Polishing over 3M Scotchcal Paint Protection Film

[gfa]

One of my projects this spring will be to do some swirl removal on a 2017 Honda CRV that has the 3M paint protection film on the front of the hood. Is there anything I can use on this film or should I avoid doing anything to it?

[MrOneEyedBoh]

I have it too on my rocker panels. From what I've read, do not polish as the heat can cause it to turn cloudy.

[Bearcats98]

Do a search. Mike Phillips has a post or a video where he addresses it. The "stay safe" is don't run a polisher over it. However should you wish to gamble he goes over a plan on how to tackle it. I cant find it right now.

[Mike Phillips]

I buff these out all the time.

I use the BLACKFIRE One Step with either a soft foam polishing pad or a soft foam finishing pad.

If swirls and scratches are bad I start with the polishing pad and then once I'm happy with the defect removal I then re-buff with the finishing pad.

Clear plastic films like this are very easy to scratch but I've had good luck with the above and also any fine cut polish that uses GREAT abrasive technology and the same pad process.

[Bearcats98]

I found this:

https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...highlight=film

[WillSports3]

Use a soft pad, low speed and a good polish.

[MrOneEyedBoh]

If you buy a GOOD branded film like 3M or Xpel or Suntek hot water removed scratches or a heat gun.

[Bearcats98]

A good baking in the sun helps a lot. I have heard people pour heated water up to boiling on the skin. That would scare the *ahem* out of me to do that.

[Jeff at Gyeon]

GYEON makes a product specifically designed to lightly polish and chemically clean Paint Protection Film. The product is PPF Renew. It is fantastic. Use it with a fine polishing pad. Apply 3 drops on the pad. Work at a low speed and low pressure until the product nearly disappears. It also leaves behind a base layer of SiO2 that you can add protection over.