Just got back from 6 weeks in Mesa Az. Spoke to a Mobile paint guy who was doing a lot of work on RV's at the resort where we were staying, and I asked him about removing my 3M film on the front of the Coach. He told me that for years he has recommended that his customers not remove the film because he is able to paint over the top with no issues. Said the cost to remove is more than the cost to paint. My question is has anybody had this done? If so what was the outcome? I'm thinking of doing it next Spring when I head back down to Az.

The answer seems pretty obvious but this is from the 3M website:Q.Can you paint or apply a clearcoat over the Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film?A.No, this is not recommended and is at your own risk. Scotchgard film is supplied with an OEM-approved clearcoat, which is not formulated to be over-printed, painted or clearcoated.

It would seem that one could mask around the edges of the graphics, then lightly sand over the vinyl graphics with ultra fine grit paper. A primer coat could then be sprayed over the graphics to fill any hairline cracks in the vinyl graphics.After the primer drys then a color spray could be applied over the graphics.I would think that would work, but of course I could be wrong as often I am...:S

LVJ58 wrote:It would seem that one could mask around the edges of the graphics, then lightly sand over the vinyl graphics with ultra fine grit paper. A primer coat could then be sprayed over the graphics to fill any hairline cracks in the vinyl graphics.After the primer drys then a color spray could be applied over the graphics.I would think that would work, but of course I could be wrong as often I am...:SActually that is exactly what the paint guy said he would do. Has rational was that most if not all cars today are clear coated and have a plastic over the bumpers and fender well areas. He pointed out that auto body shops don't strip the plastic when painting your slightly damaged bumper. Made sense to me.

You have found a lazy painter that could care less about the long term consequences. Apparently he thinks that he knows more than the 3M experts. I am sure that his warranty will expire as soon as your check clears. Bumpers of new cars are plastic, but they DO NOT have a 3M plastic coating over them. Sounds like he has all of the BS answers to get your money and provide you with a temporary paint job.

Painting over 3M Film | Good Sam Community

rgatijnet1
Explorer III
Apr 23, 2014
The answer seems pretty obvious but this is from the 3M website:
Q.
Can you paint or apply a clearcoat over the Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film?
A.
No, this is not recommended and is at your own risk. Scotchgard film is supplied with an OEM-approved clearcoat, which is not formulated to be over-printed, painted or clearcoated.
abc40kids
Explorer
Apr 23, 2014
Remove the film first.....
LVJ58
Explorer
Apr 23, 2014
It would seem that one could mask around the edges of the graphics, then lightly sand over the vinyl graphics with ultra fine grit paper.

A primer coat could then be sprayed over the graphics to fill any hairline cracks in the vinyl graphics.

After the primer drys then a color spray could be applied over the graphics.

I would think that would work, but of course I could be wrong as often I am...:S
strudeau
Explorer
Apr 23, 2014
LVJ58 wrote:
It would seem that one could mask around the edges of the graphics, then lightly sand over the vinyl graphics with ultra fine grit paper.

A primer coat could then be sprayed over the graphics to fill any hairline cracks in the vinyl graphics.

After the primer drys then a color spray could be applied over the graphics.

I would think that would work, but of course I could be wrong as often I am...:S

Actually that is exactly what the paint guy said he would do. Has rational was that most if not all cars today are clear coated and have a plastic over the bumpers and fender well areas. He pointed out that auto body shops don't strip the plastic when painting your slightly damaged bumper. Made sense to me.
rgatijnet1
Explorer III
Apr 23, 2014
You have found a lazy painter that could care less about the long term consequences. Apparently he thinks that he knows more than the 3M experts. I am sure that his warranty will expire as soon as your check clears.
Bumpers of new cars are plastic, but they DO NOT have a 3M plastic coating over them. Sounds like he has all of the BS answers to get your money and provide you with a temporary paint job.
klm
Explorer
Apr 23, 2014
I watched a detail crew remove a 3M mask off my neighbor's rig. They worked hard - but got it all off, it looks great. Not sure if the owner plans on having coach painted, or just wanted the messy looking 3M off.
abc40kids
Explorer
Apr 24, 2014
strudeau wrote:
LVJ58 wrote:
It would seem that one could mask around the edges of the graphics, then lightly sand over the vinyl graphics with ultra fine grit paper.

A primer coat could then be sprayed over the graphics to fill any hairline cracks in the vinyl graphics.

After the primer drys then a color spray could be applied over the graphics.

I would think that would work, but of course I could be wrong as often I am...:S

Actually that is exactly what the paint guy said he would do. Has rational was that most if not all cars today are clear coated and have a plastic over the bumpers and fender well areas. He pointed out that auto body shops don't strip the plastic when painting your slightly damaged bumper. Made sense to me.

Not true at all..... Some cars do come from the factory with small, high impact areas covered with paint protection which is on top of the paint not under it. No good paint job would include painting over anything like you speak of.
falconman
Explorer
Apr 24, 2014
One of our neighbors in the RV park had the front repainted over the 3M. It was a 3 color job and it looks great. Have no idea of how long it will last, or how hard it might be to remove it if it ever comes to that. But he's happy. Cost was about $1K. Wife and I removed ours and will touch up the chips that came with it. We did have an estimate for $700 to get the nose repainted.
sfischer
Explorer
Apr 24, 2014
Let us know how your neighbor likes it in a few years. Remove the 3M protectant before painting.
richard_123
Explorer
May 05, 2014
what about putting another decal over top of 3m film to hide the ugly brown mildew spots.

Forum Discussion

Painting over 3M Film

About Motorhome Group

Related Content

Nomadland Film

Painted Wheels

3M film

Clear film

Blue Beacon Truck Wash and paint protective film