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3M Protective Film

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  • #1

    3M Protective Film

    I'm not sure if this is the right forum I should ask this question on but I'm planning to have a protective film installed on the bumper of my black car to protect from dings and scratches while on the Arizona highways.

    Will I be able to clean/polish/wax this together with the rest of my vehicle? Anyone have protective films on their cars? Any pros and cons? Good or bad experiences you can share?

    Thanks.
    Tags: None
  • #2
    Re: 3M Protective Film

    I only wash and wax. I doubt that any significant amount product used on the film gets down to paint, even though it is porous.

    Prep your car before you get the film installed. No point in covering swirl marks and such.

    In the pic you can see the flim on my hood and fender. Film is also on the bumper.

    Brake, brake, brake, oh ****...

    Comment

    • #3
      Re: 3M Protective Film

      How long have you had your film? Have you noticed any discoloration at all? Does the "filmed" portion retain the same color as the rest of your car?

      Does the film really help avoid dings, etc.

      Thanks.

      Comment

      • #4
        Re: 3M Protective Film

        I had one installed and it really has saved the paint from road chips. As for discoloration, it did turn hazy after about a year. I was told it would polish out with Plexus, but it didn't. The installer was really good about replacing it. I know they're not cheap, but go for it. It does it's job and it's only noticeable at the edges (mainly the hood) from about five feet away. Once installed, be sure to protect it with Plexus from time to time.

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        • #5
          Re: 3M Protective Film

          CaddyDaddy,

          Did your film come guaranteed against haziness? Is the film noticeable on the bumper and around the headlights? Thanks

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          • #6
            Re: 3M Protective Film

            Basically you can't use anything abrasive on the film but straight polish, wax and sealants are fine. Definately get the swirls out first but don't put any wax or sealant over the top as it affects the adhesive. I use the VentureTape product and I am also an installer.

            Here are some pics of my and other cars:

            Click Here
            Protecting my "ride"

            www.carwasher.com.au

            Comment

            • #7
              Re: 3M Protective Film

              I had one on my first car which I sold recently. It's been installed in 1997. I simply waxed it like the rest and it never changed color nor hazed.

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              • #8
                Re: 3M Protective Film

                Got in on my M45 and Viper. Wouldn't leave home with out it!
                SRT-10 Silver

                Comment

                • #9
                  Re: 3M Protective Film

                  There are different types of films, I had mine installed a little over a year now and it still looks great. Usually, these films will not discolor and works best on darker colored cars. I was told by my installers that white gets a "pearl effect" and yellows over time. After 6 months or so, I found out he was right...but it does not look bad whatsoever...

                  Here's a pic a few weeks after it was installed...


                  And here's a recent picture...



                  The discoloration is hardly visible from a few feet away, only up close will you see the color difference.

                  I'm still happy with it because it's saved my butt soo many times from rock chips on the freeway.

                  I recommend clear bra over the traditional bra to anyone interested in protecting their front end...

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                  • #10
                    Re: 3M Protective Film

                    Did your film come guaranteed against haziness? Is the film noticeable on the bumper and around the headlights? Thanks[/QUOTE]

                    Jremitio, Here's the car it was installed on. As for your questions, no, nothing in writing, but I addressed the issue when I purchased it. It's only noticeable at the edges. As for the bumper, there are no large panels, so it's not too bad. You wouldn't notice it on the hood as much either, but the film isn't large enough to cover the entire hood. Believe me....I would of, if I could of.

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                    • #11
                      Re: 3M Protective Film

                      Wow!! Thats an amazing product!! Anybody know if you can get that installed on the entire car or is it just a product for areas that are prone to damage?

                      Thanks
                      Attack life, it's going to kill you anyway.

                      This is your life. Choose to live it to the fullest.

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                      • #12
                        Re: 3M Protective Film

                        Just certain areas....that stuff for whatever reason is expensive. You wouldn't think so, but....
                        Supposedly there was a film for the windshield, but it didn't work out to well from what I've heard.

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