Frequently Asked Questions

What is 3M Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film?

3M Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film is a tough, self-adhesive, clear urethane film that is specifically designed to preserve the beauty and integrity of automotive paint finishes. It won't alter the appearance of your vehicle, but allows the paint-colour brilliance to shine through. It has similar gloss properties to the clear coat paint on most current model vehicles.

At NoChip™, we use ONLY genuine 3M Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film. OEM-approved 3M Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film is constructed of thermoplastic urethane, a tough, conformable plastic material used for its long-term durability.

3M Scotchgard™ PPF (SGH6) consists of a 6 mil film base (0.0060 in. = 0.153 mm) with 2 mil adhesive plus clear coat containing UV protection. 

3M Scotchgard™ PPF (SGH12) consists of a 12 mil film base with 2 mil adhesive plus clear coat containing UV protection.

Please see the 3M technical data sheet for complete details.

Why do I need it?

Federally mandated changes in automotive paint systems require manufacturers to use softer water based paints. 3M Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film from NoChip™ is the perfect solution.

This virtually invisible product prevents stone chips, insects, abrasions, and weather elements from damaging vulnerable paint surfaces of your vehicle. 3M Scotchgard™ PPF also contains UV protection to help maintain your original paint quality and colour and to protect the product from yellowing. Great looking and long-lasting, this advanced product renders plastic bug guards, hood protectors and vinyl car bras obsolete.

What does it look like installed?

3M Scotchgard™ PPF is virtually invisible.  Visit our Gallery Page for examples of completed vehicles.

Does it really work?

See what NoChip™ PPF products can do to protect your vehicle by viewing gravelometer test results video below...

To which types of surfaces may 3M Scotchgard™ PPF be applied?

NoChip™ 3M Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film products may be applied to virtually any painted surface that is fully cured according to the paint manufacturer. It is commonly used to protect hood and fenders, headlights, bumpers, rocker panels, wheel flares, roof edges, mirrors, door edges, bed rails and tailgates.

With an extensive selection of model-specific kits, universal kits, as well as bulk material for non-standard coverage, we have what you need! We stock all standard roll sizes up to 30". Browse our product catalogue.

• Custom widths and lengths.
• Custom die-cutting for industrial, aerospace, automotive and recreation applications.
• Special Order 12 mil 3M Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film for high-abrasion applications.

Please contact us to discuss your specific needs.

How is it attached? Can it be removed?

3M Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film is self-adhesive, using a high-performance, pressure sensitive acrylic PSA adhesive system that ensures excellent adhesion to OEM paints. No mechanical fasteners are used to install it.

Because it bonds to the painted surface, 3M Scotchgard™ PPF won't damage your paint, trap abrasive road grime, or vibrate like vinyl car bras or plastic hood protectors.

Although the application is meant to be permanent, 3M Scotchgard™ PPF can be removed without damage to your paint at some future time if desired.

What is involved in maintenance?

Unlike vinyl car bras or plastic hood protectors, there is no special maintenance, removal or cleaning required. Maintain 3M Scotchgard™ PPF products by washing and waxing them just like the painted surfaces of your vehicle. Naturally, they are safe for automatic car washes. 

 Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film is easy to care for.

• You can wash your car as early as 24 hours after film is installed.
• Use waxes that do not contain dyes, abrasive polishes and/or rubbing compounds.
• 3M recommends 3M™ Performance Finish when waxing your car.
• Remove any wax build-up along film edges with a lint-free cloth.
   

What about Warranty?

Warranty on 3M Scotchgard™ PPF is 5 years.  Please link to our Terms of Sale Page for complete details. 

The 3M Canada Warranty on 3M Scotchgard™ PPF  is good across North America, and is not dependant on any individual installer. 

For Warranty product replacement, you do need proof of purchase.  For Warranty product and labour replacement, proof that the product was installed by a 3M Certified Installer.

At NoChip™ PPF we distribute ONLY 3M Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film.  We are the ONLY 3M Canada Certified Installer and Distributor in Canada'sTechnology Triangle, and "the tri-cities". 

We have been serving the Automotive Aftermarket since 1981.

How can I be sure I'm getting genuine 3M Scotchgard™ product?

1. NoChip™ is a 3M Canada Distributor and 3M Certified Installer. Should you wish to confirm this, go to the 3M PPF website www.mmm.com/paintprotectionfilm and follow the 'Where to buy' link.  You will find us listed as a 3M Canada Certified Installer in Kitchener, Ontario, with a link to our Web site nochip.com.   While you are there, why not check to see if our competition is listed.
   
2. Genuine 3M Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film has red 3M logos on the liner, as pictured below. Don't accept imitations. If it hasn't got the 3M logo on the liner, it isn't 3M Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film. 

What about UNCOATED FILM?

If your product does have red 3M logos on the liner, but is selling for substantially less money, most likely you are being sold 846 Series (Uncoated) film. 

Often referred to as 8 mil, this film has no UV clear coat protection and is not an exterior product.  Naturally it costs much less.  However it is only intended for automotive, aerospace and industrial use where exposure to the sun's damaging ultraviolet light (UV) is not an issue.

846 Series UNCLEARED film has NO WARRANTY from 3M for exterior use.  Please see Page 7 in the Warranty section of the 3M Application Guide for Professional Applicators (PDF) for details.  UNCLEARED film is specifically excluded in the 3M Warranty.

The best way to avoid this is to deal with a 3M Certified Installer.  Simply go to mmm.com/paintprotectionfilm and follow the 'Where to buy' link.
 

Why is NoChip™ more expensive?

We are often asked why our kits sell for substantially more than our competitors, especially on eBay.

At NoChip™ we sell ONLY genuine, automotive grade, clear coated, UV protected 3M Scotchgard™ PPF intended for Automotive Aftermarket use.   NoChip™ is a 3M Canada Distributor and 3M Certified Installer.  As such we have to be accountable to 3M and meet their standards.

Most people choose 3M because they love their car, want a superior product, and a warranty that is worth something.

When you choose NoChip™ PPF, you are assured of receiving genuine 3M Scotchgard™ PPF, from a Certified 3M Canada Distributor.   Choose NoChip™ and expect to pay a little more (It's worth it) !
 

Is 3M Scotchgard™ the same as VentureShield™?

No. The two products are chemically different, install differently, perform differently and have different warranty. 

3M acquired Venture Tape Corp in October of 2007, and with it the VentureShield™ product line.  VentureShield™ brand product is a less expensive, or budget alternative product line, that is not branded as a 3M product. 

If your installer is offering you "3M Paint Protection Film", and is actually selling VentureShield™, you are being misled into thinking that they are equivalent products.  In reality if VentureShield™ product were equal or superior, why try to pass it off as 3M Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film?   If you are buying VentureShield™ film expect to pay substantially less money as it costs substantially less.

VentureShield™ product warranty is 5 years (As of July 1, 2010 - not lifetime as many vendors claim) and it consists of replacement film only (not labour), and only if you have the original receipt and a valid warranty registration card.  Visit the VentureShield™ website to verify this.  This implies that if your installer is not Certified you have NO WARRANTY from VentureShield™.  Your warranty is entirely dependant on your installer still being in business if you need warranty.

If you want genuine 3M Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film and 3M Warranty, it will cost you a little more.  

3M Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film product warranty is 5 years. If you have 3M Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film installed, all you need is proof of purchase from a Certified Installer (your receipt) and 3M will have an installer it designates remove the old film and apply new Scotchgard Paint Protection Film (product AND labour).  If you purchased film for self-installation, all you need is proof of purchase from a Distributor (your receipt) and 3M will replace the film.  

For complete details and a written copy of the warranty see the What about Warranty section (above).

At NoChip™ PPF we distribute ONLY 3M Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film since 1981.  We are the areas ONLY 3M Canada Certified Installer and Distributor.