walks357

The 3M film on my hood has impressions left from the petals of a dogwood tree. The petals laid on my car for about 4 days. The petals were a pain to wash off. After getting them off the car, the painted surfaces were clean but the petals left marks on the 3M film which I have not been able to remove. Does anyone know of a product that could help? (I've tried polish, windex, even a little adhesive remover and the marks remain.)

Rickrack

When you say 'impressions', do you mean that it etched into the clear-bra, or just left some residue from the petals?

Is there any way you could post a picture or two? It would help to see exactly what you're talking about.

Marine Blue

What kind of polish did you use and how did you apply it.

walks357

Here is a picture of one of the 'impressions' left by the petals (sorry there is a steady rain here now). The mark is in the center of the picture and these marks are more easily seen at certain angles. OI can't tell if these marks are etched into the 3M film.

I used a polish for car finishes and applied by hand. I have some plastic polish around which I will try.

Marine Blue

Plastic Polish may help and it would be my first approach to it. I would use a soft foam applicator to apply it.

I'm getting my first taste of clear bra maintenance with my recently purchased DD and I have to say it definitely requires more upkeep than paint to keep it looking good. The plus side is that I don't have to touch up the paint which is more difficult and looks worse.

TOGWT

Leaves contain tanning, which is acidic, this has left an etching on the plastic surface that requires polishing to level it.

To remove minor scratches in the film (tape the edges of the auto mask when polishing the vehicles paint ) Use Menzerna Final Finish Polish / Super Finish (PO106FA) and a (POC) Gold Concours Finishing foam pad 1000 RPM do not use any downward machine pressure and maintain a fast linear motion.

It is important not to apply a lot of pressure to the film as this may lead to burning of the surface. Use a Q-tip and some isopropyl alcohol to clean out the edge or use tape to mask it before polishing

Alternative - Novus Plastic Scratch Remover with a LC White pad using a PC speed 4.

walks357

Thanks to everyone for your recommendations. I had some Meguiar's #17 Plastic Cleaner around so I tried that. That, along with about 45 minutes of elbow grease, removed the marks from the 3M film. I just need to remember to cover my car next Spring!

944obscene

Make sure to use a good wax or sealant. That will help TONS. We have an evergreen that overlooks my driveway and I get residue and dead leaf things all over my cars sometimes. The one thing that has helped is maintaining a good detail schedule to keep the paint covered and protected.

Aren't there products designed for the special care of clear bra's? Things that help prevent fogging, yellowing etc?

J.Khan

Although this is a bit late I would like to clear up the confusion on using plastic polish on a 3M clear bra. Clear bras made by 3M have a painted clear coat on top to mimic common factory orange peel that you see on new cars. Therefore, you can use an abrasive (start with the least aggressive) paint polish on the clearcoat and follow up with a wax.

Premier

Yes - http://www.pyspeed.com/category-s/570.htm

We also recently launched our newest PF1 clear bra maintenance product. More info here: http://www.luxury4play.com/detailing...-solution.html

Bob Rouleau

Mr Clean Magic Eraser works well to remove rubber marks