3M Clear bug and rock protector on hood
#1
3M Clear bug and rock protector on hood
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..
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..
#3
Lexus Fanatic
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.
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.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
gandro
ES - 5th Gen (2007-2012)
10
02-28-08 06:21 AM