Trimming pre cut patterns after install

[Film_Pro]

How would you guys approach trimming ppf during install. Seems like when I happen to have a pattern that ends up needing some adjustment during install and it's wet it's hard to even get a cut started. The area to be trimmed is still wet and wants to move around. These are cars I'm trying to get done and return to the customer after install. I think if I let it dry it would cut fine but I don't have that time. I get nervous to press harder not wanting to cut the paint. I see this once and a while and I'm not sure what others do in this situation. Thanks for any advice.

[drtint]

I always on every install leave an inch wet around the edges (if I don’t like the precut pattern) and give it a shot of isopropyl alcohol 10 to 1 ratio. Anchors the edges and makes life easy. Hope this helps

[Film_Pro]

So you are saying instead of the pattern you do a Bulk install? No not sure what you are saying. Having a hard time with just a sliver that needs trimming close to body inserts or molding. Stuff like that

[PPFdistributing]

Try and use a heat gun to speed up the cure process so that the drying happens sooner. Should lend the chance to trim faster. Obviously don't melt it but use the dry heat to help with the evaporation. Then let it cool down for a few min and then you should be able to trim.

[XPEL Jeff]

You shouldn't have to trim kits very much.  If you are, you're either using the wrong program or putting them on differently than they were intended to install.

[redneckj]

if you should need to trim, use these blades.  BD2000  Blades    30 Degree Carbon

 

https://www.amazon.com/NT-CUTTER-Precision-100-Blade-BD-2000/dp/B003B3F0SK/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1528428053&sr=8-6&keywords=nt+30+degree+blades

[Film_Pro]

You shouldn't have to trim kits very much.  If you are, you're either using the wrong program or putting them on differently than they were intended to install.

Going to cut from the DAP system tomorrow for the same car that was giving me issue. We will see if DAP lives up to the hype. Durango srt with hood vents. Water was pooling by these inserts. No matter how I stretched the film I would need trimming around these inserts. I'll report back

[Film_Pro]

So the DAP pattern was very nice. Did the install and no need for trimming. Also did a tint job from the DAP database and was happy with the patterns for the most part. Rear window pattern was a little big but all in all I have enjoyed the patterns so far. Going to use it for the month and see. The PPF pattern needed minimal stretching and no trimming. Made easy work of the job. Only did HFM so it took no time at all on the brand new car. Wish I could get that software for cheaper. [emoji16]

[Jake]

3 hours ago, Film_Pro said:

So the DAP pattern was very nice. Did the install and no need for trimming. Also did a tint job from the DAP database and was happy with the patterns for the most part. Rear window pattern was a little big but all in all I have enjoyed the patterns so far. Going to use it for the month and see. The PPF pattern needed minimal stretching and no trimming. Made easy work of the job. Only did HFM so it took no time at all on the brand new car. Wish I could get that software for cheaper.

How much time and headache did you save using a better pattern? Whats that worth to you monetarily ?

[BigRuski]

I find precut is good for quick jobs, low end vehicles.

 

Most of my clients are car collectors and millionaires and people who trade in their car every year. I have no choice but to do everything in bulk, need to tuck all edges. The only thing i precut is all doors (manually extend all edges, dont like seeing that corner nib from software wrap edges options) also mirrors (some) and headlights or if something has an odd weird curve where you cant reach inside with the knife. Everything else i like doing by hand.