Monday, December 3, 2012

All You Need to Know About Clear Bras

     A clear bra, also known as a paint protective film is a clear urethane laminate and is designed to protect the appearance and value of your vehicle. We at All American Window Tinting, Inc., use a GraphTec machine that digitally cuts the exact pattern for your vehicle, this means that there will be no cutting done on your vehicle and you will receive a clear bra that fits perfectly ensuring that your vehicle is fully protected. Applying a paint protection film to the front of your vehicle will protect it from from dings, scratches and the harsh effects from bug guts. Below you will find an in-depth overview of our 3M Paint Protection Film:

Maintenance and Removal
Will Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film harm the painted surface if the film is removed?
If Scotchgard film is properly applied to a fully cured painted vehicle, it can be removed, usually in one piece, without damaging paint surfaces beneath the film.
 
Can Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film be applied over a vehicle that has had the paint touched up?
3M recommends that any repainted surfaces on your vehicle be professionally painted and fully cured before applying Scotchgard film. If you have touched up scratches or chips with a tube of "touch-up" paint and then apply Scotchgard film over it, the film will protect that area until it is removed. If the Scotchgard film is removed, it is possible that the area around the non-professional touch-up paint could peel off.
 
Can Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film be applied over a newly painted vehicle?
The paint on a newly painted vehicle must be fully cured according to paint manufacturer's recommendations before installing Scotchgard film. Your body shop should be able to provide you with this information.
 
Can you paint or apply a clearcoat over the Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film?
No, this is not recommended and is at your own risk. Scotchgard film is supplied with an OEM-approved clearcoat, which is not formulated to be over-printed, painted or clearcoated.
 
How do I remove a scratch or swirl mark from my Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film?
You can treat Scotchgard film just as you treat paint. 3M Car Care products, like 3M™ One Step Cleaner Wax or 3M™ Scratch Remover, can be used to remove light scratches.
 
Can I cover the whole vehicle with Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film?
Scotchgard film can be applied to any painted surface on a vehicle.
 
Can Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film be applied over graphics?
Generally, Scotchgard film can be applied over graphics; however, if Scotchgard film is removed, damage may occur to the underlying graphic during the removal process.

Does Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film resist yellowing?
Yes, a clear coat layer on Scotchgard film contains UV protectants to counteract harmful ultraviolet rays that can cause yellowing.
 
Will Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film change the color of my paint when I remove it?
Scotchgard film will not affect the color of the paint. Because the paint has been protected, the main difference will be gloss level. The gloss retention is better where the paint has been protected.

How is Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film maintained?
Once applied, refrain from washing the vehicle in an automated car wash for 24 hours. Washing after that time presents no problem, and regular waxing helps maintain the beauty of Scotchgard film.

Can I use wax over Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film?
Yes. 3M recommends you wax your vehicle with 3M™ Performance Finish Synthetic Wax (3M Part #39030). If wax or dirt builds up along the Scotchgard film edges, use a 3M™ Microfiber Detail Cloth (3M Part #06016) to remove it. Do not use any waxes containing dyes or waxes that are not recommended for urethanes. Abrasive polishes and/or rubbing compounds are not to be used.
 
How can I remove bug acid stains from Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film?

First, try this immediately – wash with soap and warm water. If that doesn’t remove it completely, use rubbing alcohol on the stain. After this, let the vehicle sit in the sun to help bleach the stains. This may take a few days and you should not wax Scotchgard film until the stains are gone.

Warranty for Consumers


What is the Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film warranty?

3M warrants that Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film will be free of defects in materials and manufacture — including yellowing, bubbling, or cracking — or five (5) years from date of purchase. This warranty does not apply to damage caused by misuse, accident, misapplication, or ordinary wear, nor does it apply to dents caused by physical impact of rocks or road debris.
The complete warranty statement, including "Remedies and Limitations," is available on the Warranty Card, available from a Certified Installer.
 
Is the Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film Warranty valid if an installation is done at a dealership?

Yes, the Scotchgard film warranty is valid if the installation is completed by a 3M Certified Installer.

What is a Certified Installer?

3M Certified Installers have been professionally trained at an Authorized 3M Training Center. They have passed the required written and installation tests. We at All American Window Tinting, Inc., are 3M Certified!!!!

As a consumer, if I install Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film, does it void the warranty?

3M provides a warranty on the materials, not the installation. The Scotchgard film warranty is only valid if installed by a certified installer.


Purchasing and Installation


Can I purchase Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film directly from 3M?
You can not purchase Scotchgard Paint Protection Film directly from 3M, contact us at All American Window Tinting, Inc., to get the best installation!

How much does it cost to have Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film installed on my vehicle?
It all depends on what areas of coverage you choose. Contact our office to get a quote today at 303-936-1362!

Can I install Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film myself?
3M strongly recommends that Scotchgard film be installed by a 3M Certified Installer. The warranty is valid only if the film is installed by a Certified Installer.






Information provided is courtesy of 3M.