3M™ Protection Wrap Film Vehicle Installation
FAQ Protection Wrap Film Installation Revision A, April 2024
How much stretch can be applied to the film during installation? 3M recommends not stretching 3M™ Protection Wrap Film more than 15%. Overstretching the film can crack the clear coat or cause adhesive marking when applying the film to complex areas. Does 3M™ Protection Wrap Film have a conformable protective film layer (PFL) on its surface? No. 3M™ Protection Wrap Film does not have a PFL. Gloss colors have a cap sheet that help protect the film until it is used. Does the vehicle’s condition impact the look of 3M™ Protection Wrap Film? All wrap films, including 3M™ Protection Wrap Film, should be applied to a “like new” vehicle finish for the best results. 3M’s warranty only applies to vehicles that have an excellent bond between the paint and the vehicle substrate. Any rust, bubbling, scratches, dents, or other damage will be visible through the film, and such imperfections may damage the film or cause the film to fail prematurely. Areas repaired with body filler must be sanded, epoxy primed, and, for best results, finished with an original equipment manufacturer paint or clear coat. Any recently applied finish must be fully cured according to the paint manufacturer’s directions before film is applied. Any defect in the paint—including scratches, dents, bubbling, pitting, fisheyes, and orange peel—may be visible through 3M™ Protection Wrap Film, especially when using the flat, gloss colors. 3M recommends a professional paint correction be performed when heavy orange peeling is present on a vehicle prior to installing 3M™ Protection Wrap Film. Failure to do so will result in high gloss films taking on the orange peel appearance. Wrap shops should set proper expectations for their customers before installing any 3M™ Protection Wrap Film. How do I clean the vehicle properly before applying film? Cleaning the application surface properly is one of the most important steps to a good application. See the 3M™ Vehicle Prep for Success Guide for details. Working with 3M™ Protection Wrap Film high gloss films requires a clean installation environment. Keep the floors clean of dust and debris to lessen the chance of contaminants getting under the film. Lint-free clothing and hair covers may also be necessary. Film should be installed immediately after the installation surface has been cleaned. When should I remove the cap sheet? The cap sheet on the gloss films can be left on for the entire installation, but it MUST be removed before post-heating. Some installers prefer to keep the cap sheet on for flat surface applications and remove it before curved surface applications. The cap sheet MUST be removed before the final squeegee and inspection and before applying heat to the film. Can I use ceramic coating or ceramic boost spray? Yes, 3M™ Ceramic Coating 39901 and 3M™ Ceramic Boost Spray 39905 can be used with 3M™ Protection Wrap Film. Can I print on 3M™ Protection Wrap Film? No. 3M™ Protection Wrap Film is available in many colors, textures, and finishes, and is intended to be used without further processing. 3M has other printable film options for vehicles; ask a 3M sales representative for more information. Is the cap sheet on 3M™ Protection Wrap Film gloss films recyclable? The cap sheet is made of PET. Recycling programs vary from country to country and may not be available in a given area. Ask the local solid waste authority about their plastic Number 1 recycling program. Can I use 3M™ Knifeless™ Tape with 3M™ Protection Wrap Film? Yes, 3M™ Protection Wrap Film is compatible with 3M™ Knifeless™ Tape Precision Line and 3M™ Knifeless™ Tape Design Line. See 3M.com/knifelesstapes for further information. Does 3M™ Protection Wrap Film exhibit lot to lot variations in color? Lot-to-lot variations are not common in 3M™ Protection Wrap Film colors as 3M has specifications in place to prevent large color variations. However, film colors can vary slightly from lot to lot. To ensure the most consistent color, use the same film lot number for an entire installation.
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3M™ Protection Wrap Film Vehicle Installation
FAQ Protection Wrap Film Installation Revision A, April 2024
Do some films appear to change color if applied in different directions? Yes. Certain 3M™ Protection Wrap Film colors, such as textured, metallic, pearl, and color flip films may have a directional characteristic to their appearance. To achieve the best overall appearance, install the film in a consistent orientation for the entire installation. 3M recommends checking the film’s orientation and color prior to installation. Do NOT alternate a film’s orientation from panel to panel. What is the best way to handle and store partial remaining rolls of film? 3M recommends holding the top of the core with one hand and firmly pulling any slack out of the roll. Then tape from the center out to the edges while keeping the roll tight. Additionally, replace the endcaps before placing in a box. What is the warranty on the new 3M™ Protection Wrap Film? 10-year consumer warranty backed by 3M. Ask a 3M authorized installer or see the warranty card for complete details. Installation Overview Where can I get complete installation details? See the 3M™ Protection Wrap Film Installation Guide. Additionally, 3M offers world-class training for professional growth, as well as opportunities to earn an installer endorsement from 3M and be listed on the 3M website. Is film primer required on complex curves? 3M recommends using 3M™ Primer 94 to maximize a film's bond to the substrate in any areas that will be stretched, particularly on the edges of the film. Consult air quality regulations before using 3M™ Primer 94. Can I wet-apply 3M™ Protection Wrap Film? No. 3M does NOT recommend or warrant using a wetting solution on the vehicle surface when applying any film with air release channels. The installer may use a wetting solution on top of the film layer to provide some slip resistance for the squeegee. Health and Safety Tools and Equipment Usage When using any equipment, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe operation. Chemicals When handling any chemical products, read the manufacturers’ container labels and the Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for important health, safety, and environmental information. Follow this link to obtain SDS sheets for 3M products. Follow this link to obtain information about substances of very high concern (SVHC) for EU products.
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3M™ Protection Wrap Film Vehicle Installation
FAQ Protection Wrap Film Installation Revision A, April 2024
Warranty Information
Technical Information Technical information, guidance, and other statements provided by 3M are based upon records, tests, or experience that 3M believes to be reliable, but the accuracy, completeness, and representative nature of such information is not guaranteed. Such information is intended for people with knowledge and technical skills sufficient to assess and apply their own informed judgment to the information. No license to any intellectual property rights is granted or implied with respect to this technical information. Product Selection and Use Many factors beyond 3M's control and uniquely within user's knowledge and control can affect the use and performance of a 3M product in a particular application. Customer is solely responsible for evaluating the product and determining whether it is appropriate and suitable for customer's application, including conducting a workplace hazard assessment, reviewing all applicable regulations and standards, and reviewing the product label and use instructions. Failure to properly evaluate, select, and use a 3M product in accordance with instructions or to meet all applicable safety regulations may result in injury, sickness, death, and/or harm to property. Warranty, Limited Remedy, and Disclaimer Unless a different warranty is specifically stated on the applicable 3M product packaging or product literature (in which case such warranty governs), 3M warrants that each 3M product meets the applicable 3M product specification at the time 3M ships the product. 3M MAKES NO OTHER WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY WARRANTY OR CONDITION OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR ARISING OUT OF A COURSE OF DEALING, CUSTOM, OR USAGE OF TRADE. If a 3M product does not conform to this warranty, the sole and exclusive remedy is, at 3M's option, replacement of the 3M product or refund of the purchase price. Limitation of Liability Except for the limited remedy stated above, and except to the extent prohibited by law, 3M will not be liable for any loss or damage arising from or related to the 3M product, whether direct, indirect, special, incidental, or consequential (including, but not limited to, lost profits or business opportunity), regardless of the legal or equitable theory asserted, including, but not limited to, warranty, contract, negligence, or strict liability.
Commercial Branding and Transportation 3M Center, Building 223-3N-30 St. Paul, MN 55144
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