FAQ & Myths


Click on a question below to read the full answer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Automotive

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 will lead a motorist to any number of websites where a pre-cut...
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Does paint protection film change the appearance of my car’s matte paint?


Yes, a standard high gloss PPF such as 3M’s Pro Series Gloss certainly does. However, if your car has matte paint, use 3M’s Matte Series Paint Protection Film to preserve the matte...
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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. A ceramic coating is designed to increase the ease of cleaning and...
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Can I apply 3M Ceramic Coating on top of 3M Paint Protection Film?


Absolutely! You can apply 3M Ceramic Coating on top of 3M Paint Protection Film (PPF). They are two distinct automotive solutions yet complement each other. 3M PPF is a nearly invisible urethane...
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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 adding accents such as hood, roof, and trunk stripes. There are more...
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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 a successful installation that compliments your vehicle, rather than detracts from it,...
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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 materials using sophisticated manufacturing equipment. And each is weather-tested to withstand the...
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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 is vital to the preservation of the film. Hand wash with a...
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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 film removal, just like there are risks associated with removing your favorite...
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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 2. The biggest difference is that Series 2080 is more conformable than...
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Can you use 3M Knifeless Tape with 2080?


Absolutely! 3M Knifeless Tape can be used to avoid cutting directly on a vehicle’s paint....
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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 installation process. This protective layer is removed after installation....
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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 nor decreases the Warranty Period or terms of the applicable 3M Warranty. ...
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Can 3M Ceramic Coating be applied to 3M Vinyl Wrap Film Series 2080?


Yes. 3M Ceramic Coating will help keep your wrap cleaner....
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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 removable, pressure-activated adhesive with non-visible air release channels.  This durable color change...
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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 and up to three years on horizontal applications.   You can also choose...
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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 your wrap by storing your vehicle inside when possible, and conduct regular...
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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 best results. 3M’s warranty only applies to vehicles that have an excellent...
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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 the most important steps to ensuring a good application. Wash and dry...
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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 further processing. If the film is printed, with or without graphic protection,...
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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 formats. It is available in clear gloss for the individual wanting the...
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Does color PPF fade?


Color paint protection film can fade just like any other film that is exposed to the outside elements. The longevity of the film is based on multiple factors, including product quality, geography,...
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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 as black, white, red, green, blue, pink, orange, yellow, and purple. It...
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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 wrap film. Paint protection film, shortened as PPF and often referred to...
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Architectural

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 and desired look, your 3M Authorized Window Film Dealer can help you...
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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 are not available to the DIY market. There are multiple reasons why...
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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 Dusted and Frosted Crystals are made of vinyl. Polyester is the skeleton...
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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 the outside. There are pros and cons to each type and it...
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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 is a summary of the various steps to install most films. But...
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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 3M Glass Finishes can. 3M Insulating / Sun Control and Safety &...
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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 the #2 surface of a single pane unit, or #4 surface of...
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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. A warranty is only as strong as the manufacturer providing it. 3M...
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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 location, etc). Insulating / Sun Control Window FilmsInterior-applied insulating and sun control...
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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, existing energy costs, HVAC system, glass-to-wall ratio, etc). Sun Control Window Films...
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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 agents and bristle brushes that would scratch the film cannot be used....
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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 other product information for 3M Window Films, 3M Glass Finishes (Fasara, Dusted/Frosted...
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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 rolled goods. Both have a decorative face. And both have an adhesive...
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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 of 3M’s ULTRA Safety & Security Window Films. Mil (.001”) for mil...
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Myths About Our Products

There are many common myths about our automotive and architectural products. Below, learn which myths are true and which are false.

Automotive

Architectural

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 development and production of 3M’s ULTRA Safety & Security Window Films. Mil...
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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 with a new efficient unit is probably the best solution in...
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Window film is bulletproof.


False! There is no window film that is bulletproof. Window film is often installed on bulletproof glass to minimize the spall that results from a bullet hitting the glass. But the film...
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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 the #2 surface of a single pane unit or #4 surface of...
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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 mitigate it effects? Buildings in northern climates have a cooling season, too,...
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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 is not an issue. Generically speaking, double pane units are more energy...
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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 reduce the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) and U-Value of any type...
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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 a film’s resistance to normal wear and tear. 3M Window Films are...
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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 SHGC will reduce the winter sun’s solar heat gain and cause heating...
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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 seal failure: “We’ve been applying 3M Window Films to insulated windows for...
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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 glass’ edges. The quality of the glass edge and several other factors...
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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 allowed manufacturers to make nearly invisible films just as effective as dark...
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