Removing the 3m bra
Three Wheelin'
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,885
Likes: 286
From: TEXAS
The answer is yes. I'm preparing to have mine redone as well and letting it sit in the hot sun for an afternoon prior to removal helps a lot. I will post pictures for all those skeptics. I want to have my appt scheduled prior to the removal though so I don't run around naked for too long.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,045
Likes: 2
From: Connecticut
Just had two vehicles done w/3M at my dealer. Asked the installers this question. They said do NOT use direct heat. Sitting in the sun is good, just no blowers etc. They said to "pull" it off vs "peel" it off. That is to say stretch it out, pull it, elongate it and lift it off instead of peeling it back and away. Once off you may see some adhesive remaining, typically only in spots not all over as you might think. A good adhesive cleaner will remove this. Of course they recommended 3M's products. Again, haven't tried it but this came directly from qualified 3M guys two weeks ago.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 861
Likes: 0
From: Texas
CTO is pretty much correct.
On the films I have removed I have found that the amount of adhesive left over is directly related to the film generation (early 3M film SUCKS as it leaves alot of adhesive) and also how long it's been on.
Black paint seems to be the worst and leaving it in the sun doesn't seem to help much for ease of removal. In fact I did a removal on a cold winter day and had an easier time with it....go figure.
I have also found that, as noted by CTO, pulling is better. Also, try not to make the film "pop" as this is where the film seperates from the adhesive and sticks on the car. Beware of your knuckles as they may blister and peel from the removal
Lastly, you don't need a 3M adhesive removal product. Just go to home depot and look for either "Goof Off" or in the paint section a product where the active ingredient is "Xzylene". That's what's inside 3M adhesive remover.
Anthony
On the films I have removed I have found that the amount of adhesive left over is directly related to the film generation (early 3M film SUCKS as it leaves alot of adhesive) and also how long it's been on.
Black paint seems to be the worst and leaving it in the sun doesn't seem to help much for ease of removal. In fact I did a removal on a cold winter day and had an easier time with it....go figure.
I have also found that, as noted by CTO, pulling is better. Also, try not to make the film "pop" as this is where the film seperates from the adhesive and sticks on the car. Beware of your knuckles as they may blister and peel from the removal
Lastly, you don't need a 3M adhesive removal product. Just go to home depot and look for either "Goof Off" or in the paint section a product where the active ingredient is "Xzylene". That's what's inside 3M adhesive remover.
Anthony
