3m paint guard

[Nuscence813]

I have a 2011 Infiniti g37s in black and was purchased new with a 3M paint guard placed in all the places prone to scratches and chips (front bumper, partial hood, mirrors, etc). I have tried cleaning this with typical washing claying and compounding with no effect. All it is is protective clear film. What can I use to get rid of the awful water marks left behind. Also when I detail the car by hand that area stands out as not being too detailed at all. I will receive my da on Monday and will give it a try over that area but what else can I try if that doesn't work. Here is a pic of the hood where the film stops. The top portion of the pic is the film.

[rsav]

Re: 3m paint guard

some dealers outsource the installation of PPF film on their new cars. In SOME cases, the vender will use a cheaper version of PPF, if this is the case, there's not much you can do other than replace the PPF with a quality product. A good product like Avery or 3M is almost invisible. don't use an abrasive compound, this will only make it look worse. Duragloss makes a product called "water spot remover', I've used this in the past to remove spots from PPF with no problems. Car Quest usually carries this over the counter. Hope this helps..Ro

[Nuscence813]

Yes this is definitely 3M product. I have a warranty included with the product at time of install. The film is not affected by the compound at all. No scratches scuffs or hazing. Thus stuff is bullet proof. It just has water stains. I am in MD now but previously was in Washington state where the water in the mountains was very hard to paint. I will try this stuff you mentioned and will certainly post back if anything.

[rsav]

Re: 3m paint guard

most 3m kits come with a 3 year warranty against cracking, peeling or fading. wouldn't hurt to talk to the dealer, you may be able to get them to replace the hood piece. good luck...Ro

[smack]

Re: 3m paint guard

I would have the dealer just remove it. Take it in and say you are not satisfied with the paint gaurd and just want it removed. You are becoming a detail addict so taking care of your car will not be a problem. Not only that but you wont have to worry about the line the runs accross the hood and fenders.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: 3m paint guard

Water spots can etch in fairly deeply in this material, just like it can with paint. The difference is paint can usually be buffed out - literally abraded to the lowest point of the etch mark until the mark is gone. But these clear films normally can't be abraded down like paint can so a true etched in water mark may not be removable. But it's also possible that you've got some deeply embedded mineral deposits that a good water spot remover can eliminate but mechanical abrasion can't get to because of the nature of the surface.

Double check your warranty on this film as you can easily void the warranty by using abrasive cleaners on it.