Magna Aftercare
Window Tint
If you just had your car windows tinted or are planning on having it done soon, these aftercare tips will help make sure you’re completely satisfied with your results. Leave the windows up for at least 48 hours after the tint film is installed. This time is necessary for the tint to adhere to the glass so it will not peel away when the window is rolled down. After 48 hours, wipe the windows down with a non-ammonia cleaner; or better yet, wipe the windows down with a cleaner specifically formulated for tinted windows. Note: Bubbles may appear and are normal for the first few days after the windows are tinted. You may also notice the tint that appears cloudy, hazy, and has water pockets. These will go away as the film dries out; if they don’t, return your vehicle to Magna and our technicians will review the situation.
Magna Aftercare
Paint Protection Film
Immediately after installation, your new Paint Protection Film (PPF) is still curing. Any blunder may hinder this process or damage the film. Be sure to follow these crucial steps to ensure the best results: Do not wash or wax your car for the first seven days after the PPF installation. This is because the moisture between your car’s paint surface and the film is still evaporating and the film has not yet adhered to the surface well. Any disturbance may interfere with the curing process.
Do not press any bubbles formed underneath the film. When the PPF is installed, a setting solution is used. This may form watery bubbles under the film. The bubbles should not be pressed as this is part of the curing process, and they’ll dissipate within two to three weeks after installation. The moisture held in those bubbles evaporates through the film’s pores.
If possible, do not drive your car the first week after installation. This reduces any chance of messing up the healing process. After getting through the first week after installation, then you can carry out more film maintenance practices.
CLEANING YOUR CAR
When cleaning your car, take care to avoid damaging the Paint Protection Film. When using any pressure washer including water or air pressure washer, maintain a distance of 1 foot or more between the film and the washer’s nozzle. Too much pressure can lift the film from the car’s surface. The pressure washer should also be kept away from the edges as it can easily lift the film. To clean your film’s edges use a microfiber cloth. To wipe any dust off your car, hydrate the surface first. This reduces friction which prevents swirls and damage to the PPF.
APPLY A PREMIUM SEALANT PPF is porous. This means that if dust and other contaminants are left on for long, they can contaminate it and make it dull over time. To prevent this, a sealant should be applied on the PPF’s surface. Applying a sealant seals the pores keeping the film safe from contaminants. The sealant also provides extra protection for your car. Instead of using wax or sealants, one can also apply a ceramic coating [link to any ceramic coating page, blog or otherwise, on the Magna site] on the Paint Protection Film. This combination offers both the PPF and ceramic coating benefits, offering more protection to your car.
When purchasing sealants to apply on your Paint Protection Film, ensure you choose only natural-based sealants. Do not use any sealants or wax with corrosive elements as they’ll damage your film, including its self-healing capabilities. Ensure that you apply the sealant evenly on the film to maintain its overall gleam look. After wax/sealant/ceramic coating application, maintenance of the car and the PPF is eased further. Only water and liquid soap are required to clean your car and you’re all set.
AVOID PRODUCTS WITH AGGRESSIVE CHEMICALS
Your Paint Protection Film is prone to damage and anything that reduces its efficacy should be avoided. This includes all detailing products with corrosive or abrasive chemicals. Products that should be averted include tar and bug removers, clay cleaners, and degreasers, among other harmful products. Keep in mind that the film’s integrity should remain intact for it to be effective and aggressive products put this in jeopardy and reduce the film’s durability. REMOVE BIRD DROPPINGS, BUG SPLATTER AND OTHER NATURAL CONTAMINANTS IMMEDIATELY Bird droppings, tree sap, and other natural contaminants that are acidic should not be left on the film for long. Such contaminants can quickly degrade the PPF and reduce its shine. When removing these contaminants, blot them instead of wiping them. APART FROM THE DISCUSSED MAINTENANCE TIPS, HERE ARE A FEW MORE PPF CARE TIPS:
Your Paint Protection Film is prone to damage and anything that reduces its efficacy should be avoided. This includes all detailing products with corrosive or abrasive chemicals. Products that should be averted include tar and bug removers, clay cleaners, and degreasers, among other harmful products. Keep in mind that the film’s integrity should remain intact for it to be effective and aggressive products put this in jeopardy and reduce the film’s durability. REMOVE BIRD DROPPINGS, BUG SPLATTER AND OTHER NATURAL CONTAMINANTS IMMEDIATELY Bird droppings, tree sap, and other natural contaminants that are acidic should not be left on the film for long. Such contaminants can quickly degrade the PPF and reduce its shine. When removing these contaminants, blot them instead of wiping them. APART FROM THE DISCUSSED MAINTENANCE TIPS, HERE ARE A FEW MORE PPF CARE TIPS:
- Do not use powered buffers/polishing equipment on the PPF
- Do not wipe or clean it in direct sunlight or when the film is hot
- Do not use dyed sealants as they’ll make it dull
- After washing your car, use a clean microfiber towel to dry it. This prevents water spots
- Do not use powder detergents on the PPF
- Do not pick the film’s edges
- Do not use petroleum or resin-based products as they can damage the Paint Protection Film’s surface
- Always use PH neutral products on the PPF
- Apply wax every 3-6 months
- Avoid pressure washers with very high PSI
- Hand detailing is preferred to avoid damage to the film
