Cleaning Of Clear Protection Film Near Rear Fenders

I did a little search and didn't see anything that specifically answered my question. Anyways, I have a white Tacoma and the clear protection film near the rear fenders is starting to get a little yellowish and has a dirt line around the edges.

I keep my truck fairly clean and have tried rubbing the line around the edges away with no luck. Is there a cleaner out there for removing the yellowish tint to the film itself that anyone has tried? I saw a couple products online but don't have any experience with it. And a technique for removing the dirt line around the edges?

Thanks

 

i'm thinking about removing mine, i don't know why i haven't yet.
but if there's a way to clean them i'd love to know how aswell.

 

I thought about that too, but was afraid of any damage it might do to the paint. That and the fact it looks like it goes under the rear fender "bump out" and the little black strip outlining it.

 

I tried everything however nothing works. A hair dryer removes it easy!

 

You might try magic eraser for the dirt line but im sure that wont help the yellowing if the film itself.

 

magic eraser will probably scratch paint! (atleast it did on my s2000 side mirror housing).

 

Maybe try Goo Gone for the dirt around the edges of the film...careful with the paint though.

 

You could try removing it, clean area, and re-apply new film. I added some addional protection with this film in that general area and it's held up great going on 3 years now. This film isn't as thick as OEM but is easy to apply and seems to work pretty good...
http://www.cabelas.com/hood-shields-body-styling-trimbrite-bodyguard-paint-protection-film.shtml

 

We install this stuff at my work, there isn't much you can do about the yellowing but for the dirt edge use a tooth pick.

 

just take it off. i have a white one to and i took mine off bcz about 3 weeks after having my truck i was washing it at the car wash while talking to a friend and wasnt paying attention and blew through one of them with the pressure washer

 

Ha. That settles it. A car wash pressure wand will remove it : )

 

I have the same problem with mine, I think I'm gonna take it too a local paint shop and ask if they can do it without damaging stuff

 

Maybe try a toothbrush with a little Goo Gone on it for the dirt line?

Fink

 

^^^what he said^^^

EDIT: also if you decide to remove a heat gun/hair dryer does work wonders. However remember there will be residue left even if it doesnt look like it. We use ditzo to remove the residue.

 

Thanks for the responses. I seen a product by Xpel that they claim cleans these films, but it sounds like those may be false claims. Is there any risk of damaging the paint upon removal of it if it's been on there a year now?

 

As long as you take your time and follow the advice about applying heat, you should be fine.

Fink

 

The heat gun/hair drier works well for this sort of thing. I just pulled mine off, cold. Then I used one of those gum-off products to remove the remaining adhesive. No damage was done to the underlying paint or finish.

 

I work for a detailing company and we use Purple (brand) cleaner and a microfiber towel to clean clear protective film. Mix cleaner according to directions (1 part cleaner, 4 parts water, I think?), spray, soak 10 seconds, wipe, repeat till clean.

Purple also works very well for when your exhaust begins to stain your paint.

 

I pulled mine off after it had been on my truck for 3 years (bought it used). Again, no damage. It helps that the underlying finish is not the normal smooth metal skin but rather a rougher protective finish.