Facts & Questions

Window Tinting Questions

Q. Does the warranty cover the replacement costs of both film and labour?

A. All Universal Tint warranties come with the full backing and support of 3M Australia Pty Ltd that includes a nation-wide warranty covering both film and labour.

Q. What does the warranty cover?

A. Bubbling, Film Shrinkage, Crazing, Blistering, De-Lamination, Discolouration and Peeling.

Q. How long is the warranty for?

A. All Automotive and residential films come with a life-time warranty while commercial application come with a 12 year warranty.

Q. Who is the manufacturer?

A. 3M Australia but we do hold accounts with all other major window tinting manufacturers.

Q. Does the film have an acrylate adhesive system? (One that moves with the glass as it expands and contracts due to temperature fluctuations)

A. Only 3M Scotchtint products have a proprietary acrylic adhesive system developed by 3M especially for window films, a main factor when tinting residential and commercial properties.

Q. Does the company use direct employees or contract labour?

A. Universal Tint does not and never will use contract labour.

Q. Do the installers have a license from the manufacturer to apply the film?

A. Universal Tint are licensed by 3M Australia and other major manufacturers to install sun-control products.

Q. Is the Company you are dealing with fully covered for any accidents to it’s employees while on your premises?

A. Universal Tint has full insurance for property and its valued staff. As well as on going safety training programs we focus on our safety and the safety of our customers.

Q. How long does it take to install film on my car?

A. It all depends on the number of windows that need tint as well as the type of car. As long as you use a qualified, professional window film installer, the job will usually take anywhere from 2 to 2.5 hours.

Q. Is automotive window film installed on the inside or the outside of the glass?

A. Window film is always applied to the inside of the automotive glass.

Q. What film is legal for my car?

A. Laws pertaining to how dark you can tint your car windows vary from state to state and country to country.

Check your state or country where your car is registered to find out applicable tint laws. These are just used as guide lines please check with your local RTA for any of the latest window tinting updates available.

• NT
• QLD
• SA
• NSW
• VIC
• TAS

Auto Accessories Questions:

Q. Does purchasing Roof racks and accessories come with free installation if required?

A. The majority of our products will come with a friendly staff member to help assist you in installing your purchase this is free of charge.

Other custom installations and application products will have a cost associated with it, but this amount will be shown to you prior to purchase.

Q. What does the warranty cover?

A. All Products come with a manufacturers warranty, depending on the product purchased shall determined what is covered within the warranty.

Q. How long is the warranty for?

A. This all depend on what product is purchased so upon purchase please read your warranty care fully but if you are unsure ask one of our staff for assistance.

Paint Protection Questions:

Q. Can I apply Gtechniq CS or C1 myself?  Is it easy to do?

A. No, the CD & C1 product must be installed by a licensed Getchniq Applicator, always be sure to ask for proof that the installer is a licensed applicator for Gtechniq products. You can visit www.gtechniq.com.au for a list of licensed applicators within your state.

Q. What do I need to do before bringing my vehicle in for a Gtechniq Paint Protection? 

A. Your vehicle must be fully cleaned, although we do a pre-clean prior to installation to remove any pollutants or foreign chemicals, if the vehicle arrives dirty and required a detail or rejuvenation work we would not be able to apply the Gtechniq Paint Protection for the price quoted.

Q. Is Gtechniq Paint Protection applied by buffer or by hand?

A. Because Gtechniq is a professional chemically bonded sealant and not a polish or wax substance it cannot be applied by machine and must be installed by a skilled applicator by hand.

Q. Do I receive a product warranty?

A. Yes, Gtechniq C1 comes with a 3 year warranty with 12 months inspection periods, and CS comes with a 5 year warranty, this helps to safeguard your paintwork because we cannot establish how our customers will treat their vehicles once they have left our premises. This way we can inspect the vehicle after 12 months and give you the best advice and recommendation to how extend the life of your vehicles’ paint work.

Q. Can Getchniq Paint Protection harm my paintwork?

A. No, Gtechniq will only enhance the look of your vehicle’s painted surface if applied correctly by a trained installer. It is not in any way harmful to your vehicles painted surface. Gtechniq is a protective coating for the surface of your vehicle.

Q. How soon after purchasing a new car should I apply Gtechniq Paint Protection?

A. As soon as possible. The better the painted surface, the better the results Gtechniq will provide. Your car is a very valuable asset; you want to preserve the value of your motor vehicle. It is preferable to apply Gtechniq as soon as possible after purchasing your vehicle.

Q. Does Gtechniq Paint Protection protect against scratches?

A. No, Gtechniq C1 gives chemical protections that will bond with your clear coat and paint. It will however reduce the chances of swirling and light scratching when washing your vehicle do to the chemical coating and hydrophobic surface it creates. It will not protect your car from heavy scratching. Try 3M PPF film which will give a physical protection that can prevent heavy scratching.

Paint Protection Film Questions

Q. Will Scotchgard PPF harm the painted surface if the film is removed?

A. If the film is properly applied to a fully cured painted vehicle, it can be removed, usually in one piece, without damaging paint surfaces beneath the film.

Q. Can Scotchgard PPF be applied over a vehicle that has had the paint touched up?

A. 3M recommends that any repainted surfaces on your vehicle be professionally painted and fully cured before applying paint protection film. If you have touched up scratches or chips with a tube of “touch-up” paint and then apply paint protection film over it, the film will protect that area until it is removed. If the paint protection film is removed, it is possible that the area around the non-professional touch-up paint could peel off.

Q. Will the paint smear if Scotchgard PPF is applied over a newly painted vehicle?

A. The paint on a newly painted vehicle must be cured according to manufacturer’s recommendations. Your body shop should be able to provide you with this information.

Q. Can you paint or apply a clear coat over the Scotchgard PPF?

A. No, this is not recommended and is at your own risk. 3M film is supplied with an OEM-approved clearcoat which is not formulated to be over-printed, painted or clearcoated.

Q. Can I cover the while vehicle with Scotchgard PPF?

A. It is possible, but the application would be difficult and expensive. This product is really intended for the most vulnerable areas of the vehicle.

Q. Can Scotchgard PPF be applied over graphics?

A. The clear film will not interfere with vinyl or painted graphics and is designed to match the gloss levels of today’s automotive factory clearcoat paint systems, providing virtually invisible protection. However, if the Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film is removed, damage may occur to the underlying graphic during the removal process.

Q. Can Scotchgard PPF be used on headlights, fog lights or windshields?

A. In Australia, Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film does not meet the Department of Transportation’s standards for optical clarity. Other countries may have different legislation.

Q. Does Scotchgard PPF stick to bumpers and plastic?

A. Yes

Q. Can Scotchgard PPF be used on boats or other watercraft?

A. Yes. Marine requirements are different than automotive, so it is important to contact 3M’s Marine Trades Division for information on these applications. For specific information, please call 3M Marine at 136 136 for assistance.

Q. Can Scotchgard PPF be used on aircraft?

A. Aircraft requirements are completely different than automotive, so it is important to contact 3M’s Aerospace Division for information on these applications. Please call 136 136 for assistance.

Q. Can Scotchgard PPF be used for signs?

A. The film would probably stick, but you would need to test any specific application. 3M has no specific testing data for signs, so no warranty can be offered.

Q. Does Scotchgard PPF resist yellowing?

A. Yes, it resists yellowing because the film is constructed of thermoplastic urethane, a tough, conformable material that is covered by a clear coat layer. The film and clear coat layers contain UV protectants to counteract harmful ultraviolet rays that can cause yellowing.

Q. Does Scotchgard PPF come in colours?

A. Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film is available only as a clear film. This feature makes the film virtually invisible while protecting the beauty of your vehicle.

Q. How is Scotchgard PPF maintained?

A. Once applied, refrain from washing the vehicle in an automated car wash for 24 hours. Washing after that time presents no problem, and no special care need be taken for the film.

Q. Can I wax over Scotchgard PPF?

A. Yes. When waxing the vehicle, some wax may build up along the film edges. This can easily be removed when dry with a soft cloth, such as a 3M™ High Performance Cloth. Do not use any waxes containing dyes or waxes that are not recommended for urethanes. Abrasive polishes and/or rubbing compounds are not to be used.

Q. What products does 3M recommend to best maintain Scotchgard PPF?

A. 3M makes a variety of products to help maintain the beauty of your vehicle. 3M™ Car Wash Soap (3M Part #39000), 3M™ Show Car Paste Wax (3M Part #39526 and 3M™ Perfect-It Show Car Liquid Wax (3M Part #39026). The best surface cloth to use is the 3M™ Perfect-IT™ III Detailing Cloth (3M Part #06020) since others may scratch the surface of the film.

Q. How is Scotchgard PPF removed?

A. If desired, film can be removed at any time by picking up a corner of the film and pulling the film off the vehicle surface at a 90-degree angle. If the film has been present a long time, or if the film and vehicle are cold, a heat gun or hair dryer may be used to soften the adhesive, allowing easier removal. If any adhesive remains on the vehicle after removal of the film, it can be removed by using 3M™ 700 Adhesive Cleaner, according to the package directions.

Q. If Scotchgard PPF is removed from the vehicle, can it be re-used?

A. Once the film has been applied and set, the adhesive will not stick a second time.

Q. After Scotchgard PPF has been removed, how do I get any excess adhesive off my vehicle?

A. If any adhesive remains on the vehicle after removal of the film, it can be removed by using 3M™ 700 Adhesive Cleaner, according to the package directions.

Q. What if Scotchgard PPF is installed incorrectly?

A. Contact your Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film professional certified installer immediately.

Q. What is the Scotchgard PPF warranty?

A. 3M designs, formulates and manufactures Scotchgard™Paint Protection Film for optimum performance and durability. The 3M commitment to quality is the foundation for the warranty coverage we provide. 3M warrants that applied Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film will be free of defects in materials and manufacture – including yellowing, bubbling, or cracking – for five (5) years from date of purchase.

This warranty does not apply to damage caused by misuse, accident, misapplication, or ordinary wear, nor does it apply to dents caused by physical impact of rocks or road debris. The warranty is provided only to the original purchaser and is not transferable. If there is a breach of this warranty, then 3M will have an installer remove the old film and apply new Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film. Some installers may choose to offer, on their own behalf, different or additional warranties or remedies, beyond the limited warranty and limited remedy offered by 3M. This warranty does not apply to headlight or uncleared film.

Q. How do I make a warranty claim?

A. To make a claim under this warranty in the Australia, first contact your installer. If the installer is not available, simply contact 3M on 1300 363 252. 3M will direct you to an installer selected by 3M to have your Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film inspected and, if your claim is covered, 3M will have the installer provide the stated remedy.