General Questions

Q: Will it really stop rocks from chipping my paint?
A: Yes. The original design came from 3M engineers to protect the leading edges of aircraft propellers and rotor blades from rock chips. If it can protect a propeller moving nearly the speed of sound then it can protect your paint.

Q: Can I see a line where the film ends?
A: A line is slightly visible where the film ends, but the three alternatives to that line are a bug shield, a bra, or paint with chips in it.

Q: Is it really cut to fit my exact car?
A: That's the idea!  You shouldn't have to do any cutting with our kits. Simply peel off the backing and begin installing.

Q: How hard is it to see on the car after it is applied?
A: The material is about 99.5% clear. On any color darker than stark white, you can’t see the film. On a stark white car, you can see that .5% of color, but it still is “invisible” at a short distance.

Q: How long will it last?
A: Our 3M Scotchgard™ paint protection film has a 5 year warranty  and VentureShield™ has a lifetime warranty. The warranty won't cover things like rock chips, accidents, etc. Only defects in the film.  But as with almost anything, the better you take care of it the longer it will last. Regular washing/waxing and being garaged when possible could give the film a life of 100 years or more.

Q: How is the kit applied?
A: Using our plotters and computer software we can cut the film very accurately. Once cut we remove any excess film from the sheet. The film is applied using a soap/water solution, a squeegee and a little patience. Click Here for detailed instructions.

Q: Will my paint fade differently under the film than it does on the rest of the car?
A: No. The film does contain an inhibitor to prevent the plastic from reacting to the sun’s UV rays, but this does not prevent the UV rays from passing through the plastic into your paint.

Q: Is this material safe to use on the new water based acrylic paints that are being used by some manufacturers?
A: Yes. The material has no harmful effects on water based acrylic paints and still provides the same level of protection.

Q: Can I install this myself?
A: Most of our customers install the kits themselves but this is your option.  Take the time to read our instructions and decide for yourself if you feel this is something you can do.  If not, we can recommend an installer in your area once a kit is purchased.

Maintenance & Removal

Q: Will Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film harms 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 clear coat 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 clear coat which is not formulated to be over-printed, painted or clear coated.

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 clear coat 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: Does Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film stick to bumpers?
A: Yes.

Q: Does Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film stick to plastic?
A: Yes.

Q: Does Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film resists 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 comes 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 brush such as an old toothbrush. 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 product 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.

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 used 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 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 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.