How to clean and protect the Plastic film

No different than the car -- and wax and sealers like 22ple all all fine and in fact will protect the film just like they protect your paint. Just make sure it's cured (about 5 days) before washing/waxing/sealing.

 

I treat all film like paint. Wash it same way and wax when required. When washing, like paint, I use lots of water, two buckets, one with car soap, wash in airflow of car, never circles. Use a high quality sheepskin mitt, and either dry with leaf blower and/or with thicker microfibre cloths.

I remove any bird droppings ASAP with lots of detailing spray with a soft microfiber cloth. Never would rub in circles. Many people have good results with Plexus too.

 

Just be aware that film grabs dirt more than the clear coat.

 

Maybe depends on car colors. At least with my experiences in having various films on different (black, silver, burgundy, dark blue) cars for many years, I always waxed and the film does not dull. I usually use P21S wax and apply by hand. I treat it like the old plastic convertible plastic windows.

Once mine got dull because of neglect after track events, I used 3M liquid compound and it removed the oxidation, then waxed and got film to brighten up.

My installer said film dulls because of poor washing habits, i.e, strong chemicals. Of course some cars are in the hot sun more than others, and like paint, it can degrade a bit.

 

Never heard of a film that waxing wasn't encouraged? You might want to find out what type they used and maybe consider getting something different. If it dulls with regular wash and wax its likely very poor quality film.

Early films made by 3M were notorious for dulling, fading and yellowing. The newer ones are much tougher and most come with a guarantee against such problems. If your film has this guarantee and your installer is telling you this, they are likely trying to figure out a way to avoid replacing it for no cost if it occurs. A reputable installer will stand by their work and their product no questions asked.

 

Went to Professional Site and here is what they say

• Use only specialty car wash soap to clean the bra film or spot areas.
• Apply using a microfiber wash mitt .
• For extra-soiled or bug splattered areas, soak with soap and wipe clean with the mitt again.
• If debris remains, on the next wash use Dawn liquid detergent and water. (Careful not to go off the paint protected area, as detergent could remove wax from your paint.)
• If stubborn debris still remains, try using a blue clay bar. (Never reuse a red clay bar or a piece of old clay, which could damage the surface of the bra.)
• If you use Dawn or clay bar, reapply a coat of protectant over the affected areas. A quick wax or Plexus wax with polish will often remove stubborn spots on the bra’s surface.
• Dry with a micro fiber towel; then spray polish over its surface, using any high-quality spray wax or quick detail spray.

That’s all there is to it. Clean and simple.

Cleaning Don’ts

• Never use hi power pressure washers. They can force water under the paint protection film and leave bubbles under the film surface. If you must, avoid the edges and keep the distance between the tip and the edge of the film.
• Commercial car washes are very convenient and many our customers use them on regular basis and have not had any issues. Nonetheless, they are not the best option for your car and we generally do not recommend using them, even the automated brushless/touchless types. They all use high pressure to clean your car and extremely aggressive soaps that will remove your waxes and speed up clear coat deterioration.
• Avoid potent chemical degreasers or tar removers. While these won’t harm the paint, they may degrade and dull the finish on your paint protection film. Check with us first if you’re thinking of using it, or test a small area like a mirror back that would be easy to replace, if damaged.
• Never use brushes. Brushes will dull the surface on the clear bra or on any painted surface of your car over time. Use a good quality microfiber mitt instead.
• Don’t let dead bugs and bird droppings remain. The acids may permanently stain most of the paint protection films on the market.
• Never wipe with terry cloth or paper products. They’ll damage the clear bra. In fact, you should never even wipe dirt off with a dry towel. Always wet the surface with water, soap or detail spray wax first to minimize friction.

 

Amazon.com: Vega Plexus Spray Cleaner - 13 oz Can (Standard): Automotive

 

I've been using this for many years and works great for my plastic

Premier Formula One Products

 

I have always just cleaned and waxed just like paint, and have had great results.

 

I have found that Meguires plastic cleaner and polish removes scratches and scrapes from the 3M. I do not wax.

Best

 

Good info