Frequently Asked Questions
What is paint protection film?
Paint protection film is used to protect the integrity and beauty of your vehicle's paint finish. The 8mil (.008") colorless urethane film adheres to the vulnerable painted areas of the vehicle (ie. hood front, fenders, side mirrors, grille, front bumper, etc.). 3M PPF is one of the most advanced, thoroughly tested, protective films you can apply to your vehicle.
Does it really stop rocks from chipping the front of my car?
Absolutely! The PPF material was originally designed by 3M engineers to protect the leading edges of aircraft propellers and rotor blades from rock chips. The film was then used on military vehicles in Desert Storm and eventually used by professional race teams. Now it is finally available for the general public to protect their personal vehicles. Rocks, stones, and gravel are no match for this product.
Is it really invisible?
Paint protection kits are very difficult to see once they are properly installed. A slight line is visible from certain angles at the top of the hood and fender sections. The grille and bumper kits are nearly undetectable. The average person will walk by the vehicle and never notice it is there until you point it out to them.
Is installation difficult? Can I do it myself?
The installation process is very simple. We provide detailed written instructions with every customer's kit. Each purchase totaling $75.00 or more receives a 30 minute installation video and an installation squeegee. After reviewing the instructions and watching the video anyone can apply our kits. Customers also have the benefit of our years of installation experience. We are always available for questions and additional instruction if needed. Also, if you decide you do not want to attempt the installation yourself, we can always assist you in finding an installer in your local area.
How long will it last?
Our product is warranted by 3M for 5 years. The PPF has an average life span of around 7 years. The clear bra should be treated and maintained just like your car. Keeping the vehicle in a garage, waxing the car/bra and washing the vehicle regularly will help the clear bra last a very long time.
What area of my car will be covered?
We offer the best coverage possible for all makes and models but each pattern is unique to that specific vehicle. Most complete kits will include hood, fenders, side mirrors, front bumpers, and headlights. Additional options may include grilles, roof tops, rocker panels, pillars, and rear bumpers. As the customer, you pick and choose which options you prefer.
Is there a Certified Installer in my area?
3M has trained hundreds if not thousands of certified installers. We can easily help you find a local installer if you decide not to install the kit yourself. Most likely we can give you a few to choose from so you can choose the best installer for a resonable price.
Can I reuse this material?
No, Paint Protection film can not be reused. The film must be applied to the vehicle once it is removed from it's backing. Once the film is applied to the car, it starts to adhere and should not be removed. If you were to pull the material off the vehicle after installing, it will begin to stretch and loose it's adhesive.
What is the return policy?
Will this product damage my paint?
No. 3M PPF is meant to protect your paint from many damaging agents. It will not damage your vehicle's paint in any way.
Can it be removed?
Yes. The clear bra can be removed safely and easily. Each installer has a unique way of removing film. In our experience the best way is to allow the car to sit in the sun to warm the film. If it is cold outside, you can warm the film with a hair dryer but this is not always neccessary. Start by peeling up a corner section of the clear bra with your fingernail. When you have a small section free, begin pulling the film towards you at a 10 degree angle. This actually stretches the film and releases it slowly from the painted surface. As new sections releases, slowly progress across the vehicle until all material is removed.
Do I need to do anything to maintain my vehicle once applied?
There is nothing special to maintaining a clear bra. Wash and wax your vehicle as you always have.
What happens when I wax my car?
Treat the clear bra like it was always a part of your vehicle. The PPF can be washed and waxed like the rest of your vehicle. Plexus is a great product for waxing a clear bra. Spray it directly on the bra and wipe with a clean cloth.
What do I do if wax builds up on the edges of the kit when I wax my vehicle?
Q-tips, a soft toothbrush or a microfiber cloth does a great job in removing wax buildup. Abrasive polishes and/or rubbing compounds should not be used on a clear bra.
What if I want to take my car through a car wash?
Once the product has cured on the vehicle for a few days after installation, feel free to run it through any pressure or brush car wash. The clear bra will not be affected.
How long does installation take?
Installation times will depend upon the complexity of the vehicle. An average vehicle's clear bra installation should be around 2- 4 hours.
What is the Warranty?
3M film is guaranteed not to yellow, crack or peel. The film is warranted by the manufacturer for 5 years from date of purchase. 3M will not cover any damage caused by ordinary wear and tear, accidents, misuse or improper installation.
Will my kit fit perfectly?
Some kits may appear to be shorter then required for coverage. These kits are designed this way to compensate for curves and contours on your vehicle. The kits are meant to be tacked and then stretched into place. Material should never hang over the edge. Kits should be stretched 1/16th to 1/8th of the inch from the edge. This allows air bubbles and solution to be squeegeed out to the edges and released.
How is the kit applied?
Clear bra installations are similar to installing window tint. Paint protection film and the painted surfaces are sprayed with a soap solution. The PPF section is aligned into position, and then the soap solution is squeegeed away. If the PPF section is difficult to lay down, the alcohol solution can be used to adhere the section.
Will my paint fade differently under the film than it does on the rest of the car?
No. UV rays will pass through the film. Your paint will not fade differently from the rest of the vehicle.
Does Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film resists yellowing?
Yes. 3M Scotchgard is designed with UV protectants which counteract ultraviolet rays which cause other films to yellow.
How long should I wait to apply your product if my car has been repainted?
Always consult the body shop who repainted the vehicle for their recommendation. Most likely, they will ask that you wait at least 30 days for the new paint to cure.
Can paint protection film be applied over a vehicle that had the paint touched up?
3M recommends that any repainted surfaces on your vehicle be professionally painted and fully cured before applying paint protection film. If you have touched up scratches or chips with a tube of 'touch-up' paint and then apply paint protection film over it, the film will protect that area until it is removed. If the paint protection film is removed, it is possible that the area around the non-professional touch-up paint could peel off.
Headlamp Protection Questions
Is Headlamp film different than paint protection film?
Yes. 3M paint protection film is 8 mil thick and our headlight film is 20 mil in thickness. True headlight protection requires thicker film to protect the vehicle's lenses.
Does the application of these kits adversely affect the illumination of my lights?
Clear headlight protection film blocks less that one tenth of one percent (.1%) of the light produced by your headlights. You will never see a difference in the illumination of your vehicle's lights.
My headlights are heavily contoured. Will I be able to install your kit?
Our headlight film can be heated with a hair dryer to make it even more pliable. Warming the material will help soften the film and conform to heavily contoured headlights and tail lights.