Comparison
Install gel vs. soap & water
Most installers start out with Johnson's baby shampoo or a drop of dish soap in a spray bottle. It works — until it doesn't. Here's exactly how a purpose-built install gel like PUSH compares for window tint and PPF.
| Feature | PUSH Install Gel | Soap & Water |
|---|---|---|
| Pushes contamination out from under film | ||
| Rinses clean — no surfactant residue | ||
| Pre-measured concentration (consistent mix) | ||
| Safe on clear coat, PPF adhesive & tint film | ||
| Long-term adhesive bond protection | ||
| Cheap and available anywhere |
The real cost of soap residue
Surfactants in soap don't fully rinse out from under tint film or PPF. What's left behind softens the pressure-sensitive adhesive, traps micro-contamination, and shows up months later as fish-eyes, edge lift, or full peel-off. Most warranty claims trace back to the install solution, not the film.
Why concentrate beats DIY mix
Two installers in the same shop will mix soap-and-water differently every day. PUSH ships pre-measured: same packet, same bottle, same result — across installers, across shops, across years.
FAQ
Is install gel better than baby shampoo for tint and PPF?
Yes. Baby shampoo and dish soap are surfactants that leave residue between the film and the surface, which traps contamination, causes fish-eyes, and weakens long-term adhesion. A purpose-built install gel like PUSH pushes contamination out and rinses clean.
What's wrong with using Johnson's baby shampoo for tint?
It's cheap and available, but the perfume, conditioners, and surfactant package weren't designed for adhesive bonding. Over time, residue softens the bond and shows up as edge lift, peeling, and contamination spots.
Why do professional installers switch to install gel?
Consistency, speed, and warranty protection. Pre-measured concentrate eliminates mix variation between installers, squeegees move cleaner, and finished work holds up through heat cycling without come-back jobs.
Does install gel cost more than soap?
Per bottle, slightly more. Per install, far less — fewer redos, fewer warranty claims, and faster job turnover offset the cost difference within the first few jobs.
See the difference on your next install
First PUSH packet is free — just pay shipping.
Claim Your Free Packet