DIY Install Guide

How to Install

A step-by-step guide to wrapping your own car with FTS Vinyl film. Take your time, follow the process, and you'll be surprised what you can achieve.

What You'll Need

🔥Heat Gun

🪣Squeegee

🔪Precision Knife

💧IPA (60:40)

🧽Microfibre Cloths

📏Tape Measure

Preparation

Clean Your Panels

A clean panel is the foundation of a good wrap. Any contamination under the film will cause lifting and bubbling.

—Wash the panel thoroughly with car shampoo and dry completely.
—Wipe down with diluted IPA (60:40 IPA to water) to remove any wax, silicone, or residue.
—Clay bar if needed.
—Do not use wax, silicone-based cleaners, or panel wipes before wrapping — these leave residue that prevents adhesion.

Watch it in action: Part 1 — Decontamination ↓

Cutting

Measure & Cut Your Film

Measure twice, cut once. Getting this right saves film and avoids frustration on the panel.

—Roll out and cut film to appropriate length.
—Use a marker to mark out any cuts/sectioning required.
—Use a parrot cutter or carefully cut with a knife.
—Make sure you have some excess on all edges of the panel to ensure full coverage and tuck.
—Remove the cap sheet from gloss films before installation. Leave it on cut pieces you're storing for later.

Watch it in action: Part 2 — Measure & Cut ↓

Positioning

Glass the Film Over the Panel

Peel back a portion of the liner and position the film over the panel without committing it fully. This lets you check alignment before the film sticks.

—Work with a helper on large panels like bonnets and roofs if possible.
—Peel the liner back gradually as you lay the film down.
—Use light finger pressure to tack the film in place while you adjust alignment.
—If you need to reposition, lift carefully — the adhesive is forgiving while the film is still partially lined.
—The aim is to remove any fingers or wrinkles from as much of the wrap as possible, particularly the centre.

Watch it in action: Part 3 — Rear Quarter ↓ / Part 4 — Door ↓ / Part 5 — Front Fender ↓

Application

Squeegee & Stretch

Once the film is positioned, use your squeegee and heat gun to work the film flat and around any curves.

—Start squeegeeing from the centre of the panel and work outward to push air to the edges.
—Apply heat to the film before stretching around curves — warm film is significantly more flexible and less prone to tearing.
—Use short, controlled stretches around curves. Avoid overstretching — pulled film can thin out and lose colour consistency.
—For recessed areas and door handles, use a felt-edged squeegee to push film into the recess cleanly.
—Work methodically — don't rush. Take your time around edges and complex shapes.

Note: Avoid overstretching: Overstretched film may appear lighter in colour, wrinkle over time, or lift at the edges. If the film tears, stop and re-cut a fresh piece.

Watch it in action: Part 3 — Rear Quarter ↓ / Part 4 — Door ↓ / Part 5 — Front Fender ↓

Trimming

Trim the Edges

Once the film is fully squeegeed down, trim the excess with a precision knife. Clean, confident cuts make all the difference.

—Use a fresh blade — dull blades drag and tear instead of cutting cleanly.
—Follow panel lines and edges for a factory look. Wrap film around edges where possible for durability.
—Trim slowly and deliberately — rushed cuts lead to wavy edges.
—Cut on the opposite edge of the panel when possible so there is enough excess to tuck the wrap.

Watch it in action: Part 3 — Rear Quarter ↓ / Part 4 — Door ↓ / Part 5 — Front Fender ↓

Finishing

Post Heat the Film

Post heating is the final and most important step for longevity. Don't skip it.

—Flat surfaces & slight curves — 280°C–320°C. Keep the gun ~15cm from the surface, move at a constant speed. Lower temp with multiple light passes beats one hot pass.
—Complex surfaces, corners, fenders & mirrors — 220°C–260°C.
—Door edges, gaps & inner trim edges — 60°C–80°C (low-temp sealing).
—Slight wrinkles or bubbles after install — heat to 100°C–150°C and gently smooth out.
—Allow the film to cool completely before touching or driving the car.

Note: Skipping post heat is the #1 cause of premature lifting. Even if the film looks great immediately after install, inadequately post heated film will start to lift at edges within weeks.

Watch it in action: Part 4 — Door ↓

Watch & Learn