Adavanced Auto Trim- Q&A

Purchasing and Installation:

Can I purchase Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film directly from 3M?

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. We produce these kits in home with our own computer Plotter.

How much does it cost to have Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film installed on my vehicle?

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, the prices also vary click here to see for a price check on you vehicle of interest

Can I install Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film myself?

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.


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 though please call us.

Q.	Can Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film be used on aircraft?
A.	Aircraft requirements are completely different than automotive though please call us.

Q.	Can Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film to used for signs?
A.	The film would probably stick, but you would need to test any specific application. 3M has no specific testing data for signs, so no warranty can be offered.

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.	How is Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film removed?
A.	If desired, film can be removed at any time by picking up a corner of the film and pulling the film off the vehicle surface at a 90-degree angle. If the film has been present a long time, or if the film and vehicle are cold, a heat gun or hair dryer may be used to soften the adhesive, allowing easier removal. If any adhesive remains on the vehicle after removal of the film, it can be removed by using 3M™ General Purpose Adhesive Cleaner, according to the package directions.

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.

Q.	After Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film has been removed, how do I get any excess adhesive off my vehicle?
A.	If any adhesive remains on the vehicle after removal of the film, it can be removed by using 3M™ General Purpose Adhesive Cleaner (3M Part #08984), according to the package directions.

Q.	What if Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film is installed incorrectly?
A.	Contact your Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film professional certified installer immediately.