Installation Instructions for our PPF Kits
You will need:
- A clean, flat work surface
- Room-temperature, dust-free area (15-32C)
Inclusions in Box
Before You Start
- Do not install in direct sunlight, wind, rain, or a dusty area. A clean kitchen bench is ideal.
- Keep the film flat and install only when the plate and film are between 15°C and 32°C
- Thoroughly clean the front of your plate with the supplied slip solution and microfibre cloth. Pay extra attention to the edges
- For older plates with stuck-on bugs or road grime, spray the plate and let the solution sit for 15–20 minutes. Wipe clean and repeat if needed.
- Your plate must be completely free of dirt, wax, grease, lint and bugs before applying the film.
Important: Once the backing is removed, do not touch the adhesive side of the film with dry fingers.
Installation Steps
STEP 1 — Wet the plate
Spray the entire front surface of the number plate generously with the supplied PPF Slip Solution. The plate should be very wet — this lets you slide the film into the correct position.
STEP 2 — Remove the backing and place the film
Carefully peel the backing away from the film without touching the adhesive. Place the adhesive side onto the wet plate. Use the wet surface to gently slide the film until it is straight and evenly positioned. Leave a 1–2 mm gap between the film and each edge of the plate. Do not stretch the film to reach the edges.
STEP 3 — Wet the top of the film
Once aligned, spray the top surface of the film with more PPF Slip Solution. This helps the squeegee glide smoothly and reduces the chance of marks.
STEP 4 — Squeegee the water out
Hold the film in place and use the fabric edge of the squeegee where possible. Starting from the centre, use firm, overlapping strokes to push the water out toward the nearest edge. Work methodically across the whole plate until most of the water has been removed. Do not push water back under an area you have already secured. This can trap water and create bubbles.
STEP 5 — Final check
Check that the film is straight, the edges are sitting flat, and there are no large water pockets. Small water bubbles (around 2–3 mm) may disappear while the film dries. For a larger bubble, gently lift the nearest edge, add more slip solution underneath, then squeegee the water out again. Do not press hard or stretch the film.
QUICK FIXES
Gently lift the film before it fully tacks down, spray more slip solution underneath, reposition, then squeegee again.
Lift the film carefully, wet the adhesive and plate with solution, remove the contamination with the microfibre cloth, then reapply. Do not scrub the adhesive aggressively.
Wet the affected area with slip solution and gently clean it while wet. Avoid touching the adhesive with dry fingers.
Keep the top of the film wet. If a light mark appears, wait 20 minutes, re-wet it with slip solution and wipe gently with the microfibre cloth.
Leave them to dry first; small bubbles may disappear naturally.
Lift the closest edge gently, add solution underneath and squeegee outward. Do not force or overstretch the film.
USEFUL TIPS
After installation
Leave the film to cure for at least 3 days before washing the plate. After curing, wash normally with car shampoo and water. When using a pressure washer, keep the nozzle at least 45 cm away from the film and do not spray directly at its edges. Clean bugs, bird droppings and other visible contaminants promptly. If dirt or wax collects around the edge of the film, carefully clean the edge with isopropyl alcohol on a microfibre cloth.
Removing the film
To remove the film, slowly pull it back towards yourself at approximately a 45-degree angle. Do not pull it straight up or rip it away sharply, as this may leave adhesive on the plate. If you are installing a replacement film, clean and prepare the plate again before beginning at Step 1.
Need help?
If anything does not look right, stop before forcing or stretching the film and contact us for installation support at sales@theplatebracket.com.au.