3M-ing pros and cons

A 3m installer guy told me I could polish the 3m material when it showed scratches. I tried a "cleaner" wax and it came out much better than it was before I started but not perfect. I think the detailer could probably get it even better with a polishing wheel.

Best, Kevin.

 

The 3m material is very soft. It will scratch and haze over time. You can attempt to clean it with a diluted mix of isoprope(sp) alcohol and water for the yellowness. But the actual scratches are harder to remove. I have tried polishing it with very limited success as it does not cut down and fill in the scratches like a normal clear coat. Sometimes it will even jsut haze up even more. In the end, you have to decide if it is worth more to you to have scratches in the car or chips in the hood. You can always get the bra replaced as well. Hope this helps.

 

My '87 328 came with the treatment on the front and leading edges. The previous owner had the dealer cooridnate the application.

I was mixed about the treatment, but in the short time I have owned the car it is growing on me. There has been more than one time that it has prevented what would have been a big chip.

I am using 3M's "Perfect-It Show Car Liquid Wax" which they recommend for using over the treatment. It has done a great job.

Gerry

 

Brian,
Your best bet is to call Accutint in Bellevue, WA they are the ones that did my buddy's F430 spider that you saw. They also did my front bumper as well. They could advise you on what methods are best to remove the fine scratches. Let us know what they say...personally, I have not worried much about it...though I do keep the painted portions well polished and waxed...

Accutint Bellevue (425) 213-1060

 

Hate to correct you but where you are going wrong is with diluting the ISO, you need to use the stuff neat on the surface of the film , I have seen this take out even cat scratches if done correctly

You use kithcen towel saturated in the stuff, then add some more to get a pool then guide it around gently on the surface, make sure you mop up any run off from the edges (very important) remove the kitchen towel let it evaporate (go make a cup of coffee) after twenty minutes come back and buff with a lint free cloth , job done!

This is the ONLY film this works with if you try this with Avey or Venture it will NOT work and will cause the effects that you describe.



Cheers

 

I have had success using the 3M Show Wax, but another option is a product called Janvil Scratch Remover. There is a product system for glass and another for plastic. While I have not had to try it on my 328, I have used both products with success. The plastic product works great on scratches in clear coats.

Gerry