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Topic: 3M Plastic film ("bra") (Read 1057 times) previous topic - next topic

3M Plastic film ("bra")

Has anyone actually taken off the 3M film themselves?

Horace Cupp told me when FOT (?) removed his, they used a standard steamer, of which he had one to loan me.

He said it took him (them?) about two hours to remove the old film.

I borrowed his steamer and have begun. I have between 2 and 4 hours invested now and I have a space less than a square foot removed.

It seems that the film comes off with a scraper (when good and hot!) but leaves the ADHESIVE on. I bought some expensive 3M 4061 adhesive remover; it works SLOWLY, scrapes off, but leaves leaves lumps and areas of adhesive which require a second and third spraying with the "remover".

I cannot believe anyone who has ever tried to remove this film would reapply it!

Re: 3M Plastic film ("bra")

Reply #1 –
Duane,  I watched my neighbor on the adjacent pad remove this crap from his Monaco this winter.  Seems like it took him most of two weeks with a heat gun and plastic scraper.  Sounds like you are into the same process.  Good luck.

Re: 3M Plastic film ("bra")

Reply #2 –
Duanne,

Call James Stallings at Xtreme Graphics in the morning.  He can tell you the easiest way to remove both the material and the adhesive.  Not a fun job, even with knowledge.
We are only strangers until we meet; however, some of us are stranger than others

Re: 3M Plastic film ("bra")

Reply #3 –
Quote from: Duane Budd –
Has anyone actually taken off the 3M film themselves?

Horace Cupp told me when FOT (?) removed his, they used a standard steamer, of which he had one to loan me.

He said it took him (them?) about two hours to remove the old film.

I borrowed his steamer and have begun. I have between 2 and 4 hours invested now and I have a space less than a square foot removed.

It seems that the film comes off with a scraper (when good and hot!) but leaves the ADHESIVE on. I bought some expensive 3M 4061 adhesive remover; it works SLOWLY, scrapes off, but leaves leaves lumps and areas of adhesive which require a second and third spraying with the "remover".

I cannot believe anyone who has ever tried to remove this film would reapply it!


I did remove my original 3M film using a steamer at the Foretravel paint shop around 5 years ago.
It did not leave hardly any adhesive on the paint.
Very slow process to remove film.
I did reinstall a film called "Diamond Shield" here in Calif and it has held up well.
Invisible Paint Protection Film - Diamond Shield Clear Protective Film
The selected media item is not currently available.Barry BEAM #16014
2003 U320 40' AGDS
Beamalarm, Foretravel technical help and specifications
"Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve"

Re: 3M Plastic film ("bra")

Reply #4 –
I removed it on my coach using a plastic scraper to get edges started, and a lot of slow pulling then rubbing alcohol to remove the adhesive.  It seemed that less adhesive stuck if you pull the plastic off at a 90 degree angle to the surface but every time you stop and restart, some adhesive sticks.  I didn't use a steamer but waited until the plastic was rather warm in 80 degrees temp. 

James' folks use a steamer - but if the plastic is at the age is is cracking, you have a lot of work.  Best to remove before it gets that way.

FYI, Foretravel factory now uses a spray on finish that seems to be thicker and doesn't leave any seems.  It's supposed to prevent chips but so far I have seen chips on two coaches, including an IH-45 - it must have been a rock that hit it.
Larry Rubin
2004 U295 38' build 6278
2014 Jeep Cherokee

Re: 3M Plastic film ("bra")

Reply #5 –
Duane. I am more and more convinced that having James Stallings at Xtreme remove mine was a good investment at $300, +/-!
No RV! Have hung up the keys.
In the past: 2016 Winnebago Era, 1994 Foretravel U240, 1995 Foretravel U240 (wide body), 1999 Foretravel 320, 36 Foot, 2003 Foretravel U320 38 foot,

Re: 3M Plastic film ("bra")

Reply #6 –
Quote from: Horace B. Cupp Jr. –
Duane. I am more and more convinced that having James Stallings at Xtreme remove mine was a good investment at $300, +/-!

If anyone knows where I can go in Southern California and have mine removed for a fair price, please pass the word.
Tom Lang K6PG (originally  KC6UEC)
and Diane Lang
2003 38 U295 build 6209
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Ecodiesel
still have tow-ready 2006 Acura MDX 
Temple City, California
Motorcade 16681 California Chapter President
SKP 16663 member of SKP Park of the Sierra, Coarsegold California
FMCA F071251
Retired electrical and electronic engineer

Re: 3M Plastic film ("bra")

Reply #7 –
Duane

These people are the California distributors for 3M film. They may be able to help you.


aerotectfilms.com - Home

Keith
Keith, Joyce & Smokey the Australian Cattle Dog
1995 U320 SE Extreme 40' WTBI Build # 4780, with a Honda CR-V hopefully still following behind.
Motorcade # 17030
FMCA # F422159

Re: 3M Plastic film ("bra")

Reply #8 –
Quote from: Larry Rubin –
I removed it on my coach using a plastic scraper to get edges started, and a lot of slow pulling then rubbing alcohol to remove the adhesive.  It seemed that less adhesive stuck if you pull the plastic off at a 90 degree angle to the surface but every time you stop and restart, some adhesive sticks.  I didn't use a steamer but waited until the plastic was rather warm in 80 degrees temp. 

James' folks use a steamer - but if the plastic is at the age is is cracking, you have a lot of work.  Best to remove before it gets that way.


Thanks, Larry! I made a couple of "scrapers" out of oak and tackled the job again. You are quite correct - peeling the film at 90 degrees leaves less adhesive. In fact, there is much less adhesive left just using the wooden scrapers. And using this method may allow me to score the film and leave the bottom of the front covered with film for now. The bottom portions appear not to have the deterioration that the film on the white areas has.

Karma to you!! :)
 

Re: 3M Plastic film ("bra")

Reply #9 –
The windows on my boat had the same type of film that they put on car windows.

I had started with heat gun, adhesive stripper, ...

I found that the quickest, simplest way to remove it was with the type of razor blade holder that the inspection sticker guys use. Has a long handle and folds in the middle.  Made quick work of the problem.

HTH
Elliott & Mary Bray
ex. 1996 36' U295 - Build 4879
ex. 2018 Coachmen Leprechaun 319MB