Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who
installs my kit?
A:
AutoShield Carolinas uses only professional
3M
certified
installers.
Our technicians have received long
term
intensive training
to insure the highest quality of work.
Your
3M warranty is only valid
when a
3M certified installer completes the installation.
Q:
Can I do this
myself?
A:
First, we and
3M
always recommend
that an experienced
3M
certified
installer
complete
the work.
Installations range
in difficulty from a
level one to a level
five plus.
Your vehicle's front
end has many
contours
and curves
that can prove more
than challenging.
To insure proper
coverage and a
secure fit seek
out
a professional.
Again remember, do
it yourself and
there is no
warranty.
Q:
Will the paint fade
differently under
the film verses the
rest of my car?
A: Your
3M Scotchgard
paint protection film
is UV stabilized to
insure and even
color to your
vehicle's paint.
In addition the
3M Scotchgard
paint protection film is
the only
paint protection film with a
clear coat on top of
the vinyl. As
long as your
maintain your
vehicle's finish by
washing and
polishing, there
will be no
discernable
difference.
Q:
Can I see the
paint protection film
after it has been
applied?
A: The newest
version of our
paint protection film
is 99.5% optically
clear and
is virtually
invisible.
There will be a
faint line at the
back edge
of the hood kit.
Most people would
never know that it
is on the car.
After an install
many owner's ask -
Where is it?
Q: Will it
really help prevent
stone chips ?
A: Yes, our 8
Mil
paint protection film is energy
absorbent and was
originally designed
to prevent damage on
the leading edge of
helicopter rotor
blades.
Another version of
the paint protection film
is the
3M
Aerospace film
(Non-clear coated)
which has also been used
extensively in the
Aerospace industry.
Q:
What is the
difference between a
Black Auto Bra and a
Clear Bra?
A: Cloth/Vinyl
Bras are not
permanently attached
to the vehicle and
will collect dirt
and moisture under
the edges.
Unless these bras
are removed, washed
and dried frequently
they can cause
chaffing and
clouding on the
paint of your
vehicle.
AutoShield's
3M Scotchgard paint
protection film
protects the painted
surfaces without
these effects and
helps maintain the
beauty of your
vehicle.
Q:
Can it be removed?
A: Yes but it does
not come off by
itself. Once
the product is taken
off it cannot be
reused.
Q:
Can the paint peel
off when the product
is
removed?
A: We
and
3M
only guarantee that
factory paint jobs
will not pull paint
when removing the
film.
Repainted vehicles
must cure for 30
days unless
specified by your
body shop (see list
below).
Neither we nor 3M
will warranty a
repaint due to the
variety of painting
methods used by
painters. The most
important aspect is
paint prep. We
also highly
recommend that you
seek out a body shop
that bakes the
paint.
Applying paint
protection film to
touch ups or
partially cured
paint may result in
the paint peeling if
the
paint protection film is removed.
If you have
any questions about
this talk to your
certified installer
in advance.
Q: I
noticed foggy
"bubbles" in the
paint protection film after it was
installed, is this
normal?
A: This is
very normal.
Just like automotive window
tint, there is a
curing process that
occurs. The
'bubbles' that you
see are actually
pockets of alcohol
solution that will
evaporate after the
vehicle has been out
in the sun.
DO NOT play
with or press these
bubbles as it may
stretch out the
paint protection film, resulting in
areas that look like
loose skin. It
is important to let
the film 'dry or
cure out'. If the
bubbles do not go
away within 2-3
weeks they will need
to be popped.
Please do not do
this yourself.
Your installation is
warranted so please
call and schedule an
appointment.
Q:
What
are the little
yellow-orange spots
that I sometimes see
on
paint protection film?
A: These are bee
stains. They are
very normal.
No, they are not
permanent. Simply
make sure your
vehicle is parked in
the sun over the
next few days. The
more your vehicle
sits in the sun the
quicker they will
fade away. If you
would like to speed
up the process, dip
a cue tip or cotton
ball in bleach and
dab the stains
repeatedly until
they disappear
(usually several
seconds).
Q:
Can I remove
scratches from the
paint protection film?
A: Yes,
remember never use
any abrasive
cleaners on your
paint protection film. Unlike other
paint protection film, the 3M Scotchgard's clear
coat allows you to
remove most fine
scratches.
If
your
paint protection film has
scratches try the
following:
•
First
try wiping down the
affected area with
rubbing alcohol.
Then apply a mild
cleaner wax (not
rubbing compound)
and a soft cotton
cloth). Once the
scratch is removed
you may use
a carnauba-based wax
to restore the
finish.
•
If
you are experienced
with an orbital
buffer, you may use
a SOFT wool pad at a
speed of less than
2000 RPM; use only
light pressure.
If using an orbital
buffer we recommend
using SRC Finishing
Compound by 3M.
We have found that
this removes
scratches the best.
Then finish with
your favorite polish
or a carauba-based
wax.
Q:
How long will my
3M
paint protection
film last?
A: ASC's
3M
paint protection
film
comes with a
five-year warranty
from the date of the
installation.
Your paint
protection film is
warranted not to
yellow, peel,
bubble, or crack.
The
3M
paint protection
film
warranty does
not apply to damage
caused by misuse,
accident, or
ordinary wear.
It also does not
cover dents caused
by dents caused by
physical impact, or
rocks and road
debris. The
owner must maintain
the vehicle by
normal washing and
polishing of the
car.
LIFETIME WARRANTIES-
read the fine print!
There are many
exclusions and they
count on the fact
that you will not
keep your car more
than a few years.
In addition an
installer who works
out of his 'trunk'
most likely won't be
around to honor the
warranty several
years from now.
For Your Protection - What you need to look for..... (Read More)