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mikestock's avatar
mikestock
Explorer
Feb 05, 2015

3M Protective Film

I just purchased a used class A Phaeton with the 3M film on the front. As they all seem to do, the film has some staining that looks like some sort of mold. I already found that automotive cleaner-wax won't touch it.

Just asking if anyone has found a way, such as chlorine bleach, to clean this 3M.

Also, would like to know if anyone has tried a heat gun to remove the film. I have used a heat gun to remove decals from a fiberglass surface but this painted surface, I'm sure, would be a little more tedious.
Class A

19 Replies

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  • RayChez's avatar
    RayChez
    Explorer
    Feb 06, 2015
    If you can get that stuff out, do it. Saw a coach in Las Vegas that the stuff was peeling off and it looked ugly. I never could see any protection from them in the first place.
  • mikestock's avatar
    mikestock
    Explorer
    Feb 06, 2015
    I have a couple of small sections behind the outside mirrors that I may try my luck at removing with a heat gun to see how it goes.
  • 2gypsies1's avatar
    2gypsies1
    Explorer III
    Feb 06, 2015
    Everytime these posts come up the majority of posters are from the south or Midwest. It seems the humidity has a lot to do with it.

    Our motorhome was 14 years old without any problem. We traveled in the West.
  • rv2go's avatar
    rv2go
    Explorer II
    Feb 06, 2015
    gemert wrote:
    Good luck mine is the same and a bra was cheaper, it hides it.

    What a great idea. I had never thought of that. As mine ages, I will have to keep the bra in mind.
  • gemert's avatar
    gemert
    Explorer
    Feb 06, 2015
    There are dozens of posts on the forums covering this issue. I've seen where a lot of people either removed the film or had it removed. The common thread is it takes a long time and a lot of sweat. I've seen 1K to 1200 to remove by 3M. Good luck mine is the same and a bra was cheaper, it hides it.
  • Teacher_s_Pet's avatar
    Teacher_s_Pet
    Explorer
    Feb 05, 2015
    At 9 years our Phaeton started to show mold & a few bubbles last summer. Basic cost to remove and replace the film is $1000. IF the paint isn't damaged on removal and NO one we've met will guarantee that they can do it without damage to the paint. We're living with it for now.
  • MACANDPHYL's avatar
    MACANDPHYL
    Explorer
    Feb 05, 2015
    I used the white polishing compound, very gently, to remove
    some surface stains. It is a good product, but poor maintenance
    or bad installation can be a problem. There should be no
    possibility of mold or mildew under it if it was properly
    installed. Cleaning with a mild soap, and then application of
    ArmorAll or 303 Protectant will keep it looking good.
    Mine is on an 08 coach, and it still looks new.
  • Big_Katuna's avatar
    Big_Katuna
    Explorer II
    Feb 05, 2015
    The mildew is between the film and the paint. Living with it or removal are your options.

    I had Diamond Shield. Same problem. Heat gun or steamer and plastic razor scrapers from a window tint shop and elbow grease.

    Royal PITA.

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