I've detailed many cars that have a clear bra on them , whether it's the 3mm or 5mm thickness. It makes the car in my opinion a " 5 ft. " car. Because it looks good standing 5 ft away. You look very closely, and you'll see bubbles, fingerprints, etc.
Whether you do it yourself or have it done , they won't be perfect. I have one client with a $450,000 Porsche Carrera GT that "Clear guarded " his whole car for $3,000. Yeah it protects the paint, but again it's a "5 ft" car and it doesn't last forever , like 5 years tops.
Do it yourself :
Or is more widely recommended to have it installed
Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film
Purchasing and InstallationMaintenance and RemovalWarranty Purchasing and InstallationQ.Can I purchase Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film directly from 3M?
A.3M sells larger rolls of film to selected 3M Authorized Distributors and Converters and not to end consumers. 3M does not manufacture vehicle-specific film kits nor does 3M install kits on consumer vehicles. There are hundreds of professional certified installers throughout the United States that sell film kits who also apply it to your vehicle. Click on "Where to Buy" in the "Consumer" section of this website to search by the city and state to find the nearest professional certified installer(s).
Q.How much does it cost to have Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film installed on my vehicle?
A.This is a question for your professional certified installer. There are many makes and models of cars, trucks, RVs and boats. On personal vehicles Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film is most often used to cover the front portion of the hood. 3M film is also commonly applied to painted bumpers, mirror backs, truck bed rails, door handle inserts, door edges, rocker panels, mirror backs, wheel openings, etc. Any painted surface of a car, truck, van, SUV, RV, boat or motorcycle that is susceptible to bug damage and rock chips can be covered with paint protection film. Since the amount of film required and difficulty of application will vary by vehicle model, 3M suggests you contact professional certified installers near you for their recommendations and price quotes.
Q.Can I install Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film myself?
A.3M strongly recommends that Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film be installed by a fully trained and certified, professional certified installer. These are skilled certified installers in applying the film around compound curves, challenging grillwork, wheel openings, bumpers and all other areas on today's vehicles.
Q.How can I get additional information about Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film?
A.Many professional certified installers have extensive experience and can answer your questions or browse this website for information on Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film and a listing of professional certified installers.
Maintenance and Removal
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 clearcoat 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 clearcoat which is not formulated to be over-printed, painted or clearcoated.
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 clearcoat 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, foglights 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.Can Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film be used on boats or other watercraft?
A.Yes. Marine requirements are different than automotive, so it is important to contact 3M's Marine Trades Division for information on these applications. For specific information, please call 3M Marine at 1-877-366-2746 for assistance.
Q.Can Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film be used on aircraft?
A.Aircraft requirements are completely different than automotive, so it is important to contact 3M's Aerospace Division for information on these applications. Please call 1-888-364-3577 for assistance or use the on-line 3M Aerospace
Contact Us form.
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.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.What products does 3M recommend to best maintain Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film?
A.3M makes a variety of products to help maintain the beauty of your vehicle. 3M™ Car Wash Soap (3M Part #39000), 3M™ Show Car Paste Wax (3M Part #39526 and 3M™ Perfect-It Show Car Liquid Wax (3M Part #39026). The best surface cloth to use is the 3M™ Perfect-IT™ III Detailing Cloth (3M Part #39016) since others may scratch the surface of the film.
