Purchasing and Installation

Q. Can I purchase 3M Paint Protection Film directly from 3M?
A. 3M sells larger rolls of film to selected 3M-authorized distributors and converters and not to end-users. 3M does not manufacture vehicle-specific film kits nor does 3M install kits on consumer vehicles. There are hundreds of professional installers throughout the United States that sell film kits who also apply it to your vehicle.

Q. How much does it cost to have 3M Paint Protection Film installed on my vehicle?
A. This is a question for your professional installer. There are many makes and models of cars, trucks, RVs and boats. On personal vehicles 3M 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 installers near you for their recommendations and price quotes.

Q. Can I install 3M Paint Protection Film myself?
A. 3M strongly recommends that 3M Paint Protection Film be installed by a fully trained and certified, professional installer. These are skilled 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 3M Paint Protection Film?
A. Many professional installers have extensive experience and can answer your questions or browse this website for information on 3M Paint Protection Film and a listing of professional installers.

Q. Where on an automobile is 3M Paint Protection Film generally installed?

Appearance

Q. Will 3M Paint Protection Film be visible on my car after installation? Will I see a line where the film stops?
A. The answer to this question depends on how far you are standing away from the vehicle. If you are standing more than three feet away, it will be difficult to see the line where the film stops. If you are standing closer than three feet, you may see the line.

Q. What is "orange peel" and why does 3M PPF have it?
A. "Orange peel" is a condition where a cars paint is slightly granulated and resembles the outside of an orange peel. Most new cars have "orange peel" to hide any imperfections of the painting process. 3M Paint Protection Film has "orange peel" to better blend with a cars original paint and hide any imperfections of the installation process.

Maintenance and Removal

Q. Will 3M 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 the painted surfaces beneath the film.

Q. Can 3M 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 3M 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 3M 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 3M 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 3M 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 3M Paint Protection Film is removed, damage may occur to the underlying graphic during the removal process.

Q. Can 3M Paint Protection Film be used on headlights, fog lights or windshields?
A. No, it does not meet the Department of Transportation's standards for optical clarity.

Q. Does 3M Paint Protection Film stick to bumpers?
A. Yes.

Q. Does 3M Paint Protection Film stick to plastic?
A. Yes.

Q. Can 3M Paint Protection Film be used on boats or other watercraft?
A. Yes. Marine requirements are different than automotive, so it is important to contact 3Ms Marine Trades Division for information on these applications. For specific information, please call 3M Marine at 1-877-366-2746 for assistance.

Q. Can 3M 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 email the Aerospace Division directly on www.3M.com/us/auto_marine_aero/contact/.

Q. Can 3M 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 3M 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 3M Paint Protection Film come in colors?
A. 3M 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 3M 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 3M 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. If any wax builds up along the edge of the film, simply use a lint-free cloth or Q-tip with (moisten if necessary) to wipe away any build-up.

Q. What products does 3M recommend to best maintain 3M 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.

Q. How is 3M 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 (3M Part #08984), according to the package directions.

Q. If 3M 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 3M 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 3M Paint Protection Film is installed incorrectly?
A. Contact your 3M Paint Protection Film Professional Installer immediately.

Warranty

Q. What is the 3M Paint Protection Film warranty?
A. 3M warrants that 3M Paint Protection Film will be free of defects in materials and manufacture — including yellowing, bubbling, or cracking — or five (5) years from date of purchase. This warranty does not apply to damage caused by misuse, accident, misapplication, or ordinary wear, nor does it apply to dents caused by physical impact of rocks or road debris. Some installers may choose to offer, on their own behalf, different or additional warranties or remedies, beyond the warranty and limited remedies offered by 3M.

Q. How do I make a warranty claim?
A. To make a claim under this warranty, simply contact 3M at 1-800-643-0955. You must have your warranty card to validate your warranty. 3M will direct you to an installer selected by 3M to have your 3M Paint Protection Film inspected and, if your claim is covered by this Warranty, 3M will have the installer removed the old and reapply new 3M Paint Protection Film.

Remedies and Limitations: The 3M warranty and limited remedies stated in this document are exclusive and is made in place of all other express or implied warranties, including any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. 3M shall not be liable for any other damages or costs, including incidental or consequential damages, arising out of the use of inability to use 3M paint Protection Film or any vehicle to which it has been applied.