Frequently Asked Questions & Myths
Frequently Asked Questions
Check out frequently asked questions we receive from our clients along with product myths. Click on a question below to read the full answer.
Does paint protection film change the appearance of my car’s matte paint?
Yes, a standard high gloss PPF certainly does. However, if your car has matte paint, use 3M’s Matte Series Paint...
Can I apply 3M Ceramic Coating on top of 3M Paint Protection Film?
Absolutely! You can apply 3M Ceramic Coating on top of certain 3M Paint Protection Films. They are two distinct automotive...
Will a ceramic coating prevent rock chips?
No, a ceramic coating will not prevent rock chips. And beware of competitive claims referencing 9H hardness to the contrary....
What is the life expectancy of window film?
Different films have different life expectancies and life expectancy is dependent upon multiple variables (climate, exposure to sun, film, installation...
Can you apply window film to tinted / Low-E glass?
Yes! But it depends on what surface of the window the Low-E coating is. If the Low-E coating is on...
Can I install 3M Insulating / Sun Control and Safety & Security Window Films myself?
3M Insulating / Sun Control and Safety & Security Films are professionally installed by 3M’s window film dealer network and...
What colors are available in 3M’s Vinyl Wrap Film Series 2080?
3M’s Vinyl Wrap Film Series 2080 allows a motorist to personalize his or her car by changing its color or...
Can you apply window film to Plexiglas®?
It depends. 3M Insulating / Sun Control and Safety & Security Window Films cannot be installed on Plexiglas® while some...
What will architectural window film look like after installation?
3M Window Films are available in a variety of tints, ranging from optically clear to highly tinted. Depending upon preference...
Do you install window film on the inside or outside of a building?
The overwhelming majority of window film is installed on the inside of a window, although it can be installed on...
Can I install 3M Paint Protection Film myself?
3M Paint Protection Film (PPF) is designed to be installed by a 3M certified professional installer. A simple internet search...
Where can I find CSI-formatted window film specifications?
On our website! Just go to our specifications page, where you will find CSI-formatted window film specifications, technical datasheets, and...
What is architectural window film made of?
3M Insulating / Sun Control, Safety & Security, Fasara Glass Finishes, and Dichroic Glass Finishes are made of polyester. 3M...
How do I clean the filmed surface after installation?
You can clean 3M window films with common washing solutions (including ammonia-based products) thirty (30) days after installation. Abrasive cleaning...
Will my energy costs decrease?
The amount of money saved depends on the type of film chosen and certain property-specific variables (building use, location, climate,...
Do thicker security films provide more tear resistance than thinner security films?
Not necessarily. The 3M understanding that thickness is no substitute for technology was the motivation behind the development and production...
Is DI-NOC like contact paper?
At first glance, 3M DI-NOC Architectural Finishes may look like contact paper to the untrained eye. Both are sold as...
How is 3M window film warrantied?
3M Company has one of the industry’s most comprehensive warranties*. The terms and conditions depend on the film and application....
How long does 3M 2080 Vinyl last?
2080 offers an improved warranty versus 3M’s previous generation film, Series 1080, with up to eight years on vertical applications...
Does ceramic coating have a 9H hardness?
No. Despite industry claims, a ceramic coating is not a 9H protective barrier in and of itself to a car’s...
What is the procedure to install window film?
Although the window film installation process is non-disruptive and non-evasive, it should be performed by a certified professional installer. Here...
Can I print on 3M Wrap Film Series 2080?
3M Wrap Film Series 2080 is available in many colors, textures, and finishes and is intended to be used without...
What is the difference between 3M Vinyl Wrap Film Series 2080 and Series 1080?
3M Series 2080 is the replacement to Series 1080. Think of Series 1080 as Gen 1 and 2080 as Gen...
How do you properly clean a vehicle before applying film?
Professional installation by a 3M Authorized installer is recommended for best results. Cleaning the application surface properly is one of...
Can 2080 be applied to an older, rusted, or repaired vehicle?
All wrap films, including 3M 2080 Wrap Film Series, should be applied to a “like new” vehicle finish for the...
Why do gloss films have a protective layer?
All 3M Wrap Film Series 2080 gloss films have a clear protective film layer to help prevent scratching during the...
Will weather affect my car wrap?
Our wrapping materials are made and tested to withstand the elements. You can help protect the beauty and life of...
Can I install 3M Vinyl Wrap Film Series 2080 myself?
An individual can purchase material online and install it himself / herself but we do not recommend doing so. For...
Will my furniture fade be reduced?
Fabric or furniture fade is caused by multiple factors, according to the International Window Film Association. 10% of fading is...
Can 3M Ceramic Coating be applied to 3M Vinyl Wrap Film Series 2080?
Yes. 3M Ceramic Coating will help keep your wrap cleaner....
Is 3M Vinyl Wrap Film Series 2080 durable?
Yes. 3M 2080 is a cast vinyl which provides inherent durability versus calendared. Each 2080 color is made of high-quality...
What is 3M 2080 Wrap?
3M Wrap Film Series 2080 is a dual cast 3.5-mil vinyl car wrap that features high conformability and has a...
Can 3M Vinyl Wrap Film Series 2080 be removed?
Yes, and the adhesive residue that may be left behind can be easily cleaned. However, there are risks associated with...
How do I clean 3M Vinyl Wrap Film Series 2080?
3M 2080 color change film can be washed just as you would wash your car’s paint. In fact, regular cleaning...
Can 3M Paint Protection Film be installed on top of 3M Vinyl Wrap Film Series 2080?
Yes, 3M Paint Protection Film (PPF) can be applied on top of 2080. The addition of 3M PPF neither increases...
Can you use 3M Knifeless Tape with 2080?
Absolutely! 3M Knifeless Tape can be used to avoid cutting directly on a vehicle’s paint....
Is color PPF the same as traditional clear PPF?
Paint Protection Film, otherwise known as PPF, was patented by 3M Company in the 1960s and is available in multiple...
What is the difference between Color PPF and vinyl wrap?
Color PPF combines the benefits of two very different, yet complimentary products, into one – paint protection film and vinyl...
What PPF colors are available?
PPF is available in various colors, textures, and metallic finishes. Color PPF is offered in a variety of colors such...
Does color PPF fade?
Color paint protection film can fade just like any other film that is exposed to the outside elements. The longevity...
Myths About Our Products
There are many common myths about our automotive and architectural products.
Learn which myths are true and which are false. Select your Category using the buttons below.
Click on a question to read the full answer.
Thicker security films provide more tear resistance than thinner security films.
That is not necessarily true. The 3M understanding that thickness is no substitute for technology was the motivation behind the...
Ceramic Coating has a 9H hardness and can protect a car’s paint.
Despite industry claims, a ceramic coating is not a 9H protective barrier and cannot protect a car’s paint from road...
Paint Protection Film yellows.
Today’s reputable paint protection films (PPF) are designed not to turn yellow. 3M is so confident that its Pro Series...
Ceramic Coating prevents rock chips.
False! Ceramic coating does not prevent rock chips. A ceramic coating is designed to increase the ease of cleaning and...
Window film is no substitute for window replacement.
Partly true and partly false. Window film may or may not be a substitute for window replacement. Replacing an inefficient...
Window film is bulletproof.
False! There is no window film that is bulletproof. Window film is often installed on bulletproof glass to minimize the...
Window film cannot be used on Low-E glass.
False! But it depends on what surface of the window the Low-E coating is. If the Low-E coating is on...
Window film is only for southern climates.
False! Window film is not only for southern climates. The sun shines even in northern climates, so why not help...
Window film is only for single pane glass.
False! Window film is for any single or double pane window unit that needs greater efficiency and where thermal stress...
Window film is only for old buildings.
False! Window film is not just for old buildings, just like it’s not just for old windows. Window film can...
Window film is easily scratched and damaged.
False! Window film is not easily scratched and damaged. A premium window film has a sophisticated scratch-resistant coating that increases...
Window film causes heating costs to rise.
Under certain circumstances, window film can cause heating costs to rise. Standard sun control films that impact only a window’s...
Window film causes seal failure.
False! According to 3M Company, which holds the original patent to window film dating back to 1966, film does not cause...
Window film causes glass breakage due to thermal stress.
Not necessarily. Window films will increase the temperature of your sunlit glass, which will in turn increase the stress on the...
Window film is dark and reflective
False! Window film can be dark and reflective. But it can also be virtually clear and colorless. Advancements in technology have...
