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Removal of 3M front protection film

Yahoo Message Number: 103667
Has anyone come up with a good way of removing the the 3M protective film on the front surface of the motor home?  My film has numerous cracks as well as bacteria growing under it, so the film needs to be removed.

We have been trying  the 3M  general adhesive  remover with limited success.
I start by heating the film with a heat gun then using a scraper to take off most of it. The next step is to spray on the adhesive remover and use another scraper to continue the removal process. This process takes about one hour  per one half a square foot of material remove

I'm so hoping that somebody has a better technique.

Tom Ruster
04 Inspire
51017

Re: Removal of 3 M front protection film

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 103668
unfortunately no other way.  We took off most of ours except an 18" strip across the bottom and ended up paying someone to remove that.  So worth it to pay someone to remove it.  You will have lots of aches and pains and sore fingers.  We used Goo Gone to remove the adhesive after we scraped the film off with a plastic scraper using a heat gun.  Don't use the heat gun too hot or will harm the paint.

Lonny & Diane Livingston
'04 Allure #31065

Re: Removal of 3 M front protection film

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 103670
We watched OMC gang removing a 3M bra using a steamer. Probably the same principal as the heat gun, but suspect the steam helps with the removal being a bit easier. They got one edge up, then as one pulled on the strip in hand, the other one used the steam nozzle back and forth on the ever moving edge that was still stuck to the coach. I think the steam helped penetrate and loosen the adhesive along this edge that was being pulled off. (Sorry if that was not clear, but dang I know what I was trying to say:)!).

This was on I think a 2008 Magna, so the film was in better shape which I think helps in it coming off in larger junks at a time.

Ours will be coming off soon. So if any of you want to practice first, please sign into the Smitty 3M Film Removal raffle!!!

I may just try to take care of mine two different ways:

First, I'll try to delegate. The DW is always looking for something to keep her out of trouble!

Second, I'll look for budget approval from same DW, and try to do it the old fashion way - write a check!!!

Best to all,

Smitty

04 Allure 31017
04 Allure Sold to a nice new owner! Now enjoying a 07 Magna Rembrandt 45' ISX600 #6775
"We're ONDROAD for THEJRNY!" (Toad and Coach license plates, say Hi if you see us!)

Re: Removal of 3 M front protection film

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 103673
I have an 04 Allure that had the 3M product that was starting to crack and tried a few different ways and then found a product online called vinyl off. I tried it by itself, with a steamer and a heat gun. It worked but was very tedious to say the least with minimal results. I then spoke to a local tint shop that applies the product on cars for my dealership and he told me to get a sturdy plastic scraper from Home Depot, point the front of the coach into some bright hot direct sunlight and spray the vinyl off on and watch. I couldn't believe my eyes when the stuff started to almost steam and the film started to crack. I then took the scraper and started scraping it off in big clumps of melted film. After that the worst part was cleaning off the remaining glue that was left. Put some thinner in a spray bottle and began wiping off in small areas at a time.

Best of luck and just be patient but the results are well with it.

Re: Removal of 3 M front protection film

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 103677
I feel your pain Tom. I removed mine for the same reasons as yours, and it took over a week a grueling work to get it all off. I used a scraper that used plastic "razor blades" to scrape, and turpentine to remove the glue. The final results were awesome, without a single scratch on the underlying clear coat. The new film installer commented on how clean the surface was, and the finished product dazzles. (PS: The installer said he has 2 men that do the removal in a day! He didn't share his technique though.) Keep at it, try that plastic razor blade scraper, and look forward to the results.

Jeff Thurston '03/4 42ft.
Intrigue Ovation 11630

Re: Removal of 3 M front protection film

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 103679
I would have gladly paid someone to take mine off but could find no one willing to do it in my area.

I watched a fellow remove his from a Mountain Aire while at Myrtle Beach.  The sun is your friend.  Last September while at a rally in Myrtle Beach, I started the process.  Letting the sun warm the front, I started peeling.  Mine had not started to crack like some I've seen so I could slowly peel off larger pieces.  I would use plastic razor blades to get it started then slowly pull at an angle.  I had talked to a friend of mine in the auto body shop business and he recommended mineral spirits and lacquer thinner to remove the glue.  I soaked the glue with mineral spirits, scraped with the plastic razor blade, repeat.  When I had scraped off most of the glue, I would then clean the area with a micro fiber cloth and lacquer thinner.

It took me about 4 - 5 days, 3 - 4 hours per day to get it all off.  Paint was pristine and I gave it a good cleaning with Mequar's cleaner/wax.

I have one piece left under the entry door and will remove it soon.

Gary

07 Allure 470 Siskiyou Summit
 

Re: Removal of 3 M front protection film

Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 103685
I took ours off last year, it took about 20 hours but it did come off.  I used  a heat gun and about 100 plastic razor blades.  The plastic blades will not scratch the paint.  Then I used goo be gone and adhesive remover.  Just got to get your mind right and do a section at a time.

Tom

2005 Inspire 51177