Clear sticker chip protectors?

JaredPointer

JaredPointer

COME AT ME BRO
I have two vehicles with these clear sticker type chip guards. (I assume that's what they are for.) At the edges, they seem to collect dirt and have turned color. Does anyone have any suggestions for cleaning these things (and keeping them clean??) Removing them really isn't an option, as one is on an old Porsche 944 and the paint is old. I don't know if the paint under it would look different. The other is on a new Tacoma on a painted plastic fender flare. Any help is appreciated! Thanks!!
 
To clarify: These are a thick, clear sticker in front of the rear tires. They are applied directly onto the paint. They seem to have tendency to yellow with time. I only assume they are there to protect against rock chips. They come on the cars from the factory as well.
 
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Sounds sorta like the clear bra material :3m Scotchcal or that Cleartastic stuff, but that's only availible on Mustands and Vettes AFAIK
 
There are shops that specialize in applying that stuff. I applied X-Pel to the foglights on my GTP, but if I was having anything done that had compound curves, I would probably use a professional.

Possibly one of those shops could remove the old matrial and apply some new.

Charles
 
Yes, 3M makes a "newer" one called Rocguard or something like that. It is "supposed" to not turn yellow and such. Many German automakers offer this as an option. Unfortuantely, when the edges get tethered, dirt starts to collect. I have yet to find an effective way to clean these :angry
 
Hmm..I'll be on the look out for that 3m RocGuard. Only material similar I was aware of is Scotchcal which is the material used by Xpel, Stongard, Invinca Shield, etc.
 
Some of the older cars came with them with the car, and the film on those are usually the older type. They willl usually turn yellow or collect lots dirt and become a major PIA to clean eventually.

I've taken out those "factory equipment" paint protection film on our old Volvo. No biggy, didn't have any problem the paint. But the left over adhesive could be a pain sometimes.

If they are yellow like that, of course you can't do anything about them. But you can always use either some Q tip or MF with rubbing alcohol, and it should take out most of the dirt deposit.
 
I'm a dealer for Xpel so I'll chime in. 3M just very recently came out with a new film that doesn't yellow. It's possible that you either have the old film or another brand. You can remove them and have no problems with paint fading because they have no UV inhibitive properties. If you decide to replace them, application is the same as window tint, but you may have problems with curves. Once on, they are treated like paint, but can't have any harsh compounds used on them.
 
I recently took a 3M paint protection film off my Honda, I tried everything but I could never keep the edges of the film clean.

Shame really because as a protector the film is excellent, two years on my Honda and not one paint chip. I just could not live with look any longer.

Kits with multiple pieces are more prone to this problem than other kits with fewer pieces, which are harder to apply but have fewer edges to collect polish, LSP's and road grime.

If anyone knows a GOOD work-around for this problem I'll be very happy to hear it.
 
Jared
I would try some type of solvant or alcohol. My faves are goof off latex paint remover great on anything stickey ink gum etc. Or denatured alcohol.

Good Luck.
 
Jared,

You are referring to PPF (Paint Protection Film). Many newer cars come from the factory with this film, usually on the leading edge of the rocker panels just before the rear wheel arches.

I would NOT remove these unless you have consulted with the vehicle's owner first. They are there for a reason (this is a popular place for tar and road debris to do damage.)

As for cleaning, ron s is going in the right direction. Apply some mineral spirits or prep-sol, googone or whatever to the edge collecting grime. Carefully scrape that edge with a plastic razor blade with one hand while wiping the residue with the other using a terry towel. Of course, be careful not to loosen the edge from the paint or the PPF will delaminate.

Also try tintdude.com 's forum. They have a PPF section where the pro's who install/remove PPF can help with any other issues. Friendly folks over there, too. Good luck.

Mike R
 
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