Frequently Asked Questions - Paint Protection Films | Clear Bra

Car Owner

Q. What is paint protection film (which is also known as clear bra)?

A. 3M’s highest quality car paint protection film is Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film Pro Series. Pro Series offers the ultimate car paint protection available in clear or matte. It sets a new industry standard with technology improvements, including superior scratch and stain resistance, outstanding clarity (clear film), and deep satin finish (matte film). 3M car paint protection film has a flexible, clear top coat that has exceptional stretch and is self-healing to eliminate minor scratches.

Q. How does 3M paint protection film clear and matte compare to other paint protection films on the market?

A. Scotchgard paint protection film pro series clear and matte provide many features, advantages and benefits (PDF, 123 KB) over other films:
 

  • Outstanding clarity – Scotchgard paint protection film pro series clear has low orange peel, making it one of the clearest paint protection films and virtually invisible, even on white cars. Our matte paint protection film offers a deep satin finish to match most OEM matte paint systems or turn your clear paint into a matte finish.
  • Durable clear coat – The clear coat technology on both the clear and matte paint protection films make our auto paint protection film easier to clean and harder to scratch, which keeps cars looking newer longer.
  • Self-healing properties – Innovative technology in the paint protection film causes minor scratches to disappear, which keeps the paint protection film and car’s finish looking new.

Q. Where can I put clear paint protection film on my car?

A. Clear bra can be professionally installed anywhere you want to protect your car finish from scratches, chips, stains and other damaging elements. Scotchgard paint protection film pro series protects:
 

  • Rocker panels from sand and stones kicked up by tires
  • Trunk ledges from golf clubs, luggage and strollers
  • Hoods, bumpers and mirror backs from flying gravel, bug damage and tar
  • Door handle cavities and door edges from rings, keys, belt buckles and purses
  • Full hoods, trunks and roofs from bird droppings and tree sap

Q. Can I install 3M clear paint protection film myself?

A. 3M strongly recommends having a 3M clear bra installer apply Scotchgard paint protection film to your car. Clear bra installers have the installation training and experience to ensure the highest quality fit to your car. The warranty is valid only if the clear paint protection film is installed by a 3M paint protection installer.

Q. What does self-healing paint protection film entail?

A. Innovative technology in the paint protection film causes minor scratches to disappear, which keeps the paint protection film and car’s finish looking new. 

Q. What is the warranty for paint protection film?

A. The 3M comprehensive warranty for Scotchgard paint protection film pro series is valid 10 years from the date of installation and covers against defects, yellowing, bubbling and cracking.

Q. Is clear or matte paint protection film removable?

A. Yes. Paint protection film is intended to be permanent, but it can be removed without damage to your car’s finish. 3M recommends that you visit a 3M paint protection film installer for removal.

Q. Where can I get additional information about the clear or matte paint protection film?

Send us a message with your questions and one of our experts will get back to you.

A. Call us at 1-800-328-1684 or click here to send us a message.

Installer

Q. What is paint protection film (which is also known as clear bra)?

A. 3M’s highest quality car paint protection film is Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film Pro Series. Pro Series offers the ultimate car paint protection available in clear or matte. It sets a new industry standard with technology improvements, including superior scratch and stain resistance, outstanding clarity (clear film), and deep satin finish (matte film). 3M car paint protection film has a flexible, clear top coat that has exceptional stretch and is self-healing to eliminate minor scratches.

Q. How does 3M paint protection film clear and matte compare to other paint protection films on the market?

A. Scotchgard paint protection film pro series clear and matte provide many features, features, advantages and benefits (PDF, 123 KB) over other films:
 

  • Outstanding clarity– Scotchgard paint protection film pro series clear has low orange peel, making it one of the clearest paint protection films and virtually invisible, even on white cars. Our matte paint protection film offers a deep satin finish to match most OEM matte paint systems or turn your clear paint into a matte finish.
  • Durable clear coat – The clear coat technology on both the clear and matte paint protection films make our auto paint protection film easier to clean and harder to scratch, which keeps cars looking newer longer.
  • Self-healing properties – Innovative technology in the paint protection film causes minor scratches to disappear, which keeps the paint protection film and car’s finish looking new.
  • Ease of installation – The elastic clear coat and forgiving adhesive give the clear bra maximum flexibility to hug the curves and contours of the car, which makes complex installations faster and easier. We even offer a 60 inch paint protection film that covers the entire hood of most cars.
  • Operational efficiencies – The newest paint protection film, Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film Pro Series (both clear and matte) have better cutting ability, and requires no cap sheet, for faster cutting and weeding with less scrap and wasted paint protection film, resulting in quicker installations.

Q. Why should installers choose to sell and install paint protection film clear or matte from 3M?

A. No other company can offer the combination of superior performing car paint protection film, world-class marketing support, paint protection film technology development and the recognized and trusted 3M brand name.

The technology to produce Scotchgard paint protection film pro series clear or matte allows you to master clear bra installations more quickly. The paint protection film’s characteristics include self-healing properties, exceptional clarity (clear film), faster cutting and weeding with less scrap, and most importantly, a revolutionary clear top coat that is flexible for quicker, easier paint protection film installations.

3M also helps you grow your business with auto paint protection film programs that include customizable marketing tools, 3M installer training, support in lead generation and the unrivaled power and recognition of the Scotchgard brand name.

Q. What is the warranty for Scotchgard paint protection film pro series clear or matte?

A. The 3M comprehensive warranty for Scotchgard paint protection film pro series clear or matte is 10 years from the date of installation and covers against defects, yellowing, bubbling and cracking.

Q. What is the Scotchgard paint protection film service agreement?

A. 3M is the only auto paint protection film manufacturer to offer paint coverage with the paint protection film installation. The service agreement (PDF, 2.5 MB) covers the car’s paint under the areas where paint protection film has been applied. 3M will remove the damaged film, repair the damaged area and apply new film. Customers can choose between a five or three year agreement for coverage.

Scotchgard paint protection film and the underlying paint is covered if
 

  • Chipped or pitted by grave, sand or rock chips
  • Scratched from car washes, tree limbs, etc.
  • Stained from road salt, bird droppings, tree sap or bugs

For more information on service agreements (PDF, 2.5 MB), contact your sales representatives or your authorised paint protection film distributor.

Q. How much does it cost a paint protection film installer to purchase the Scotchgard paint protection film service agreement?

A. Contact your local 3M paint protection film authorised distributor for more paint protection film pricing information.

Q. Why should I sell the Scotchgard™ paint protection film service agreements?

A. You can build customer loyalty and increase customer satisfaction with the service agreement (PDF, 2.5 MB). The service agreement (PDF, 2.5 MB) is a great complement to the Scotchgard paint protection film pro series and serve as a new source of revenue for your business.

Dealerships

Q. What is paint protection film (which is also known as clear bra)?

A. 3M’s highest quality car paint protection film is Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film Pro Series. Pro Series offers the ultimate car paint protection available in clear or matte. It sets a new industry standard with technology improvements, including superior scratch and stain resistance, outstanding clarity (clear film), and deep satin finish (matte film). 3M car paint protection film has a flexible, clear top coat that has exceptional stretch and is self-healing to eliminate minor scratches.

Q. How does Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film Pro Series compare to other paint protection films on the market?

A. Scotchgard paint protection film pro series clear and matte provide many features, advantages and benefits (PDF, 123 KB) over other films:
 

  • Outstanding clarity – Scotchgard paint protection film pro series clear has low orange peel, making it one of the clearest paint protection films and virtually invisible, even on white cars. Our matte paint protection film offers a deep satin finish to match most OEM matte paint systems or turn your clear paint into a matte finish.
  • Durable clear coat – The clear coat technology on both the clear and matte paint protection films make our auto paint protection film easier to clean and harder to scratch, which keeps cars looking newer longer.
  • Self-healing properties – Innovative technology in the paint protection film causes minor scratches to disappear, which keeps the paint protection film and car’s finish looking new.
  • Ease of installation – The elastic clear coat and forgiving adhesive give the clear bra maximum flexibility to hug the curves and contours of the car, which makes complex installations faster and easier. We even offer a 60 inch paint protection film that covers the entire hood of most cars.
  • Operational efficiencies – The newest paint protection film, Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film Pro Series (both clear and matte) have better cutting ability, and requires no cap sheet, for faster cutting and weeding with less scrap and wasted paint protection film, resulting in quicker installations.

Q. Why should dealerships offer their customers 3M™ Paint Protection Film (also known as clear bra)?

A. Our tough, durable, maintenance-free 3M™ paint protection film pro series is easy to install, high quality and backed by a 10 year warranty to ensure customer satisfaction. 3M provides your car dealership with the unrivaled power and recognition of the 3M brand name and the tools you need to successfully introduce a profitable car paint protection film revenue stream, including:
 

  • A portfolio of thousands of fit-tested, high quality paint protection film patterns
  • An inventory management tool to track and monetize car paint protection film programs
  • 3M authorised distributors to help locate a 3M installer or train your dealership’s technicians to install paint protection film from 3M
  • An easy-to-use warranty registration process
  • Paint protection film service agreements (PDF, 2.5 MB)

Q. Can the 3M Paint Protection Film be installed on new and used cars?

A. Yes. 3M paint protection film can be applied to both new and used undamaged cars. If a car has recently been painted please allow 30 days for curing time before applying paint protection film.

Q. What is the warranty for Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film Pro Series?

A. The 3M comprehensive warranty for Scotchgard paint protection film pro series is valid for 10 years from the date of installation and covers against defects, yellowing, bubbling and cracking.

Q. What does the Scotchgard paint protection film service agreement cover?

A. 3M is the only car paint protection film manufacturer to offer paint coverage. The service agreement (PDF, 2.5 MB) covers the car paint under the areas where paint protection film has been applied. 3M will remove the damaged film, repair the damaged area and apply new paint protection film. Customers can choose between a five year or a three year agreement.
 

  • Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film and the underlying paint is covered from:
  • Chips from road debris
  • Scratches from car washes, tree limbs, etc.
  • Stains from road salt, bird droppings, tree sap or bugs

Q. What marketing support will I receive?

A. 3M provides your dealership with the tools you need to increase your bottom line, including sample kits and videos demos. Your dealership will also have access to brochures, posters and digital logos. 3M clear bra authorised distributors are available to help locate a 3M installer or train your dealership’s technicians to install paint protection film.

Q. Do you train one of my employees or do you provide a clear bra installer?

A. Our 3M authorised distributors can train one of your employees, or they can help you find a 3M installer in your area.

Q. What areas are commonly protected?

A. Dealerships that partner with 3M have the ability to tailor a sell sheet specifically to the paint protection film coverage offered at their dealership. The most common areas for car paint protection film include:
 

  • Door edges
  • Door handle cavities
  • Full or partial hoods
  • Fenders/rocker panels
  • Front bumpers
  • Side mirrors
  • Trunk ledges
  • Full car wraps
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