3M paint protection film
05-24-2011, 10:26 PM
#1
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Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Washington
Posts: 192
3M paint protection film
Back in February of this year when I bought my Blue V6 Premium, I decided to invest in some 3M brand paint protection film. It was professionally installed, and by no means cheap, but since its a daily drive on an interstate in Washington State, I cringed at the though of having a pitted out Kona Blue Mustang in a year.
I've been really happy with the film, but was always a little leary of waxing it. 3M (and the certified installer) said to just wax it as you normally would everything else. Well, I gave it a go a few days ago, and I couldn't believe how receptive that film is to wax. It removed any swirl micro swirl marks just like on a clear coat, and really looked good afterward. Here are some pics. For your reference, the film goes up about 16" from the front of the hood, and the sides of the car.
I've been really happy with the film, but was always a little leary of waxing it. 3M (and the certified installer) said to just wax it as you normally would everything else. Well, I gave it a go a few days ago, and I couldn't believe how receptive that film is to wax. It removed any swirl micro swirl marks just like on a clear coat, and really looked good afterward. Here are some pics. For your reference, the film goes up about 16" from the front of the hood, and the sides of the car.
Last edited by sketchy00; 05-24-2011 at 10:31 PM. Reason: messed up the links
05-26-2011, 05:13 PM
#3
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Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: North Idaho
Posts: 1,440
I have the entire fronts of my 3 cars filmed...it is simply the best money I have spent on them! They get waxed often and wiped down with Meguires Ultimate Detailer before each trip out of the garage...
05-27-2011, 10:32 AM
#5
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Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Washington
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I also used Meguires for this first wax. One of the things that I was most impressed about the 3M film was that I thought I'd have white lines that outlined every piece of film on the car. The reality was that it wasn't an issue at all. Granted, I probably did take it easy a bit on the thickness I applied around each seem, but still, it wiped off fine, with no was residue at all.
05-27-2011, 10:45 AM
#6
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Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: North Idaho
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I never wash my car...just run a California duster over it and the shoot it with the detailer...gives it a high gloss slick finish...keeps the wax protected...
05-27-2011, 06:24 PM
#7
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Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Washington
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That duster would turn into a sponge in Washington State. ...just not an option for many, with the exception of the nicest long stretch of days. Meguirs QuickDetailer works nice during the nicer months here were it the car needs sprucing up a bit.
05-27-2011, 07:45 PM
#8
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Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: North Idaho
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I live in North Idaho...Coeur d Alene...and you are correct with your "sponge' comment...that is why I never allow my cars to get rained on...
05-28-2011, 10:50 AM
#9
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