Product and Material
What is the thickness of RGBG Color PPF?
RGBG Color PPF has a total nominal thickness of approximately 7.5 mil, including the film and adhesive layers.
Thickness may vary slightly depending on the color, finish and product series.Avoid describing thickness as the sole indicator of protection or installation quality. Adhesive design, topcoat performance, elongation, film recovery and construction consistency also affect real-world performance.
Thickness may vary slightly depending on the color, finish and product series.Avoid describing thickness as the sole indicator of protection or installation quality. Adhesive design, topcoat performance, elongation, film recovery and construction consistency also affect real-world performance.
Does RGBG Color PPF have a self-healing topcoat?
Yes. Minor surface marks within the topcoat may reduce or disappear with ambient warmth or controlled heat.
Deeper scratches that penetrate below the topcoat cannot be expected to self-heal.Professional PPF guidance distinguishes light topcoat marks from deeper damage, which is rather important because “self-healing” is not wizardry, despite what advertising departments occasionally imply.
Deeper scratches that penetrate below the topcoat cannot be expected to self-heal.Professional PPF guidance distinguishes light topcoat marks from deeper damage, which is rather important because “self-healing” is not wizardry, despite what advertising departments occasionally imply.
Can different production lots be used on the same vehicle?
Whenever possible, use material from the same production lot for one vehicle. Minor variations may be visible between different rolls or production lots, particularly with metallic, pearlescent, color-shifting and highly directional finishes.
Before installation:
- Check the lot numbers.
- Compare rolls under the same lighting.
- Maintain a consistent roll direction.
- Avoid mixing lots on adjacent panels.
RGBG upholds rigorous QC standards for color consistency from batch to batch so our customers don't need to worry if they must redo a panel. That being said rolls from the same production will be indistinguishable from one another when comparing color.
Before installation:
- Check the lot numbers.
- Compare rolls under the same lighting.
- Maintain a consistent roll direction.
- Avoid mixing lots on adjacent panels.
RGBG upholds rigorous QC standards for color consistency from batch to batch so our customers don't need to worry if they must redo a panel. That being said rolls from the same production will be indistinguishable from one another when comparing color.
Is RGBG Color PPF directional?
No. Unlike directional vinyl wrap films, RGBG Color PPF can generally be installed in any direction without requiring installers to maintain a specific roll orientation.
This allows installers to optimize panel layout, reduce material waste and position the film more efficiently during installation. However, installers should still inspect adjacent panels under consistent lighting before final application, particularly when working with highly reflective or special-effect finishes.
This allows installers to optimize panel layout, reduce material waste and position the film more efficiently during installation. However, installers should still inspect adjacent panels under consistent lighting before final application, particularly when working with highly reflective or special-effect finishes.
Can RGBG Color PPF be installed over repainted panels?
Installation over repainted or repaired surfaces carries a higher risk than installation over fully cured OEM paint. The installer should confirm that the paint is completely cured, properly bonded and free from defects.
RGBG cannot guarantee paint condition or paint adhesion during installation or removal. Conduct a paint inspection and obtain customer approval before proceeding.Official installation guidance similarly warns that uncured paint, trapped solvents or incompatible paint layers can cause adhesion, blistering or paint-removal problems.
RGBG cannot guarantee paint condition or paint adhesion during installation or removal. Conduct a paint inspection and obtain customer approval before proceeding.Official installation guidance similarly warns that uncured paint, trapped solvents or incompatible paint layers can cause adhesion, blistering or paint-removal problems.
Before Installation
How should the vehicle be prepared before Color PPF installation?
The vehicle should be thoroughly washed, decontaminated, dried and inspected before installation.
Recommended preparation includes:
- Wash the exterior, panel gaps, edges and jambs.
- Remove tar, wax, sealants, grease and adhesive residue.
- Clay the painted surface where necessary.
- Remove any ceramic coating or surface treatment that could reduce adhesion.
- Inspect paint defects, repaired panels and previously installed film.
Recommended preparation includes:
- Wash the exterior, panel gaps, edges and jambs.
- Remove tar, wax, sealants, grease and adhesive residue.
- Clay the painted surface where necessary.
- Remove any ceramic coating or surface treatment that could reduce adhesion.
- Inspect paint defects, repaired panels and previously installed film.
Can RGBG Color PPF be installed over ceramic coating?
Installation over ceramic-coated paint is not recommended unless the coating has been completely removed from all application areas, including panel edges and wrapped sections.
A remaining coating can reduce adhesive contact and contribute to edge lifting or adhesion failure. Paint correction or polishing may be necessary before installation.
A remaining coating can reduce adhesive contact and contribute to edge lifting or adhesion failure. Paint correction or polishing may be necessary before installation.
What tools are recommended for RGBG Color PPF installation?
A professional installation kit should include:
- PPF-specific squeegees with clean, undamaged edges
- Fresh 30-degree blades
- Microfiber towels
- Spray bottles
- Measuring syringes or graduated mixing containers
- Clay bar
- Surface cleaner
- Steamer, warm water or IR lamps
- Complete final wipe down with IPA solution.
- Clean gloves
- Panel inspection lighting
Invest in proper tools and replace them often as proper tools can make or break your installation.
- PPF-specific squeegees with clean, undamaged edges
- Fresh 30-degree blades
- Microfiber towels
- Spray bottles
- Measuring syringes or graduated mixing containers
- Clay bar
- Surface cleaner
- Steamer, warm water or IR lamps
- Complete final wipe down with IPA solution.
- Clean gloves
- Panel inspection lighting
Invest in proper tools and replace them often as proper tools can make or break your installation.
Wet Installation
What slip-solution ratio should be used?
RGBG Color PPF can be installed using the same slip-solution ratio commonly used for conventional wet-install paint protection film.
There is no special RGBG-specific mixing ratio required. Installers may use their usual professional PPF slip solution and adjust the concentration according to the workshop temperature, panel size, installation technique, and the level of slip required.
In warmer conditions or when installing larger panels, slightly more slip may be helpful. For edges, corners, curves, and anchor points, reduce the remaining slip solution and use an appropriate tack solution where necessary.Always use clean water and a PPF-compatible installation soap or slip agent. Avoid untested additives that may leave residue or interfere with adhesive performance.
There is no special RGBG-specific mixing ratio required. Installers may use their usual professional PPF slip solution and adjust the concentration according to the workshop temperature, panel size, installation technique, and the level of slip required.
In warmer conditions or when installing larger panels, slightly more slip may be helpful. For edges, corners, curves, and anchor points, reduce the remaining slip solution and use an appropriate tack solution where necessary.Always use clean water and a PPF-compatible installation soap or slip agent. Avoid untested additives that may leave residue or interfere with adhesive performance.
What products can be used as a slip agent?
Use only a slip agent that RGBG has tested and approved for the specific adhesive system. The product should mix consistently with clean water and should not leave residue that interferes with adhesion.Do not recommend household dishwashing liquid unless RGBG has specifically validated the product, concentration and formulation. Household formulas can change by country and without notice.
Can installers use baby oil in the slip solution?
Do not add baby oil or other oil-based products to the installation solution. Oil residue may interfere with the intended adhesive process.
Should filtered or deionized water be used?
Filtered or deionized water is recommended where local water contains a high level of minerals or impurities. Cleaner water helps reduce mineral residue, contamination and inconsistent solution performance.Prepare spray bottles in a clean environment and clearly label slip, tack and rinse solutions.
Can mixed slip solution be stored overnight?
RGBG should recommend preparing fresh solution each installation day unless its technical testing confirms otherwise. Stored solution can become contaminated or change in performance.
Why does the film tack too quickly during installation?
RGBG Color PPF may tack too quickly when there is not enough slip solution between the adhesive and the vehicle surface, or when the slip solution is mixed too weakly for the installation conditions.
Other possible causes include a warm panel or workshop, insufficient wetting of the adhesive side, tack-solution residue on the panel, or applying firm squeegee pressure before the film is correctly positioned.
To prevent premature adhesion:
- Thoroughly wet both the vehicle surface and the adhesive side of the film.
- Use the standard slip-solution ratio normally used for wet-install PPF.
- Slightly increase the slip-agent concentration when working in warmer conditions or on large panels.
- Keep tack solution away from areas that still require repositioning.
- Apply only light pressure until the film is correctly aligned.
- Reapply slip solution immediately if the film begins to grab before positioning is complete.
Once the film is correctly positioned, remove the slip solution progressively with firm, overlapping squeegee strokes.
Other possible causes include a warm panel or workshop, insufficient wetting of the adhesive side, tack-solution residue on the panel, or applying firm squeegee pressure before the film is correctly positioned.
To prevent premature adhesion:
- Thoroughly wet both the vehicle surface and the adhesive side of the film.
- Use the standard slip-solution ratio normally used for wet-install PPF.
- Slightly increase the slip-agent concentration when working in warmer conditions or on large panels.
- Keep tack solution away from areas that still require repositioning.
- Apply only light pressure until the film is correctly aligned.
- Reapply slip solution immediately if the film begins to grab before positioning is complete.
Once the film is correctly positioned, remove the slip solution progressively with firm, overlapping squeegee strokes.
Why does the film refuse to adhere at the edges?
Common causes include:
- Slip solution remaining under the edge
- Ceramic coating, wax or sealant contamination
- Excessive film tension
- Insufficient drying time
- Low panel temperature
- Dirty or wet panel gaps
- Repeatedly lifting and resetting the adhesive
- Slip solution remaining under the edge
- Ceramic coating, wax or sealant contamination
- Excessive film tension
- Insufficient drying time
- Low panel temperature
- Dirty or wet panel gaps
- Repeatedly lifting and resetting the adhesive
Stretching, Curves and Finishing
How much can RGBG Color PPF be stretched?
Use only the minimum stretch required to conform the material. Distribute tension across a broad area rather than concentrating it at a single point. Excessive stretch can reduce film thickness, alter color or metallic appearance, create gloss distortion and place continuous tension on edges.
* Do not stretch film more than 15%
* Do not stretch film more than 15%
Should heat be used when stretching RGBG Color PPF?
Heat may be used to make the film more pliable during the installation. Warm water or steam are great sources that reduce the risk of burning the film. For faster edge wrapping again warm water to flush the edges is a great method. When using a heat gun make sure to keep the gun at a distance of at least 30cm and briefly heat the desired area.For wet-install PPF, a steamer may provide more uniform heat than a heat gun.
How can stretch marks and adhesive lines be prevented?
To reduce stretch marks and adhesive disturbance:
- Plan tension before anchoring.
- Stretch from a broad section rather than pulling a narrow edge.
- Keep the film and panel within the recommended temperature range.
- Avoid repeatedly lifting areas that have already received firm squeegee pressure.
- Use progressive, overlapping squeegee strokes.
- Do not force large fingers into a small exit point.
- Reposition early rather than after adhesive activation.
- Plan tension before anchoring.
- Stretch from a broad section rather than pulling a narrow edge.
- Keep the film and panel within the recommended temperature range.
- Avoid repeatedly lifting areas that have already received firm squeegee pressure.
- Use progressive, overlapping squeegee strokes.
- Do not force large fingers into a small exit point.
- Reposition early rather than after adhesive activation.
How should complex bumpers and deep recesses be handled?
Map the tension before applying pressure. Use controlled stretch, appropriate anchor points and relief techniques where permitted.Avoid feeding excessive material into a deep recess under continuous tension. Where a shape exceeds the conformability of the film, use an approved seam, inlay or relief method rather than forcing the material beyond its stable limit.
Should RGBG Color PPF edges be wrapped?
Edges may be wrapped when the panel design, available clearance, adhesive condition and RGBG installation guide allow it.
Before wrapping:
- Remove all residual installation solution.
- Confirm the edge is clean and dry. Relax unnecessary tension.
- Apply firm, controlled pressure. - Inspect the edge after the initial curing period.
Not every panel should be aggressively wrapped merely because the installer possesses a squeegee and confidence.
Before wrapping:
- Remove all residual installation solution.
- Confirm the edge is clean and dry. Relax unnecessary tension.
- Apply firm, controlled pressure. - Inspect the edge after the initial curing period.
Not every panel should be aggressively wrapped merely because the installer possesses a squeegee and confidence.
Can Color PPF be cut directly on the vehicle?
Hand cutting can be performed by professionals just like with clear PPF. If you or the client do not want to cut on the car you can use cutting tape or work with pre-cuts and extend the edges.
Whenever possible, use pre-cut patterns, safe cutting tape or a controlled bulk-cutting method. RGBG should not imply that paint-safe cutting is guaranteed.
Whenever possible, use pre-cut patterns, safe cutting tape or a controlled bulk-cutting method. RGBG should not imply that paint-safe cutting is guaranteed.
Why does the film refuse to adhere at the edges?
Common causes include:
- Slip solution remaining under the edge
- Ceramic coating, wax or sealant contamination
- Excessive film tension
- Insufficient drying time
- Low panel temperature
- Dirty or wet panel gaps
- Repeatedly lifting and resetting the adhesive
Flush the edge with clean water or approved tack solution, remove trapped slip agent, squeegee firmly and hold the edge until stable. Other PPF installation guidance also emphasizes washing residual soap away from edges before final adhesion.
- Slip solution remaining under the edge
- Ceramic coating, wax or sealant contamination
- Excessive film tension
- Insufficient drying time
- Low panel temperature
- Dirty or wet panel gaps
- Repeatedly lifting and resetting the adhesive
Flush the edge with clean water or approved tack solution, remove trapped slip agent, squeegee firmly and hold the edge until stable. Other PPF installation guidance also emphasizes washing residual soap away from edges before final adhesion.
Troubleshooting
Why are bubbles visible after installation?
Small moisture pockets may remain temporarily after wet installation and can reduce as the film cures. However, larger pockets, contamination, dry spots or trapped air should be evaluated immediately.Do not puncture every visible pocket automatically. Determine whether it contains moisture, air or debris before selecting a correction method.
Why do fingers keep returning near an edge or curve?
Recurring fingers indicate improper tension management or poor removal of the slip solution. Lift the affected section before final adhesion, redistribute tension and remove the underlying solution. Forcing the film to stick by means of overstretching or a primer solution will most likely result in the customer coming back to the shop.
Lift the affected section before final adhesion, redistribute tension and remove the underlying solution. Simply pressing the same finger repeatedly is not technically a repair. It is optimism with a squeegee.
Lift the affected section before final adhesion, redistribute tension and remove the underlying solution. Simply pressing the same finger repeatedly is not technically a repair. It is optimism with a squeegee.
Why are lines visible in the adhesive?
Adhesive lines can be caused by:
- Premature tack
- Uneven squeegee pressure
- Stretching after partial adhesion
- Repeated lifting
- Contamination
- Insufficient slip solution
- Folding or creasing the adhesive layer
Correct the problem while the adhesive remains workable. Once firmly bonded, aggressive lifting may create additional marks.
- Premature tack
- Uneven squeegee pressure
- Stretching after partial adhesion
- Repeated lifting
- Contamination
- Insufficient slip solution
- Folding or creasing the adhesive layer
Correct the problem while the adhesive remains workable. Once firmly bonded, aggressive lifting may create additional marks.
What causes edge lifting after installation?
Common causes include surface contamination, trapped slip solution, excessive tension, insufficient curing, low installation temperature, poor edge preparation or high-pressure washing.Inspect whether the lifting is isolated or continues along the panel. A contaminated or overstretched section may need replacement rather than repeated edge sealing.
Can Color PPF be cut directly on the vehicle?
Hand cutting should be performed only by experienced installers using minimum blade pressure. Use a fresh blade and score only the film layer without contacting the paint.
Whenever possible, use pre-cut patterns, safe cutting tape or a controlled bulk-cutting method. RGBG should not imply that paint-safe cutting is guaranteed.
Whenever possible, use pre-cut patterns, safe cutting tape or a controlled bulk-cutting method. RGBG should not imply that paint-safe cutting is guaranteed.
Why does the film refuse to adhere at the edges?
Common causes include:
- Slip solution remaining under the edge
- Ceramic coating, wax or sealant contamination
- Excessive film tension
- Insufficient drying time
- Low panel temperature
- Dirty or wet panel gaps
- Repeatedly lifting and resetting the adhesive
Flush the edge with clean water or approved tack solution, remove trapped slip agent, squeegee firmly and hold the edge until stable. Other PPF installation guidance also emphasizes washing residual soap away from edges before final adhesion.
- Slip solution remaining under the edge
- Ceramic coating, wax or sealant contamination
- Excessive film tension
- Insufficient drying time
- Low panel temperature
- Dirty or wet panel gaps
- Repeatedly lifting and resetting the adhesive
Flush the edge with clean water or approved tack solution, remove trapped slip agent, squeegee firmly and hold the edge until stable. Other PPF installation guidance also emphasizes washing residual soap away from edges before final adhesion.
Care and Maintenance
How long should the customer wait before washing the vehicle?
Wait at least 1 week after installation before washing the vehicle, unless the RGBG product guide states otherwise.
Can a pressure washer be used?
Hand wash only. RGBG does not warrant any damage resulting from using a pressure washer.
Which cleaning products are safe?
Use a non-abrasive, solvent-free, PPF-compatible automotive shampoo within the pH range approved by RGBG.
Avoid:
- Abrasive compounds
- Aggressive alkaline cleaners
- Strong acidic cleaners
Avoid:
- Abrasive compounds
- Aggressive alkaline cleaners
- Strong acidic cleaners
Can ceramic coating be applied over RGBG Color PPF?
A PPF-compatible ceramic coating may be applied if it has been tested with the RGBG topcoat. It should not contain solvents or polishing steps that damage the film surface or change satin and matte finishes.
Can a damaged panel of Color PPF be repaired?
Minor topcoat marks may self-heal or improve with approved heat. Cuts, deep scratches, tears, severe staining, delamination and impact damage generally require panel replacement.For color consistency, replace the panel using the same color, finish, orientation and preferably the same production lot.
Can Color PPF be cut directly on the vehicle?
Hand cutting should be performed only by experienced installers using minimum blade pressure. Use a fresh blade and score only the film layer without contacting the paint.
Whenever possible, use pre-cut patterns, safe cutting tape or a controlled bulk-cutting method. RGBG should not imply that paint-safe cutting is guaranteed.
Whenever possible, use pre-cut patterns, safe cutting tape or a controlled bulk-cutting method. RGBG should not imply that paint-safe cutting is guaranteed.
Why does the film refuse to adhere at the edges?
Common causes include:
- Slip solution remaining under the edge
- Ceramic coating, wax or sealant contamination
- Excessive film tension
- Insufficient drying time
- Low panel temperature
- Dirty or wet panel gaps
- Repeatedly lifting and resetting the adhesive
Flush the edge with clean water or approved tack solution, remove trapped slip agent, squeegee firmly and hold the edge until stable. Other PPF installation guidance also emphasizes washing residual soap away from edges before final adhesion.
- Slip solution remaining under the edge
- Ceramic coating, wax or sealant contamination
- Excessive film tension
- Insufficient drying time
- Low panel temperature
- Dirty or wet panel gaps
- Repeatedly lifting and resetting the adhesive
Flush the edge with clean water or approved tack solution, remove trapped slip agent, squeegee firmly and hold the edge until stable. Other PPF installation guidance also emphasizes washing residual soap away from edges before final adhesion.
