SeanO

iTrader: (1)

I have a clear film on the front portion of my hood (and on my mirrors as well) that is to protect the front of the hood from stone chips and bugs and whatever else the environment throws at it..

My question is being that its part of my hood now technically, how am i to maintain the surface of this vinyl?? Can I clay bar, polish and wax it just the same as the rest of my car?

I don't want to have a beautiful glossy paint and then have a noticeable transition to the clear film.. that being said the film that is on my hood is not in terrible condition so replacing it wouldn't make sense.

I'm sure someone else out there has this on their vehicle and knows what I'm talking about..

zmcgovern4

iTrader: (2)

Clear bra/PPF can be washed, decontaminated, polished, and protected just like your paint. Clear bra does have a lifespan though, so there will be a time when it should be replaced. Until then, keep it clean and protected.

97-SC300

iTrader: (17)

To add to what Zach said, you need to know what PPF brand is on your vehicle because they are all different.

If it's a self healing film like XPEL Ultimate, Suntek, 3M, etc. they do not recommend heavy polishing as that will shorten the life of the top coat of the film that has self healing properties.

If it's Suntek Ultra that has the self-healing and hydrophobic coating top layer, then definitely do not polish either as that will most definitely shorten the life of the film's top coat properties.

Older and cheaper films that have no self healing top coat can be easily polished and should be to remove swirl marks, scratches and so forth.

The only time I ever polish the high-end PPF is if the vehicle is water spotted and there's no other option. Always try a chemical water spot remover first like Carpro Spotless, but if that doesn't do the trick, then abrasive polishing is your last resort.

zmcgovern4

iTrader: (2)

Title says 3M brand film

SeanO

iTrader: (1)

Yeah its 3M I have a brochure in my glove box, I was looking at it a bit closer yesterday and I'm gonna look into getting it replaced.. its bad enough to just replace it in my mind.. I'm sure its been on there since the car was sold in 2010

zmcgovern4

iTrader: (2)

I'd recommend seeking a higher end film such as the ones mentioned above.... Suntek Ultra or Xpel Ultimate, for instance.