Fixing swirls on Paint Protection Film!

Brad B

Brad B

New member
Just recently I had a couple questions posted to me concerning the swirls and light scratches on 3M clear "bra" film. This can happen even during the new application process with the squeegee. Certain applications, Porsches, for example, take extreme stretching and shaping to make the film fit precisely. All this working of the material with the squeegee leaves marks on the film. This is normally invisible on light colored cars but over dark paint, in the right light...swirl city!:eek:



Two seperate professional installers, one I spoke to personally, said nothing can be done for this. Well, as a true Autopian and perfectionist I couldn't live with this! They just haven't tried yet.

I called my friend at Reflex Enterprises, the distributors of Xpel, and here is his response:



This is more of a technical question for 3M since they are the manufacturers of the urethane, however I will take a stab at answering this question from my personal experience. First, I would suggest using a new squeegee as older squeegees tend to chip at the edge and can start to leave hair scratches. If I encounter some minor scratches in the film, I use a wax and

a high speed buffer (foam pad only) and lightly glaze over the material. It is important not to apply a lot of pressure to the film as this may lead to burning of the surface. It might be a good idea to using masking tape on the edges to avoid possible lifting of the film if you get to close to the edge with the buffer. I hope this answer helps with the scratching problem.



You might want to check out the 3M website at www.mmm.com which may provide an easier alternative to the scratching problem.



Regards,



Michael Mayall (mmayall@xpel.com)

Reflex Enterprises Technical Support

Voice (800) 447-9928 x 201 Fax (210) 342-8114



So, the basic answer is that it is possible to improve or remove the swirls in the plastic film. I have not tried it yet myself but will likely start with something like Klasse AIO and work up to such things as Meguiars Plastic Polish, then the compliment of superfine abrasives such as Pinnacle Paint Cleanser, 3M Swirl Mark Remover, etc. I will use the softest pad I have on a medium speed. Heat is used to remove the film so keep the heat down!!



Use Michaels suggestion and stay away from edges.



Good luck and post your suggestions.



NOTE

I was in the process of PMing a fellow Autopian on this matter when I lost record of who it was due to the recent loss of posts caused by the "bumbling Mayor"! ;) Please let me know you got this info. I promised I would follow up and I hate to break a promise!:(
 
I use my Cyclo with the white polishing pads, Light Cut for the polish and then a carnuba topper.



I always mask the edges because once you start messing around with the edges, like trying to remove wax build up, they are never the same.



Anthony
 
Taping the edges is a good idea. Or avoid using carnuaba around the film altogether. The hydroscopic nature of the natural wax is what causes the "white" to show at the edges. Just a thought. :up
 
Argh, I've been frustrated with this lately as well. Well not exactly the same problem. My clear bra has been getting cloudy and losing it's clarity lately. I was ready to take some SMR to it. Hadn't thought of using plastic polish though. I'd be a bit scared to get it on my paint. Taping the edges is a great idea! wish I'd thought of it before getting a bunch of carnuba stuck under the edges.



What's the best way to clean that white line that accumulates at the edges? I've tried alcohol and a Q-tip with very limited success. Suggestions would be welcome :)
 
Chin,



I use two methods for removing built up polish and wax from the edges.



My wife has some q-tips in her make up "tool box" that are pointed and I steal these and soak the points in liquid wax remover and work it along the edge as close as possible but without lifting or digging into the edge. It is a real drag if the residue is pushed farther under the clear bra or you lift up an edge. I then tape it off and re-wax.



I also found that a wooden or plastic toothpick works well. I prefer the wood ones because you can sand or sharpen the point into the desired shape you need.



Just take your time and don't push or force the toothpick or Q-tip.



Anthony
 
Anyone tried this and how did it work? I have a 3m clear bra and it is "swirl city". I'd like a tried and true method for removing the scratches - I own a PC, just need to know product and speed...
 
I just searched on this topic to see what you guys were doing for the product residue that accumulates along the edge of the clear bra on the hood and fenders.



I have used a wooden shish-kabob type pointed stick- like a big toothpick with some success.



I have used a fine detailing brush and that was a calamity. :idea It put swirl marks in the clear bra and the paint (Black Pearl).



So, I got out the PC and tried a few different products. My best results were with Meguiar's Scratch X and a white, light cut/polishing pad. It worked great on both the clear bra and clear coat. I was at setting 5. I topped off with Z8 and a MF bonnet on the PC.



Normally, I'm a Zaino Zombie so I don't have residue issues. But, being an anal retentive detail freak, I try different things. Some work; some don't.



I'm going to try the Q-tip tip. If I get around a booty, I mean, beauty supply store, I may try and find some of those fine foam Q-tips and try them.



Bottom line? The clear bra (3M anyway) responds just like a soft clear coat. Dave recently had nice things to say about Mother's Plastic cleaner/protector. Maybe I'll give that a try.



I've never learned the lesson that "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." :hairpull
 
Brad B. said:
Just recently I had a couple questions posted to me concerning the swirls and light scratches on 3M clear "bra" film. This can happen even during the new application process with the squeegee. Certain applications, Porsches, for example, take extreme stretching and shaping to make the film fit precisely. All this working of the material with the squeegee leaves marks on the film. This is normally invisible on light colored cars but over dark paint, in the right light...swirl city!:eek:



Two seperate professional installers, one I spoke to personally, said nothing can be done for this. Well, as a true Autopian and perfectionist I couldn't live with this! They just haven't tried yet.

I called my friend at Reflex Enterprises, the distributors of Xpel, and here is his response:



This is more of a technical question for 3M since they are the manufacturers of the urethane, however I will take a stab at answering this question from my personal experience. First, I would suggest using a new squeegee as older squeegees tend to chip at the edge and can start to leave hair scratches. If I encounter some minor scratches in the film, I use a wax and

a high speed buffer (foam pad only) and lightly glaze over the material. It is important not to apply a lot of pressure to the film as this may lead to burning of the surface. It might be a good idea to using masking tape on the edges to avoid possible lifting of the film if you get to close to the edge with the buffer. I hope this answer helps with the scratching problem.



You might want to check out the 3M website at www.mmm.com which may provide an easier alternative to the scratching problem.



Regards,



Michael Mayall (mmayall@xpel.com)

Reflex Enterprises Technical Support

Voice (800) 447-9928 x 201 Fax (210) 342-8114



So, the basic answer is that it is possible to improve or remove the swirls in the plastic film. I have not tried it yet myself but will likely start with something like Klasse AIO and work up to such things as Meguiars Plastic Polish, then the compliment of superfine abrasives such as Pinnacle Paint Cleanser, 3M Swirl Mark Remover, etc. I will use the softest pad I have on a medium speed. Heat is used to remove the film so keep the heat down!!



Use Michaels suggestion and stay away from edges.



Good luck and post your suggestions.



NOTE

I was in the process of PMing a fellow Autopian on this matter when I lost record of who it was due to the recent loss of posts caused by the "bumbling Mayor"! ;) Please let me know you got this info. I promised I would follow up and I hate to break a promise!:(
Click to expand...



Be careful with the 3M plastic polish since it has a tendency to cloud the film. Once this happens you will find that the swirls looked good in comparison. How do I know? I tried it and had to have the film replaced where I screwed it up!!!!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top