Safe Paint Protection Film (PPF) removal?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by Wraiththe, Jun 9, 2021.

Tags:
  1. Wraiththe

    Wraiththe Member

    Joined:
    Apr 4, 2017
    272
    49
    0
    Location:
    Charlotte NC
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius
    Model:
    IV
    My PPF has developed what looks like mold spots underneath it. Not as attentive for a year with Covid keeping me home. I want to remove it... maybe get it replaced. However I am afraid the paint will come off with it. Has anyone successfully removed the PPF with out puling the paint or clearcoat off.

    My Prius is a 10 year anniversary 2010 red model. Hood issues.jpg Hood PPF.jpg ​
     
    #1 Wraiththe, Jun 9, 2021
  2. amarino

    amarino Active Member

    Joined:
    Mar 13, 2018
    132
    101
    99
    Location:
    California
    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Check the first 4 minutes of this recent video by AMMO NYC. He shows using a heat gun (if you're careful) and next just pouring boiling water to release the glue and peel it off. I guess if you have a steam gun that can also work.

     
    #2 amarino, Jun 9, 2021
    Last edited: Jun 9, 2021
  3. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 17, 2010
    57,957
    39,988
    80
    Location:
    Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    All gen 3’s had a couple of spots on the lower trailing edges of rear doors where some sort of film was applied (at factory). Even with frequent waxing and going round the edges with a toothpick, ours is starting to look a little sketchy. I might try the heat gun, try coaxing it off.
     
    #3 Mendel Leisk, Jun 9, 2021
  4. jzchen

    jzchen Newbie!

    Joined:
    Apr 9, 2012
    3,316
    1,020
    0
    Location:
    Arcadia, CA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Five
    We had ours replaced once. In a more inconspicuous area try to peel it. When I saw the guy at the shop remove they just peeled right off...

    moto g(7) power ?
     
    #4 jzchen, Jun 9, 2021
  5. The Critic

    The Critic Resident Critic

    Joined:
    Oct 28, 2005
    3,193
    2,325
    0
    Location:
    CA
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    Do you have a steamer?
     
    #5 The Critic, Jun 9, 2021
  6. Wraiththe

    Wraiththe Member

    Joined:
    Apr 4, 2017
    272
    49
    0
    Location:
    Charlotte NC
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius
    Model:
    IV
    yes.

    I have seen videos using stripper wheels which seems crazy... and steamers.
     
    #6 Wraiththe, Jun 10, 2021
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)