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Will Paint Protection Film harm the painted surface if the film is removed?

If the film is properly applied to a fully cured painted vehicle (it can be removed usually in one piece) without damaging paint surfaces beneath the film.

Can Paint Protection Film be applied over a vehicle that has had the paint touched up?

It is recommended that any repainted surfaces on your vehicle be professionally painted and fully cured before applying paint protection film. If you have touched up scratches or chips with a tube of “touch-up” paint and then apply paint protection film over it, the film will protect that area until it is removed. If the paint protection film is removed, it is possible that the area around the non-professional touch-up paint could peel off.

Can I cover the whole vehicle with Paint Protection Film?

It is possible, but the application would be difficult and expensive. This product is really intended for the most vulnerable areas of the vehicle.

Can Paint Protection Film be applied over graphics?

The clear film will not interfere with vinyl or painted graphics and is designed to match the gloss levels of today’s automotive factory clear coat paint systems, providing virtually invisible protection. However, if the Paint Protection Film is removed, damage may occur to the underlying graphic during the removal process.

Can Paint Protection Film be used on headlights, fog lights or windshields?

In the United States, Paint Protection Film does not meet the Department of Transportation’s standards for optical clarity. However, there are films that are acceptable to use on headlights such as Ricochet™ clear light films.

Does Paint Protection Film resist yellowing?

Only films that have a true clear coat such as 3M Scotchgard™.  3M Scotchgard™ will resist yellowing because the film is constructed of thermoplastic urethane, a tough, conformable material that is covered by a clear coat layer. The film and clear coat layers contain UV protectants to counteract harmful ultraviolet rays that can cause yellowing. Other films such as Ventureshield™ , do not have a true clear coat and can be damaged by something as simple as detailing your car or can stain due to bugs, road tars, or bird droppings.

How is Paint Protection Film maintained?

Once applied, refrain from washing the vehicle until film is cured (approx. 7-10 days). After the film is fully adhered to the vehicle, treat it like the rest of the vehicle’s painted surfaces. The film should be washed and waxed regularly (i.e. weekly washing and monthly waxing) to maintain its best possible aesthetic appearance.

Can I use wax over Paint Protection Film?

Yes. When waxing the vehicle, some wax may build up along the film edges. This can easily be removed when dry with a soft cloth, such as a microfiber towel. Do not use any waxes containing dyes or waxes that are not recommended for urethanes. Abrasive polishes and/or rubbing compounds are not to be used unless expressly directed by manufacturer. If using a carnuba wax, it is suggested to apply a “1/4 painter’s masking tape” over the leading edge of the film to avoid wax build-up. Synthetic waxes tend to not cause build-up and it is often unnecessary to apply a “painter’s masking tape”.

What products are recommended to best maintain Paint Protection Film?

For home care of your vehicle, we recommend Zaino Brothers for waxing (their synthetic, long lasting waxes leave no build-up on the film). Otherwise, consult your detail professional for additional options.

How is Paint Protection Film removed?

If desired, film can be removed at any time by picking up a corner of the film and pulling the film off the vehicle surface at the angle it is adhered. If the film has been present a long time, or if the film and vehicle are cold, a heat gun or hair dryer may be used to soften the adhesive, allowing easier removal. If any adhesive remains on the vehicle after removal of the film, it can be removed by using a paint safe general purpose adhesive cleaner.

If Paint Protection Film is removed from the vehicle, can it be re-used?

Once the film has been applied and set, it usually cannot be lifted and reapplied a second time. However, in rare cases, The Paint Protection Film can be salvaged and re-used.

How visible is Paint Protection Film?

The film is approximately 8mil thick (about the thickness of 2 pieces of paper) and clear. It is designed to be viewed from approximately 3 feet away. At this distance, the film should blend in well with your vehicles painted surfaces and be reasonably unnoticeable.

Do you manufacture your kit designs or download them?

All of the designs used by accutint* Bellevue are manufactured on the premises to ensure the best possible fit for your vehicle. Most applicators of Paint Protection Film download the designs from what is available on the internet. These designs often leave large portions of the vehicles high impact areas uncovered. Also, downloaded kits are usually meant to be trimmed on the vehicle painted surface to help ease the difficulty of installation or to take into account the use of low quality Paint Protection Films.

My vehicle has custom bodywork or aftermarket accessories, can it be done?

Any painted surface can have Paint Protection Film applied. As a manufacturer, accutint* Bellevue can design any piece to meet your specific needs. This would include designs for roof racks, a-pillars, rear bumper tops, rocker panels/side skirts, door sills, interior paneling, etc. Virtually anything with a painted surface can be installed..

What is typically included in a Paint Protection Kit?

Every vehicle model has a kit design specific to the high impact areas of the vehicle. These are broken up into package categories which are:

1. Half-Wrap: Bumper, full hood, full fenders, mirrors, door cups, door edges, headlights and fog lights (some models also include wheel lips, wheel flares or side intake pieces).

2. Full Kit: Bumper, partial hood, partial fenders, mirrors, door cups, door edges, headlights and fog lights (some models also include wheel lips, wheel flares or side intake pieces).

3Standard Kit: Partial hood, partial fenders, mirrors, door cups, door edges, headlights and fog lights.

4Basic Kit: Partial hood, partial fenders, mirrors, door cups, door edges.

How long does it take to install a Paint Protection Kit?

Paint Protection Kit application time can vary from vehicle to vehicle. A typical application of a Full Kit will often take between 2-4 hours. However, the process is not over after the main application. It is advised that the vehicle be left to dry for a few hours before delivery so that additional fine tuning may be done. This will help the film adhere to the contours of the vehicle and remain in place.

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