3M™ Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film

Q. Can Scotchgard™ be safely removed?
A. Yes

Q. Will Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film harm the painted surface if the film is removed?
A. If the film is properly applied to a fully cured painted vehicle, it can be removed, usually in one piece, without damaging paint surfaces beneath the film.

Q. Can Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film be applied over a vehicle that has had the paint touched up?
A. 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.

Q. Will the paint smear if Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film is applied over a newly painted vehicle?
A. The paint on a newly painted vehicle must be cured according to manufacturer’s recommendations. Your body shop should be able to provide you with this information.

Q. Can you paint or apply a clear coat over the Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film?
A. No, this is not recommended and is at your own risk. 3M film is supplied with an OEM-approved clear coat which is not formulated to be over-printed, painted or clear coated.

Q. Can I cover the whole vehicle with Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film?
A. It is possible, but the application would be difficult and expensive. This product is really intended for the most vulnerable areas of the vehicle.

Q. Can Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film be applied over graphics?
A. The clear film will not interfere with vinyl or painted graphics and is designed to match the gloss levels of today’s automotive factory clear coat paint systems, providing virtually invisible protection. However, if the Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film is removed, damage may occur to the underlying graphic during the removal process.

Q. Can Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film be used on headlights, foglights or windshields?
A. No, the Department of Transportation does not allow any film of any kind to be put on headlights, fog lights or windshields.

Q. Does Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film stick to bumpers?
A. Yes.

Q. Does Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film stick to plastic?
A. Yes.

Q. Does Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film resist yellowing?
A. Yes, it resists yellowing because the film is constructed of thermoplastic urethane, a tough, conformable material that is covered by a clear coat layer. The film and clear coat layers contain UV protectants to counteract harmful ultraviolet rays that can cause yellowing.

Q. Does Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film come in colors?
A. Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film is available only as a clear film. This feature makes the film virtually invisible while protecting the beauty of your vehicle.

Q. How is Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film maintained?
A. Once applied, refrain from washing the vehicle in an automated car wash for 24 hours. Washing after that time presents no problem, and no special care need be taken for the film.

Q. Can I use wax over Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film?
A. Yes. When waxing the vehicle, some wax may build up along the film edges. This can easily be removed when dry with a soft cloth, such as a 3M™ High Performance Cloth. Do not use any waxes containing dyes or waxes that are not recommended for urethanes. Abrasive polishes and/or rubbing compounds are not to be used.

Q. If Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film is removed from the vehicle, can it be re-used?
A. Once the film has been applied and set, the adhesive will not stick a second time.

3M™ Window Films

Q. How do 3M Automotive Window Films Work?
A. 3M Automotive Window films are designed to help reduce the amount of solar heat transmission through a window by increasing the solar absorption through the glass and/or by increasing the solar reflection (not necessarily visible light reflection).

Q. How long does it take for the film to dry?
A. 3M Automotive Window Films are installed using a soapy water solution. While the majority of this water is removed during installation, some will be left between the glass and film and this water must evaporate out through the film. This water will disappear as the film dries, depending upon the film type and weather conditions, drying may take as long as 3 days.

Q. How do I clean my automotive window film?
A. After the film is completely dry, at least 3 days after installation, you may clean the film using normal household glass cleaning solutions and a soft, lint-free cloth or towel. Abrasive cleaners or towels which could scratch or damage the film should not be used.

Q. How do I remove the old film from my windows?
A. 3M Automotive Window Films are designed to bond the film to the window glass for many years. We highly recommend scheduling with us for film removal as this can be labor intensive, depending upon the age and type of film. Rear windows can be especially troublesome and the rear defroster can be damaged or destroyed if the film is not removed correctly.

Q. What is the warranty for 3M Automotive Window Films?
A. 3M Automotive Window Films are warranted to maintain their solar properties without bubbling, peeling, cracking, or crazing and many of our films are warranted against discoloration too. Should the product be proved to be defective, 3M and the authorized dealer will replace the film and provide reapplication free of charge.