From (George) Bush to Baja, this Raptor's gonna look great.
Jesse Xiong • April 22, 2025
Full body Paint Protection Film on a new Ford Raptor R
When it comes to safeguarding a vehicle as bold as the Ford Raptor, cutting corners isn’t an option. We recently undertook a meticulous full-body paint protection film (PPF) installation on a brand-new Raptor R. Our client opted for a bespoke install, which has our team disassemble panels to tuck the film underneath panels. This behind-the-scenes look reveals why their process—rooted in disassembly, precision tucking, and bespoke technique sets the standard for durability and aesthetics.
Why Full-Body PPF?
For Humble Car Spa, the answer is simple:
-Preservation: Paint Protection Film is strong enough to take damage, meaning scratches, swirl marks, rock chips, and more.
- Value Retention: The durability of PPF keeps the paint in pristine condition for years, retaining the value of the vehicle.
- Peace of Mind: Engineered for owners who demand both performance and perfection.
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The Challenge: Seamless Protection for a Rugged Icon
The Ford Raptor’s aggressive design, with its hood scoops, fender flares, and angular trim, demands a tailored approach to PPF. For Humble Car Spa, the goal was clear: deliver invisible protection that withstands both off-road adventures and everyday wear.
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Step 1: The Art of Disassembly
Before applying a single sheet of film, the team meticulously removed critical components to ensure seamless edges:
- Fenders, hood scoop vents, and bed trim were detached.
- Tail lights, mirrors, and door handles were disassembled.
Why Disassemble?
“Exposed edges are the enemy of durability,” Jesse explains. By tucking PPF beneath trim and panels, the film avoids lifting or trapping dirt—a common issue with surface-level installations.
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Step 2: The Four-Corner Stretch Technique
Applying PPF to curved surfaces like the Raptor’s hood requires advanced techniques. The team employed a four-corner stretch:
1. Locking edges: Securing the film at strategic points to evenly distribute tension.
2. Squeegeeing section-by-section: Methodically removing water and air bubbles to prevent “fingers” (excess material).
3. Checking the work before moving on: The team had to ensure no debris made it under the panel after we laid the film.
“Stretching without stressing the film is key,” says Jesse. “It ensures longevity and a factory-smooth finish.”
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Step 3: Tackling Complex Areas
Mirrors:
- Aligning film around the Raptor’s angular mirrors required laser-focused precision. The team used custom templates to wrap edges without gaps, and seamed any areas that required more than one piece to lay down evenly.
Roof:
- The Raptor’s ridged roof posed a unique challenge. By working in small sections and heat-treating edges, the film conformed perfectly to the textured surface.
Doors:
- Door handles were masked with templates, allowing the PPF to extend past the edges for a tucked, invisible finish. Because the door handles were removed, the film can be laid in one uniform piece, providing both better durability and a cleaner finish.
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The Bespoke Difference
Humble Car Spa’s “bespoke install” philosophy prioritizes two outcomes:
1. Aesthetics: No visible lines or edges, preserving the Raptor’s factory appearance.
2. Durability: Tucked seams resist lifting, even in harsh conditions.
“Our client paid for the best—and that’s what we delivered,” Jesse emphasizes. Every component, from the wheel wells to the hood scoop, received full coverage.
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The Result: Rugged Meets Refined
After nearly seven days of labor, the Raptor emerged with PPF that blended invisibly into its contours. Highlights included:
- Seamless edges around tail lights and fenders.
- heat-treated seams for maximum adhesion.
- Full-body protection capable of resisting rock chips, scratches, and UV damage.
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Installing PPF on a Ford Raptor isn’t just a service—it’s a testament to Humble Car Spa’s dedication to automotive excellence. By marrying technical skill with relentless attention to detail, Jesse’s team ensures every vehicle, whether a rugged truck or a luxury sedan, receives protection worthy of its pedigree.
Want to see this install up close? Watch our full PPF process on YouTube at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZLA8zE3KzQ
"It's more than just clean cars.”
