We really need to know the exact film that you have. Different manufacturers (and even different films with a manufacturer) have different cleaning recommendations.
Bugs
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 383
Likes: 33
Bugs
Just got back from a 2500 mile trip, great trip but lots of bugs on the front of the car, when I bought the car I had a clear mask put on it, so I washed the car and that helped but lots of streaks where the bugs hit, I tried waxing, did not help much, then tried a little solvent on a small spot, did not help, don't want to replace the mask, is there some product or procedure to get rid of these streaks. thanks Mike
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 753
Likes: 166
From: Buffalo Minnesota
Just got back from a 2500 mile trip, great trip but lots of bugs on the front of the car, when I bought the car I had a clear mask put on it, so I washed the car and that helped but lots of streaks where the bugs hit, I tried waxing, did not help much, then tried a little solvent on a small spot, did not help, don't want to replace the mask, is there some product or procedure to get rid of these streaks. thanks Mike
Pro
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 551
Likes: 48
From: Spring TX
I know this doesn't help you now to clean the bug remains off, but this is one of the major reasons I advocate for everybody getting a nano ceramic coating put on their car if they care about the paint. If you aren't aware of it, you should look at solutions provided by vendors such as 22ple, CQuartz, Optimum, or others (there are many.)
With CQuartz UK on, I can literally safely scrape off the bug guts with my fingernail. They come off very easily even after they have been baked on by the sun. Heck, they wash off in the next rain (given we've had a lot of rain here in Houston lately) without me having to do anything.
With CQuartz UK on, I can literally safely scrape off the bug guts with my fingernail. They come off very easily even after they have been baked on by the sun. Heck, they wash off in the next rain (given we've had a lot of rain here in Houston lately) without me having to do anything.
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From: DFW Area TX
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2002
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From: Ft. Myers FL
Here's a tip that really works better than any other product , including wax or bug & tar remover, to get rid of bugs and won't hurt your cars paint or film.
Get yourself a little water in a bucket and some dryer sheets...like you use in the dryer. Wet them and wipe off the bugs. They also will take off tar and all kinds of nasty stuff. Then just rinse off the leftover debris and if you want wash your car. 
Believe these things REALLY WORK!!
Get yourself a little water in a bucket and some dryer sheets...like you use in the dryer. Wet them and wipe off the bugs. They also will take off tar and all kinds of nasty stuff. Then just rinse off the leftover debris and if you want wash your car. Believe these things REALLY WORK!!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 383
Likes: 33
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 3,543
Likes: 854
I know this doesn't help you now to clean the bug remains off, but this is one of the major reasons I advocate for everybody getting a nano ceramic coating put on their car if they care about the paint. If you aren't aware of it, you should look at solutions provided by vendors such as 22ple, CQuartz, Optimum, or others (there are many.)
With CQuartz UK on, I can literally safely scrape off the bug guts with my fingernail. They come off very easily even after they have been baked on by the sun. Heck, they wash off in the next rain (given we've had a lot of rain here in Houston lately) without me having to do anything.
With CQuartz UK on, I can literally safely scrape off the bug guts with my fingernail. They come off very easily even after they have been baked on by the sun. Heck, they wash off in the next rain (given we've had a lot of rain here in Houston lately) without me having to do anything.
The nano ceramic paint coatings are the only way to go. It is so slick after applying and curing, it's like having a teflon coating on the paint surface, almost non stick.
I have nano ceramic paint coatings on my 3 premium sports cars. It is the best paint protection I ever had.
Used the Opti-coat2.0 on my Jaguar XKR and Pinnacle Black Diamond Paint Coating on my Porsche 981 and Covette C7.
A DIY application can be done for under $100.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 3,543
Likes: 854
3M Film Shield is the cheapest film product you can put on a car.
I know, I had it done on a previous automotive product. Not only does it scratch, the stuff turns yellow over a period of time.
Remove it and nano ceramic paint coat the entire car.
I know, I had it done on a previous automotive product. Not only does it scratch, the stuff turns yellow over a period of time.
Remove it and nano ceramic paint coat the entire car.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,021
Likes: 260
From: Sturgeon County Alberta
I had some 3M on a previous Vette and after one trip the bugs permanently stained/etched the 3M. I removed it and installed Sunteck (spelling). And have no issues. I use a paint sealant right over top of it and bugs wash right off easily. I bet your clear is permanently stained....
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 383
Likes: 33
I had some 3M on a previous Vette and after one trip the bugs permanently stained/etched the 3M. I removed it and installed Sunteck (spelling). And have no issues. I use a paint sealant right over top of it and bugs wash right off easily. I bet your clear is permanently stained....
Moderator
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 39,066
Likes: 17,932
From: DFW Area TX
Unless it is 3M Scotchguard PRO, the film was probably damaged by the bug guts. 3M Pro, Xpel Ultimate and Suntek PPF C all have a type of automotive clear coat as the top coat on the film. This provides the film with the same protection that clear coat provides paint. Plus, the clear coat on these films is self-healing.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 30,055
Likes: 351
From: Big Red Ne
Just got back from a 2500 mile trip, great trip but lots of bugs on the front of the car, when I bought the car I had a clear mask put on it, so I washed the car and that helped but lots of streaks where the bugs hit, I tried waxing, did not help much, then tried a little solvent on a small spot, did not help, don't want to replace the mask, is there some product or procedure to get rid of these streaks. thanks Mike
Last edited by rkhegler; Jun 19, 2015 at 05:23 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 990
Likes: 281
From: Pittsburgh, PA
Best post ever for the front end protection of the paint and any other paint surface of the car. Many people just don;t want to listen to the advice.
The nano ceramic paint coatings are the only way to go. It is so slick after applying and curing, it's like having a teflon coating on the paint surface, almost non stick.
I have nano ceramic paint coatings on my 3 premium sports cars. It is the best paint protection I ever had.
Used the Opti-coat2.0 on my Jaguar XKR and Pinnacle Black Diamond Paint Coating on my Porsche 981 and Covette C7.
A DIY application can be done for under $100.
The nano ceramic paint coatings are the only way to go. It is so slick after applying and curing, it's like having a teflon coating on the paint surface, almost non stick.
I have nano ceramic paint coatings on my 3 premium sports cars. It is the best paint protection I ever had.
Used the Opti-coat2.0 on my Jaguar XKR and Pinnacle Black Diamond Paint Coating on my Porsche 981 and Covette C7.
A DIY application can be done for under $100.