Clear bra installed, how to remove swirls???

[tdekany]

The installer told me this too, but that's only for deep scratches. I tried it on my other 3M film before, it doesn't really remove swirls, per se...esp if done by hand.

It is the other way around - how can something remove deep scratches and leave light swirls behind?

The first time I saw it done in front of me, I couldn't believe my eyes. Now I don't correct clear bra anymore. Just use the IPA method.

Good luck though.

 

[FUNX650]

1) 3M film can be polished just like any clear coat.

^^^^^^^^
IMHO...NO!

But, there are concerns to be taken into consideration in terms of heat buildup. Is that a fair assessment? I guess I am a "little" worried that polishing the film will lead to removing the UV protective top layer of the film, which in turn is bad for the paint underneath. So I don't want that to happen.

"Herein lies the comparison I make between PPF's top-coatings and clear-coat top-coated paint. We are told by OEMs, and others, to not remove more than .5 mils total of 2-2.5 mils of this clear-coat paint's top-coat because there is where the majority of the UV protection/inhibitors lay. With PPF the "protective" top-coating layer, that has the UV protection and other inhibitors, is usually only between .3 and .5 mils thick.

To me, this would mean an adjustment in ones buffing process thinking. Whereas removal of .5 or less mils from the clear-coat may be acceptible, removal of that same amount of the PPF's "protective" PU top-coating may make the PPF look good now, but would surely increase the possibility for the PPF to start yellowing and "fail" prematurely....and, thusly, would void any warranties".

2) Clear sealants must be used on the film for best results, and to prevent yellowing. I plan on using CG Jetseal. Any issue with that sealant? I also have Blackfire, WGDGPS, 4Star, and Polylock.

Just ordered a sample of the Xpel sealant, thanks for the recommendation.

I use XPel's sealant now.
Corporate Office & Training Center:
XPEL Technologies Corp.
618 W. Sunset Road
San Antonio, Texas 78216 U.S.A
Toll Free: (800) 447-9928
International: (210) 678-3700
Fax: (210) 678-3701
email: [email protected]

Also:
Premier Protection Films International (Their: PF-1 T.T.R., best stuff for "scuffs")
510.406.1500
510.623.1308
sales@premiermobilegroup

So I plan on using my PC, at speed 4, with a gray LC CCS pad, with PO85RD or Super Finish to start out with. Anyone see any issue with that? If it needs more, I can step up to a white pad with PO85RD/Super Finish.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Twister View Post
Quote:[from XPel]
"The best solution is going to be to use 3M Perfect -It part# 06064 Machine Polish, with the coordinating buffing pad part# 05738. #Use a an Orbital buffer at the lowest speed and then gradually progress up as needed. #This must be done very carefully so that you don't burn through the film. #I usually hit the area a few times for about 15-30 seconds each time. #If this doesn't work the stain might have seeped through the pores under the top coat and could be perminent.
Quote:

Originally Posted by FUNX725 View Post
I've also had success with 3M Finesse-It II Finishing Material (3M # 05928) on a foam polishing pad, speed 2-3 on the PC, with very light pressure. Make sure to not linger more than 15-20 seconds on any area. You can always go back if needed..don't want to overheat the PPF. Apply a clear sealant when finished".

Thing of it is, I can "live" with the swirls on the film...but it just bothers me But I don't want to ruin the $$$ I paid for the film.
But it's all good, all the swirls are gone from my paint now. Just have to worry about the swirls on the film.

Please try to keep in mind all that's been posted...If you so desire, that is...
And be very, very careful around the edges!! As well as the rest of the PPF, I'd like to add.

{Like you, I really want your PPF to last longer than its expected life-cycle}


NOTE:
I've learned to live with a few imperfections/blemishes... mostly my doings from getting out and enjoying the vehicles the way I think they should be...
But in the back of my mind I know that the PPF will be saving some resprays.



Bob

 

[RaskyR1]

Oh and Rasky, I totally hear you on the swirls on the paint AND the film thing. But see, I'm from a small town here in the midwest, and there isn't much choice for anything. In otherwords, I'd have to drive to like Chicago or somewhere big to have REAL QUALITY work. It is what it is. My paint is partially swirled from him wiping it down, esp on the edges to get the film to lay flat. I didn't want to be a total jacka$$ about it too. Hell, I even PROVIDED the 10 clean MF's he used to finish the install. He loved my stuff so much I told him he could keep it...lol. I shudder to think if I did NOT give him the towels to use in the first place, how mucked up my paint would be.

As for the swirls on the film... I think that would be really hard for an installer to avoid doing that. I mean he's spraying alcohol, wiping, using silicone blade, etc etc... repeatedly. I can understand if there's some. But man, maybe your guys' installers are WAYYYYY better.

But it's all good, all the swirls are gone from my paint now. Just have to worry about the swirls on the film.

Yeah, not much you can do in that case. It's pretty hard to tell someone like that they're doing something wrong too. You should be able to correct it with minimal effort though.

It's definitely avoidable....I'm guessing the guy is just using poor/old/damaged tools or squeegee's, but it could be something else. I reached out to some installers to see what they had to say.

 

[oldmodman]

Just went to the X-Pel site to price the kits for my 2003 Cobra.

Just the plastic, no labor $959.00

Too rich for me.

 

[Conan]

It will vary a lot depending on installer and location. But for a basic front end plus a pillars, it will cost you between 500 - 1000. Yes, it can vary that much.



I get worried about the film discoloring or getting hazy after polishing. I wish I had a test subject. So you used polishes by hand or by buffer? And kind/brand of each did you use?

I do it just by hand. I've used mainly Autoglym SRP, recently tried FK 215 to remove water spots. As the film ages it will also lose gloss when not polished/waxed, at least that's my experience with mine.