Can Meguiar's wax be used over 3M paint protection?

[Aglaia]

Can Meguiar's liquid cleaner wax be used over 3M paint protection film? I have a new car that has 3M over the front, and I'm just planning on waxing it for the first time.

[marales]

Re: Can Meguiar's wax be used over 3M paint protection?

I think that you can't wax the film because it is not clear coat and it is plastic.This film is only to protect the car from scratches and nothing else.you can't create a film of wax on the 3M film.

[gioprivatemove]

Re: Can Meguiar's wax be used over 3M paint protection?

Can Meguiar's liquid cleaner wax be used over 3M paint protection film? I have a new car that has 3M over the front, and I'm just planning on waxing it for the first time.

I believe its possible to apply wax on the film. Just thin layer.

[davey g-force]

Re: Can Meguiar's wax be used over 3M paint protection?

I know people have done it with NXT with no problems.

I'm pretty sure it will be fine. Can you test an inconspicuous area first?

[Mike Phillips]

Re: Can Meguiar's wax be used over 3M paint protection?

Can Meguiar's liquid cleaner wax be used over 3M paint protection film? I have a new car that has 3M over the front, and I'm just planning on waxing it for the first time.

Meguiar's doesn't have an official product or recommendation for waxing clear flexible films applied to paint, that said a lot of people wax their clear plastic bras, most don't use a cleaner/wax however and stick to products like NXT Tech Wax for better protection and likely better gloss.

Best thing to do is whenever you touch this film, do so carefully so that you don't scratch it, for example use a quality car wash and a quality car wash mitt.

Avoid taking your car to a car wash.

[SpeedFM]

Re: Can Meguiar's wax be used over 3M paint protection?

I've been installing the "clear bra" product for over eight years and compiled a list of Do's and Don'ts. I removed my company's product info off here so it won't look like a plug.

Care and Maintenance		Do Not Do the Following:
Dust and use ********* Polish on the film regularly to prevent dirt build up around the edges and to maintain its glossy finish. Use a liquid-based car wash soap, extra-soft wash-mit, and water to wash your ********* Paint Protection Film. When using a high-pressure water hose to wash, keep at least 36" away from your film's edges and surface. Wipe down with a clean and dust-free chamois and apply ********* Polish and wipe dry with a micro-fiber drying towel. This is very important! ********* Polish will keep the film’s finish glossy and more resistant to stains and discoloring. Use a small toothpick or detailing cloth to softly remove any wax build-up around the edges. Bird droppings and bug splats should be removed as quickly as possible by flushing the area with luke-warm water. Some bugs may leave stains that normally bleach out in the sun after a few weeks.		• Do not use any abrasive scrubbers, sponges or paper towels. • Do not use a powder-based detergent or degreaser to clean your film. • Do not use any clay products to clean the surface of your film. • Do not use any abrasive or hard-compound waxes and/or polishes. • Do not rub excessively or use excessive force when cleaning or drying. • Do not use a high-speed power buffer or polishing equipment. • Do not use a high-pressure hose closer than 36" from the Paint Protection Film surface. • Do not pick the Paint Protection Film's edges. Once the material is lifted it will not lay back down properly without damage.

[ghaines]

Re: Can Meguiar's wax be used over 3M paint protection?

Can Meguiar's liquid cleaner wax be used over 3M paint protection film? I have a new car that has 3M over the front, and I'm just planning on waxing it for the first time.

I just used the NXT 2.0 Wax on my 3M film this morning and could not be happier with the result. It really brings out the luster of the plastic film as well as hide light scratchs. It looks as dark and as rich as the paint. It also cleans up easy around the edges. I'd also suggest using the UQD in between your waxing w/ MF. Anything else could introduce scratches. Good luck. - G

[Don]

Re: Can Meguiar's wax be used over 3M paint protection?

use ********* Polish on the film regularly to prevent dirt build up around the edges and to maintain its glossy finish.

Sounds like a mild polish is recommended from time to time, such as one of Meg's cleaner waxes or pure polishes topped by an LSP.

[CieraSL]

Re: Can Meguiar's wax be used over 3M paint protection?

Here's some general FAQ's from 3M's website.

Q.	How is Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film maintained?
A.	Once applied, refrain from washing the vehicle in an automated car wash for 24 hours. Washing after that time presents no problem, and no special care need be taken for the film. (if you want my opinion, just refrain from washing the vehicle in an automated car wash period)
Q.	Can I use wax over Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film?
A.	Yes. When waxing the vehicle, some wax may build up along the film edges. This can easily be removed when dry with a soft cloth, such as a 3M™ High Performance Cloth. Do not use any waxes containing dyes or waxes that are not recommended for urethanes. Abrasive polishes and/or rubbing compounds are not to be used.
Q.	What products does 3M recommend to best maintain Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film?
A.	3M makes a variety of products to help maintain the beauty of your vehicle. 3M™ Car Wash Soap (3M Part #39000), 3M™ Show Car Paste Wax (3M Part #39526 and 3M™ Perfect-It Show Car Liquid Wax (3M Part #39026). The best surface cloth to use is the 3M™ Perfect-IT™ III Detailing Cloth (3M Part #39016) since others may scratch the surface of the film.
Q.	How is Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film removed?
A.	If desired, film can be removed at any time by picking up a corner of the film and pulling the film off the vehicle surface at a 90-degree angle. If the film has been present a long time, or if the film and vehicle are cold, a heat gun or hair dryer may be used to soften the adhesive, allowing easier removal. If any adhesive remains on the vehicle after removal of the film, it can be removed by using 3M™ General Purpose Adhesive Cleaner (3M Part #08984), according to the package directions.
Q.	If Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film is removed from the vehicle, can it be re-used?
A.	Once the film has been applied and set, the adhesive will not stick a second time.
Q.	After Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film has been removed, how do I get any excess adhesive off my vehicle?
A.	If any adhesive remains on the vehicle after removal of the film, it can be removed by using 3M™ General Purpose Adhesive Cleaner (3M Part #08984), according to the package directions.
Of course 3M recommends using their products, but you could replace their recommendation with the Meguiar's equivalent. Information is from http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3...Consumer/FAQs/

[eyoo]

Re: Can Meguiar's wax be used over 3M paint protection?

I just used the NXT 2.0 Wax on my 3M film this morning and could not be happier with the result. It really brings out the luster of the plastic film as well as hide light scratchs. It looks as dark and as rich as the paint. It also cleans up easy around the edges. I'd also suggest using the UQD in between your waxing w/ MF. Anything else could introduce scratches. Good luck. - G

Curious, did you apply by hand or did you use a dual-action polisher?

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Can Meguiar's wax be used over 3M paint protection?

Curious, did you apply by hand or did you use a dual-action polisher?

The individual who posted about using NXT on this surface did so almost a year ago and hasn't logged in since August so you might not hear back from him specifically. That said, since NXT Generation Tech Wax 2.0 doesn't really contain any cleaners it should be perfectly fine whether hand or D/A applied to this surface.

[eyoo]

Re: Can Meguiar's wax be used over 3M paint protection?

Thanks Michael. Any thoughts on if claying and using something like SwirlX is okay on a clear bra?

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Can Meguiar's wax be used over 3M paint protection?

Claying the clear bra is perfectly fine and probably just a good idea in general. As for the SwirlX, it may go against the manufacturer's recommendation since it technically is an abrasive product. Proceed at your own risk (but check with the manufacturer first!)

[eyoo]

Re: Can Meguiar's wax be used over 3M paint protection?

Awesome, thanks for responding so quickly Michael.

[Garage Troll]

Re: Can Meguiar's wax be used over 3M paint protection?

I can tell you that the last time I spoke with 3M they did not give any definitive answers. I was brave enough to try scratchx 2.0 on some swirls on my film followed by 205 and 3M performance wax and it seemed to be okay. However, I also tried using a MF, the 3M wax and some moderate pressure and that seemed to work too so I will probably stick to that as to not void my warranty. I really like my 3M film but I will probably go with another company next time that actually has experimented with swirl and light scratch removal.