess under the film?

This is entirely normal and is part of the curing process as the slip solution evaporates. It can take 1-3 weeks to disappear completely, depending on the temperature and humidity. Patience is key!

3. When can I apply a ceramic coating on top of my new FlexiShield PPF?

You should wait at least 7 days after installation. This ensures the film has fully outgassed and the adhesive is 100% cured, providing a stable base for the ceramic coating to bond to.

Your Journey to Protected Paint Starts Here

Following this checklist ensures your FlexiShield investment is protected from day one. It’s the professional way to guarantee a perfect result that lasts. Now, you can relax and feel the excitement build, knowing you’ve done your part.

Follow this guide, and watch with confidence as your car’s paint walks out of our studio armored, flawless, and ready for Lahore’s toughest miles.

Ready to begin? Book your FlexiShield prep slot or schedule a free post-install check-up at our Detail By Autostore.pk Studio.
Call or WhatsApp: 0302-2111-406