Clear Paint Protection Film Removal

[VGA No.1]

Hello guys I just need an advice before I start on a car.

Vehicle: Ferrari 458 Italia 2010-2011
Color: Ferrari Red
Condition: No scratch, No Swirls. Preserved in a humidifier and never driven

Problem: Not enough gloss
Another Problem: Had a clear paint protection film: Full hood, half fenders, Full front spoiler, Door edges, Full side skirts, Full upper tail light's portions.

Help: How to remove the clear paint protection film.

Few weeks ago my client was amazed with my full restoration / paint correction which I made on a year '97 speed yellow porsche 993 twin turbo s. When we parked the car inside the garage and realized that the speed yellow was more stunning with an ultimate gloss, paint finish compared to a new 2011 red 458 ferrari that had a clear film paint protection all covered on to the top portion and front fender of a car. When the owner had the fresh 458 delivered he had it wrapped on a paint protection film and which never had a paint correction but simply just a wax applied on to it then covered the car with film. Imagine how poor the gloss can be..... Now I have decided to have the film removed and not to bother the one who installed the film when we also want to save cost. Now in a few days I will be making my first attempt removal of the clear paint protection film which I needed advice. Then paint correction, jeweling just to bring out the gloss then apply the optimum opti coat 2.0 which I am already an experienced detailer. When the car is fully cured & hardened, new clear paint protection film will be applied on again. Hope I have given the right info regarding my concern but just limited pictures. Thank you all for your help.

 

[ReflectiveAuto]

1st of all...the 993 Turbo is one of my favorite P-Cars. Please post pics. I have heard of people taking a blow dryer at low heat and removing the clear bra protector slowly...again post pics of that sexy P-Car.

 

[RoadRageDetail]

Since the vinyl isn't very old and hasn't been in any harsh environments it should come off fairly easily. Its removing the bras that are well beyond the point they NEEDED to be removed that create the most headaches.

If you have a steamer with a single point attachment you should have little to no trouble safely warming and softening the adhesive to release the bra. A heat gun on low settings is a runner-up but very special care must be taken to avoid over-heating the paint, plastics, or coatings.

A pack of plastic razor blades and 3M adhesive remover will be handy on this task as well. Happy detailing!

+1 on the pic request!!!

 

[stibuki]

In agreement with RoadRage. It should come off very easily with a little carefully applied heat. The adhesive should for the most part come off with the clear bra. I use a heat gun on low and peal back slowly much like the way you remove masking tap on fresh paint. 3M adhesive will make quick work of the remaining adhesive if any.

However I would advise against applying the new protection over any type of sealant or nano coating as most are designed to be applied on top of clean untreated paint. I would check with both manufactures for recommendations. I personally would do all my prep work including jeweling, strip clean the clear bra area's, apply clear bra and then opti coat after the fact.

 

[VGA No.1]

1st of all...the 993 Turbo is one of my favorite P-Cars. Please post pics. I have heard of people taking a blow dryer at low heat and removing the clear bra protector slowly...again post pics of that sexy P-Car.

alright here are some of a few 993 pics that I have done for 150 days of full restos. Thinking of posting it but really I need the right way posting my work haha. View attachment 13520

View attachment 13518

View attachment 13519

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For now this is the only pics I can post while the files and before pics where saved from my other computer. Also I had it restored on the lower fender wheel guards had it painted auto finish with clear coat in it. More of my works when I change the stock suspension into bilsteins pss10 coil over, restored the suspension arm, Painted all underchassis black plastic guards, Drop down engine and more. Car looks more of a fully restored custom. Posting real before and after pics soon. Thanks guys

 

[VGA No.1]

Guys also I need help on paint correction I found a lot of light but deep scratch on the red ferrari 458 italia from transport and car cover (maybe) and cutting the hard paint with wool pad on optimum compound II on a rotary is just so hard. Also Im doing a follow up polishing and finishing on with D.A. machine with lake and country pads with optimum products but the result are just average. For now I don't have the Micro fiber cutting and finishing for D.A. which I know is the fastest way. I will have my orders from overseas Lake country Microfiber correction pads. Are they the best? coming month end I cant wait anymore but its fine I just have to wait and do alot of research befor anything else. Ferrari red 2010-2011 paint is really hard. I need your suggestion. Thank you all