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Any Way To Get Scratches Off 3M Film Protector

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Old 02-19-2012, 09:53 PM
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59chevyguy
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Default Any Way To Get Scratches Off 3M Film Protector

I have the nose of my 2007 protected by the 3M film protector. I just noticed some scratches in the film and short of replacing it I thought I would ask if anyone has a remedy to remove the scratches.
Thanks
Old 02-19-2012, 10:02 PM
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phileaglesfan
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Unfortunately that is one of the disadvantages of a clear bra. I had it on my 08. The only thing I hated worst about the scratches is that it didn't do anything to protect the radiator area from debris damage.
Old 02-19-2012, 10:09 PM
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KenHorse
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If it's genuine 3M and not Ventureshield, you're supposed to be able to hit with lacquer thinner and take out the scratches.

At least that's what our local 3M shop says
Old 02-19-2012, 10:10 PM
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59chevyguy
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Originally Posted by phileaglesfan
Unfortunately that is one of the disadvantages of a clear bra. I had it on my 08. The only thing I hated worst about the scratches is that it didn't do anything to protect the radiator area from debris damage.
Rats! So which is the best way to just remove the film entirely???

Does it have to be done by a professional?
Old 02-19-2012, 10:14 PM
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RO55
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The film is still cheaper than a repaint.
Old 02-19-2012, 10:21 PM
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azcanuk
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If it is 3M (the best as far as I’m concerned!) then use rubbing alcohol.. I've got a complete wrap and use the rubbing alcohol all the time.. will remove surface scratches every time..
Old 02-19-2012, 10:29 PM
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Red89gt
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Agreed, rubbing alcohol, same thing my 3m installer used to clean up my daily driver.
Old 02-19-2012, 11:06 PM
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59chevyguy
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Thanks, I will try the alcohol. I was told it is 3M.
Now you have me concerned just in case it is not. It's pretty thick stuff.
Old 02-19-2012, 11:38 PM
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jimmie jam
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3M material has a clear coat on it. You can use a mild polish on it and it will clean up fine without doing any damage.
Old 02-20-2012, 12:32 AM
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seamus2154
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That is the reason I don't use 3M anymore is because it scratches easily. I now use Cleartastic which holds up much better. Either way I discovered a product from Adam's specifically made for the clear bras. It is called clear polish and clear spray used after polish as a protectant and conditioner. I use it w/ a orange pad and an orbital polisher. It works pretty well and takes out most scratches. You have to be careful w/ 3M when it's warm and what towels you use on it because I found it to scratch very easily compared to some of the competition out there now. Check Adam's my stuff has lasted so long now that I haven't bought any in a couple of years now!! Good luck
Old 02-20-2012, 12:39 AM
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Plexus.
Old 02-20-2012, 12:51 AM
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NW94Z
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Originally Posted by Valleybacker
Plexus.
Plexus is a no no for all paint protection films. It dries yellow and over time will stain and discolor film.
Old 02-20-2012, 01:09 AM
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Originally Posted by NW94Z
Plexus is a no no for all paint protection films. It dries yellow and over time will stain and discolor film.
Hmm no. It's the standard cleaning and protectant for clear bra and window tints.
Old 02-20-2012, 01:20 AM
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JCtx
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I'd assume a plastic polish works on 'clear bras'; Does it not?
Old 02-20-2012, 01:25 AM
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Originally Posted by 59chevyguy
Rats! So which is the best way to just remove the film entirely???

Does it have to be done by a professional?
No. I removed it from my wife's vette. I picked at an edge with a fingernail until I had enough to hold onto, then slowly peeled it off.
Old 02-20-2012, 03:05 AM
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I own a detail shop and while alcohol does work you have to be incredibly careful with it as it can go very deep, very quick and ruin the bra We use a very mild abrasive. the best we have found is Zaino ZPC or Zaino All-In-One, or Meguiars Scratch Remover by hand.
Old 02-20-2012, 11:02 AM
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NW94Z
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Originally Posted by Valleybacker
Hmm no. It's the standard cleaning and protectant for clear bra and window tints.
It used to be the standard cleaning agent for PPF. It's not now. Take the white cap off your can of Plexus and spray some into it. Let it sit and dry and have a look for yourself. Any "Professional" installer of PPF should know this, if they don't I advise avoiding them because they haven't kept up with their certs and spoken to a industry rep for awhile. Bottom line it's your car and you probably spent a decent sum of change to protect it with quality PPF. If you want to shorten the life of the PPF with a $5 dollar can of Plexus that's your business. I look forward to having you come to me so I can replace it for you and bill you again.

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Old 02-20-2012, 04:42 PM
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leonm47
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Originally Posted by Grzldvt1
I own a detail shop and while alcohol does work you have to be incredibly careful with it as it can go very deep, very quick and ruin the bra We use a very mild abrasive. the best we have found is Zaino ZPC or Zaino All-In-One, or Meguiars Scratch Remover by hand.

Mine is starting to dull around the mirrors and a couple places on the front. Any suggestions?
Old 02-20-2012, 05:35 PM
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Glenn Cauvin
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Default Questions: Proper Paint Protection for New Corvettes"

Originally Posted by leonm47
Mine is starting to dull around the mirrors and a couple places on the front. Any suggestions?
I had some questions about what was the best paint protector for my car. Speed Specialists out of TX recommends "Venture Shield". Check out his posting on my question. Hopes this helps.:woohoo :
Old 02-20-2012, 08:00 PM
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Texas_Venom
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Originally Posted by NW94Z
It used to be the standard cleaning agent for PPF. It's not now. Take the white cap off your can of Plexus and spray some into it. Let it sit and dry and have a look for yourself. Any "Professional" installer of PPF should know this, if they don't I advise avoiding them because they haven't kept up with their certs and spoken to a industry rep for awhile. Bottom line it's your car and you probably spent a decent sum of change to protect it with quality PPF. If you want to shorten the life of the PPF with a $5 dollar can of Plexus that's your business. I look forward to having you come to me so I can replace it for you and bill you again.
Your absolutely correct. Plexus is made for hard plastics and will cause yellowing in paint protection film. It has petroleum distilates in it which are bad for urethane. I install ventureshield and make sure to tell all of my clients to stay away from Plexus.


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