Sealant/wax on top of 3M Scotchguard film?
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 95
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From: California
2015 BMW 750Li, 2018 E63S AMG
Sealant/wax on top of 3M Scotchguard film?
I recently wrapped my car with the 3M Scotchguard paint protection film product and I’m trying to find out the best way to care for it. There are mixed opinions on the subject where some people say that it’s only needed to be washed since the film is maintenance free, others mention that the film should be cared for the same way as you would care for the paint so it should be waxed and sealed to extend its lifetime. On my other car I’m using Wolfgang sealant and Pinnacle carnuba wax and I wonder if these two products would be safe for the film. Since the film is made by 3M, I recently looked into their 3M wax and sealant products and found the 3M 39030 Performance Finish Synthetic Wax product which seems to be having pretty good reviews.
My question to you: is it safe to use waxes and sealants (Pinnacle carnuba wax and Wolfgand deep gloss sealant 3.0) on top of my 3M Scotchguard film? If so, which products have you personally used on top of your 3M Scotchguard? I thank everybody in advance for any advice on this (yes, I also sent an inquiry to 3M about it but I very much trust opinions on this forum).
My question to you: is it safe to use waxes and sealants (Pinnacle carnuba wax and Wolfgand deep gloss sealant 3.0) on top of my 3M Scotchguard film? If so, which products have you personally used on top of your 3M Scotchguard? I thank everybody in advance for any advice on this (yes, I also sent an inquiry to 3M about it but I very much trust opinions on this forum).
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 95
Likes: 9
From: California
2015 BMW 750Li, 2018 E63S AMG
Inferring from your answer, I take it that is safe to wax, seal and/or coat your PPF, correct? If so, do you know of specific products which work well with 3M Scotchguard PPF?
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 95
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From: California
2015 BMW 750Li, 2018 E63S AMG
Carac/bubblehead - thanks for your replies. At this point I’m looking for something more definite because of the two schools of thought I mentioned above. The PPF porous material was itself a point of contention: some people say that it’s good to use a wax/sealant/etc to seal the porous surface while others argue against that reasoning that the film must “breathe” by its design. Maybe one PPF manufacturer allows wax/sealants while other doesn’t. Similarly, maybe some sealants/waxes work on one type/brand of PPF but may not work on another PPF brand.
I’m hoping that somebody on this forum has had specific experience with 3M PPF in the past and can shed some more light on this topic.
I’m hoping that somebody on this forum has had specific experience with 3M PPF in the past and can shed some more light on this topic.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 291
Likes: 16
535XIT, E63S
I recently wrapped my car with the 3M Scotchguard paint protection film product and I’m trying to find out the best way to care for it. There are mixed opinions on the subject where some people say that it’s only needed to be washed since the film is maintenance free, others mention that the film should be cared for the same way as you would care for the paint so it should be waxed and sealed to extend its lifetime. On my other car I’m using Wolfgang sealant and Pinnacle carnuba wax and I wonder if these two products would be safe for the film. Since the film is made by 3M, I recently looked into their 3M wax and sealant products and found the 3M 39030 Performance Finish Synthetic Wax product which seems to be having pretty good reviews.
My question to you: is it safe to use waxes and sealants (Pinnacle carnuba wax and Wolfgand deep gloss sealant 3.0) on top of my 3M Scotchguard film? If so, which products have you personally used on top of your 3M Scotchguard? I thank everybody in advance for any advice on this (yes, I also sent an inquiry to 3M about it but I very much trust opinions on this forum).
My question to you: is it safe to use waxes and sealants (Pinnacle carnuba wax and Wolfgand deep gloss sealant 3.0) on top of my 3M Scotchguard film? If so, which products have you personally used on top of your 3M Scotchguard? I thank everybody in advance for any advice on this (yes, I also sent an inquiry to 3M about it but I very much trust opinions on this forum).
Former Vendor of MBWorld
Joined: Sep 2017
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From: Charlotte, NC
E class
As a distributor of 3M Scotchgard, I would love to connect you to a few certified dealers in your area. You will find pricing varies based on the year, make, model and trim of your vehicle along with the amount of coverage you would like. Our dealer locator can be found here: https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/post-fac...-an-installer/
I am also working on verification of care instructions for Tirzaman. Stand by!
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Former Vendor of MBWorld
Joined: Sep 2017
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From: Charlotte, NC
E class
I recently wrapped my car with the 3M Scotchguard paint protection film product and I’m trying to find out the best way to care for it. There are mixed opinions on the subject where some people say that it’s only needed to be washed since the film is maintenance free, others mention that the film should be cared for the same way as you would care for the paint so it should be waxed and sealed to extend its lifetime. On my other car I’m using Wolfgang sealant and Pinnacle carnuba wax and I wonder if these two products would be safe for the film. Since the film is made by 3M, I recently looked into their 3M wax and sealant products and found the 3M 39030 Performance Finish Synthetic Wax product which seems to be having pretty good reviews.
My question to you: is it safe to use waxes and sealants (Pinnacle carnuba wax and Wolfgand deep gloss sealant 3.0) on top of my 3M Scotchguard film? If so, which products have you personally used on top of your 3M Scotchguard? I thank everybody in advance for any advice on this (yes, I also sent an inquiry to 3M about it but I very much trust opinions on this forum).
My question to you: is it safe to use waxes and sealants (Pinnacle carnuba wax and Wolfgand deep gloss sealant 3.0) on top of my 3M Scotchguard film? If so, which products have you personally used on top of your 3M Scotchguard? I thank everybody in advance for any advice on this (yes, I also sent an inquiry to 3M about it but I very much trust opinions on this forum).
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Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 95
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From: California
2015 BMW 750Li, 2018 E63S AMG
Thanks a lot for your reply!
Here’s what I got for 3M (they’re showcasing their products):
”We recommend using one of the following products as other brand products we have not tested and could potentially scratch the surface of the film. Let us know if you have any further questions.Perfect-It Show Car Past Wax (PN: 39526)
Perfect-It Show Car Liquid Was (PN: 39026)
One Step Cleaner Wax (PN: 39006)
Synthetic Wax Protectant (PN: 39030)“
Then I asked them to get me the Engineering answer (not the Marketing/Sales one) and they came back with:
”Waxing/Sealing doesn't hurt the longevity. Doesn't really help either. Especially the Pro Series since the clear coat kind of acts like a wax by lowering the surface energy. It comes down to personal preference."
So, other than the list of their products (which appears to be 100% marketing) everything seems to be generic answers.
You mention Meguiar Quick Detailing spray but are other detailing sprays Ok (ex: Wolfgang)? Also, how do you determine a non-abrasive wax versus an abrasive one?
Another 3M installer recommended ProSkin which apparently is made specifically to protect PPFs.
At this time, unless I get further clarification, I’m inclined to go with a combination of Meguiar quick detailer spray (for cleaning bugs, bird drops, etc) and use ProSkin and 3M’s 39030 Synthetic Wax Protectant for protection and overall maintenance.
Again, I appreciate any additional feedback on this. Thanks!
Here’s what I got for 3M (they’re showcasing their products):
”We recommend using one of the following products as other brand products we have not tested and could potentially scratch the surface of the film. Let us know if you have any further questions.Perfect-It Show Car Past Wax (PN: 39526)
Perfect-It Show Car Liquid Was (PN: 39026)
One Step Cleaner Wax (PN: 39006)
Synthetic Wax Protectant (PN: 39030)“
Then I asked them to get me the Engineering answer (not the Marketing/Sales one) and they came back with:
”Waxing/Sealing doesn't hurt the longevity. Doesn't really help either. Especially the Pro Series since the clear coat kind of acts like a wax by lowering the surface energy. It comes down to personal preference."
So, other than the list of their products (which appears to be 100% marketing) everything seems to be generic answers.
You mention Meguiar Quick Detailing spray but are other detailing sprays Ok (ex: Wolfgang)? Also, how do you determine a non-abrasive wax versus an abrasive one?
Another 3M installer recommended ProSkin which apparently is made specifically to protect PPFs.
At this time, unless I get further clarification, I’m inclined to go with a combination of Meguiar quick detailer spray (for cleaning bugs, bird drops, etc) and use ProSkin and 3M’s 39030 Synthetic Wax Protectant for protection and overall maintenance.
Again, I appreciate any additional feedback on this. Thanks!
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From: God's County (Yorkshire)
Shanks’s Pony
So, a big climb down for me....After washing my car yesterday and starting the polishing process today, I've spotted a large number of stone chip "imperfections". Let's say max 10 (tiny) chips or damage to clear coat. P1$$e$$ me off as I am not a tailgater and very alert to not getting chips.
I've never had this before and not sure I can live with it for another couple of years....... I am getting quotes for a PPF.
I've never had this before and not sure I can live with it for another couple of years....... I am getting quotes for a PPF.
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2018
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From: Fort Myers, FL
AMG GTS, AMG E63S, GLC300
It's best to get a body wrap or PPF when the vehicle is new----the reasoning being that there will be less paint correction needed. Blemishes, dings, etc. left on the paint will be magnified by the application of the PPF body wrap. Any blemishes, damage, residue, old wax, etc. needs to be addressed for best application. Ceramic coating, like CQuartz Finest Reserve, after the body wrap is complete makes it much easier to care for the the vehicle.
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 42
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From: Fort Myers, FL
AMG GTS, AMG E63S, GLC300
The not so obvious part that sucks in your case is having to do repairs to the chips/damage and paint correction too. A bit more work for the shop but I'm sure your car will turn out great.
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From: God's County (Yorkshire)
Shanks’s Pony
Thanks. I'm sure it will be fine otherwise - I'll get a front end respray in a year or so (still contemplating that instead of film).
The chips are miniscule and there only a few.
It has always had a quality sealer on the paint and the correction will be minimal. I might even do it myself (I have a DA machine) I'm more concerned about knife cuts in the paint from the people installing the film. Seen some ugly work and am looking for people that use precut film from templates (electronic) or knifeless tape.
I'm sure it will look fine.
The chips are miniscule and there only a few.
It has always had a quality sealer on the paint and the correction will be minimal. I might even do it myself (I have a DA machine) I'm more concerned about knife cuts in the paint from the people installing the film. Seen some ugly work and am looking for people that use precut film from templates (electronic) or knifeless tape.
I'm sure it will look fine.
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Joined: Jan 2020
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'21 E63 S wagon, 2017 NSX, 2013 458 Italia, 1963 P1800
I don’t think you should be concerned about protecting PPF, try to enhance the film to bring out the best shine and depth you can as any film will not ever (hopefully someday that will change) be able to reflect light as paint itself will if corrected fully to be as flat as possible (like glass). All film today have a small texture from the manufacturing process that can’t be removed where as paint can be corrected fully. The best I’ve been able to do on my cars is to first do a complete paint correction followed by PPF and than a fine DA polish to film followed by a couple of coats of ceramic ( I’ve been using Gtechniq -CSL), very easy to apply and couple of years of longevity.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Apr 2018
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From: California
2015 BMW 750Li, 2018 E63S AMG
I don’t think you should be concerned about protecting PPF, try to enhance the film to bring out the best shine and depth you can as any film will not ever (hopefully someday that will change) be able to reflect light as paint itself will if corrected fully to be as flat as possible (like glass). All film today have a small texture from the manufacturing process that can’t be removed where as paint can be corrected fully. The best I’ve been able to do on my cars is to first do a complete paint correction followed by PPF and than a fine DA polish to film followed by a couple of coats of ceramic ( I’ve been using Gtechniq -CSL), very easy to apply and couple of years of longevity.
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Joined: Dec 2013
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E63
I don’t think you should be concerned about protecting PPF, try to enhance the film to bring out the best shine and depth you can as any film will not ever (hopefully someday that will change) be able to reflect light as paint itself will if corrected fully to be as flat as possible (like glass). All film today have a small texture from the manufacturing process that can’t be removed where as paint can be corrected fully. The best I’ve been able to do on my cars is to first do a complete paint correction followed by PPF and than a fine DA polish to film followed by a couple of coats of ceramic ( I’ve been using Gtechniq -CSL), very easy to apply and couple of years of longevity.
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From: North CA
2021 E63S and 2025 GT63
I don’t think you should be concerned about protecting PPF, try to enhance the film to bring out the best shine and depth you can as any film will not ever (hopefully someday that will change) be able to reflect light as paint itself will if corrected fully to be as flat as possible (like glass). All film today have a small texture from the manufacturing process that can’t be removed where as paint can be corrected fully. The best I’ve been able to do on my cars is to first do a complete paint correction followed by PPF and than a fine DA polish to film followed by a couple of coats of ceramic ( I’ve been using Gtechniq -CSL), very easy to apply and couple of years of longevity.
Can you please elaborate ?
Thx!
