Getting your vehicle wrapped in 3M clear protective film means you have invested in protecting your vehicle’s body. However, environmental factors such as harsh sunlight or heavy rains can destroy this protective layer. You may want your investment to be protected.
Your 3M clear protective film requires proper maintenance to keep it pristine. Auto Boss experts suggest following some tips to enhance the lifespan of your PPF coating. Our cleaners provide you with the best in-town services.
3M clear protective film
A clear automotive paint protection film is a coating to cover the vehicle paint. It requires proper maintenance to maintain its overall glossy appearance.
Tips to increase the life of 3M paint protection film
Auto Boss is authorized to use 3M clear protective film as a top-class installer. Here are some recommendations to increase the lifespan of 3M clear protective film.
Let the protective film cure properly
After installation, a PPF coating requires at least one week to cure properly. Our experts suggest avoiding disturbing your protection film or washing your vehicle until the protective film sets properly.
Dust and Wax regularly
Dusting is significant in preventing grime and contaminants from buildup. It starts building up if you leave dirt on the car surface for long. Later on, it will require a power wash to get rid of. The hard bristles of the brushes are used in power washing. Auto Boss experts suggest getting a monthly car wash to keep your vehicle clean and prevent dirt buildup.
If you clean your car after regular intervals with mild automotive shampoo, you will require fewer professional washes.
Use neutral-based car washes
If you are washing your car yourself, Auto Boss experts suggest using the two-bucket method. Our experts recommend using a soft mitt, clean water, and a simple dishwasher or vehicle cleaner. Harsh chemicals can fade away the shine of the 3M clear protective film.
Although 3M paint protection film comes with a warranty, washing it with abrasive chemicals can take its shine or cause the whole color to fade. At Auto Boss, we use hand-wash cars to protect your vehicle’s paint protection.
Use a touchless high-pressure washer
You can wash your vehicle by using a touchless pressure wash. Dry the car with a drying microfiber towel.
Drying
Proper vehicle drying is a significant part of the cleaning process. If you leave your vehicle after washing, water droplets can dry on the car’s surface, leaving marks on it. Dry your vehicle gently. We suggest avoiding using old or hard cloth. Hard cotton or old cloth can cause your wrapped vehicle surface to get scratched.
Wax
Our cleaning experts use non-abrasive polishes and waxes. If you are cleaning your vehicle, we recommend Teflon or Carnuba-based waxes. Using abrasive or hard chemical waxes causes a protective film to be damaged.
Use premium sealants
Auto Boss professionals suggest considering applying a premium quality sealant to your vehicle. A high-quality sealant enhances the properties of the protective film. Applying sealants to your 3M paint protective film increases its life.
Remove the Wax buildup
Use a minor wooden match stick or toothpicks to remove Wax buildup on the edges. I am leaving excessive Wax to build up for a long time and stick to the PPF coating surface.
Park your vehicle under the shade
Auto Boss PPF installers suggest parking your vehicle under the shade to protect it from direct sunlight or rain. Continuous exposure to UV radiation causes the vinyl film to degrade prematurely.
Parking under trees can save your vehicle from the harsh sun, but it can also receive tree sap or bird droppings. If you don’t have a garage and park your car under a tree, clean the surface when you see tree sap or birds dropping on it.
According to Auto Boss experts, don’t let the tree sap dry. If you leave the tree sap or bird droppings dry, it won’t be easy to clean them.
Drive carefully
Careful driving keeps you safe from accidents. When driving a vehicle close to others, flying debris can damage your 3M PPF coating.
It would help if you also were careful while parking close to the objects as it can damage or scratch your film.
Proper installation
Install a paint protection film properly to ensure maximum protection. A professional installer ensures the longevity of the lifespan. Proper installation protects your paint protection film from lifting, bubbling, or peeling off.
Things to avoid
- Avoid using a degreaser or powder-based for cleaning your 3M paint protection film
- Don’t use hard or abrasive sponges or scrubbers. Avoid excessive scrubbing or force to clean or dry your car surface.
- Claying is good for the car surface but not for the protection film or PPF coating. Although 3 M paint protective film is one of the durable protection films, using clay can damage it.
- Hard polishes or compound waxes are harmful to the clear car wrap. Abrasive polishes can damage your 3M paint protective film.
- High-speed polishing equipment or power buffers can destroy your automotive paint protection film.
- Avoid pricking up your 3M paint protective film from the edges. Remember! Once you lift the corners of your vinyl, it will not settle back without getting damaged.
- A high-pressure house near 36 inches can also damage your PPF coating.
Related Article: Paint protection film and ceramic coating: Which one is the best one
Conclusion
The life of a 3M paint protective film varies depending on factors like maintenance level and environmental conditions. Normally, a 3m PPF coating lasts up to ten years. Your vehicle’s appearance remains in pristine condition.
FAQs
What is the average lifespan of PPF?
The life of PPF is up to ten years. 3M PPF comes with a warranty when installed by a certified company.
How to maintain 3M ceramic coating?
Dusting and waxing to prevent contaminants buildup