Stoneguard FAQ
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Paint Protection Film - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Note : These are some of the questions most commonly asked of OZICOZI staff.
Q. Can I see the film when it's on my car?
A. Yes, but hardly. It's usually just the edge of the film across the bonnet and front guards that you might see, depending on the amount and direction of light. When it's on your headlights and bumper it's practically impossible to see where it is. The film is crystal clear and does not change the colour or metallic nature of the paintwork.
Q. How long will the film last for?
A. That depends. The film should last indefinitely, if properly maintained and it doesn't get damaged. We know of examples of the film that have been on for 7+ years here in Australia, and have certainly heard of similar longevity for cars in the USA. The film can get marked by large stones or if the car is in a collision with another object. In a large percentage of these cases it is the film that gets damaged rather than your paintwork.
Q. Can the film be removed at a later date?
A. Yes. The film can always be easily removed if it becomes damaged or if you just want to take it off. Note that the film cannot be reapplied once it has been removed.
Q. Will the film damage my original paintwork if it's taken off?
A. No. The film has a special pressure-sensitive removable adhesive that is designed not to damage good quality paint finishes. If the car has been resprayed or touched up, the quality of the job will determine what happens to your paintwork at removal time. All resprays and touch ups must be done to factory standards and allowed to cure properly before the film is applied. We will not guarantee that damage will not occur during any phase of the installation process if the car has been resprayed.
Q. I've just had my car resprayed. How long should I wait before the film is applied?
A. You should discuss this with your panel beater or sprayer. We recommend at least 4 weeks to allow the paint to harden and for all gases to leave the paint.
Q. Can Paint Protection Film be applied over a vehicle that has had the paint touched up?
A. We recommend 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.
Q. In general what does the warranty cover?
A. The warranty is supplied by the manufacturer and covers you, the original purchaser, against the film cracking, bubbling or turning yellow. This warranty is not transferable. The warranty only applies if the film has been installed by an authorised installer. The warranty covers the cost of replacement of the film. The cost of removal and reinstallation must be borne by you.
Q. What if my paint fades and I take the film off? Will there be a visible difference?
A. Even though the film has a structure that stops it from being affected by UV, it will allow UV to pass through it and therefore paint that is protected should fade at the same rate as unprotected paint. However, we cannot guarantee the standard of the original paintwork, or the conditions in which the car is stored, or the type and amount of maintenance that happens to the car's paintwork, therefore we cannot guarantee that your paint will not fade at different rates. Anecdotal evidence suggest that fading has only occurred with inferior paints and inferior applications. We have actually seem many cars where the film has been removed after 2-3 years and we cannot detect any difference in fading (Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, MINI).
Q. Can I order a kit from you and apply it myself?
A. Most kits are quite complex to fit and require a high degree of experience and knowledge about that specific kit in order to guarantee an acceptable result. However, there are some motorbike kits that a novice should be able to fit. Most headlights can usually be installed with little or no experience.
Q. Can Paint Protection Film be applied over graphics?
A. Yes. The film will cover vinyl stickers but there are two things to bear in mind. First, the sticker may come off when the film is removed, and second, vinyl stickers are much thinner than the PPF and there will be a small air gap around the sticker. This may not be desirable. There is no problem with graphics that have been clear-coated.
Q. Can Paint Protection Film be used on headlights, foglights or windshields?
A. You cannot apply it to windshields as it is not clear enough. It has a slight watery effect that makes it dangerous to drive while looking through it. However, it is clear enough to be used on headlights and foglights.
Q. Does Paint Protection Film stick to bumpers and plastic parts?
A. Yes. PPF will stick to most non-porous substrates such as painted metal, painted plastic, glass, perspex.
Q. Does Paint Protection Film resist yellowing?
A. Yes, it resists 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.
Q. Does Paint Protection Film come in colors?
A. No. Paint Protection Film is available only as a clear film. This feature makes the film virtually invisible while protecting the beauty of your vehicle.
Q. How should I maintain my Paint Protection Film?
A. Once applied, refrain from washing the vehicle for 24 hours. Washing after that time presents no problem, and no special care need be taken for the film. However, the use of high pressure hoses may lift the film, so please avoid using them near the film. We recommend that you clean the film at least once a week, and wax the film 4 times a year.
Q. Can I use wax over Paint Protection Film?
A. Yes. We recommend that you regularly apply wax (4 times a year) to the film to keep it from getting stained by dirty water and chemicals. When waxing the vehicle, some wax may build up along the film edges. This can easily be removed when dry with a soft cloth. 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.
Q. How is Paint Protection Film removed?
A. 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 a 180-degree angle. 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 3M General Purpose Adhesive Cleaner, according to the package directions.
Q. If Paint Protection Film is removed from the vehicle, can it be re-used?
A. No. Once the film has been applied and set, the adhesive will not stick a second time.
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