Clear, Protective, Removable Covering for Windows Near Water Line

Billfletcher

Billfletcher

New Member
Feb 20, 2011
913
San Diego, CA
Boat Info
2014, 44, EC.
Engines
2 X 370HP Volvo D6, DPH Duo Prop's
A previous thread brought up the scratching of windows that are below the water line. Dennis mentioned a product by 3M.

I sent the following email to 3M today:

I have a boat that is in saltwater all year. It has four windows, that are each about 4 sq. ft. The windows are getting scratched up, so I was looking at your product for protection. I would plan on changing it every year.


A couple questions:

Has anyone used your product for marine use to your knowledge?

Will the material leave a residue when it is pulled off, especially if it is baked in the hot sun?

Can the sheets be cut to size, to match up to the windows on my boat?
 
I've used the 3M product on my cars and it is great. Getting ready to buy some film to do the corners on a colored hull to keep from fading.
 
One of the places I used this stuff on was the front crossmember & axle of a painted trailer and the leading edge of the metal fenders (painted). Those places always seem to get hit by rocks. The stuff was amazingly durable. The Audi I saw was white and I didn't notice any color/hue difference. But in this case it's going on a window so it needs to be as close to transparent as possible. However, I think from the outside it won't matter - if anything, it would be noticeable from the inside. Since they use this stuff on headlights I suspect it's going to pretty hard to tell that it's on there (I have personally seen that a few times, too, and couldn't tell a difference). If you can get it in different thicknesses, I would opt for the thinnest. Not because of clarity, but I don't think there's a need to spend more money on the thicker stuff for this application.
 
I have XPEL premium on the front of my F-150 (sunset orange color) and headlights. You can't see it. I think it'd work well in this application.
 
Thanks for the feedback.

Has anyone had trouble removing the film? Did it leave a sticky residue? That is my main concern, as it bakes in the sun with the salt water environment.
 
Can't answer to that personally as I've never had it off. I'd ask a local installer, my guy said if he had to remove it from a vehicle it would be no problem and not damage the paint.
 
I know I took a piece of this stuff off of SOMETHING in the past, but I can't remember exactly what it was! :smt101 I do not remember there being any issue with residue, though - which I'm sure I would remember - or at least it was minimal. Alcohol or Goof-Off/Goo Be Gone can be safely used for any little bit there might be.
 
The only problem i see with it , on cars where theres a definative end seems to be where all the dirt gathers. After a little while it sticks out like a sore thumb


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I talked to a supplier out of TX today. He has it on his boat, and said it works well. Per the supplier:
-Will last several years or more
-Easily removed, leaves no residue
-Very tough, used on aircraft parts exposed to harsh environments.
-Optically very clear, and does not yellow.

I ordered a small amount of Aeroguard (aviation grade) and will test it in a few areas. If it works well, my plan is to cover all of the windows and portholes below the seam line, high abrasion areas near lines, and other areas that get hit by the sun and/or prone to light scratching.

There are videos that illustrate the application process, and its uses.

http://clearmask.com/vehicle_page.php?prod_type=BULK FILMS&year=all

 
HMMMM - replacement for bottom paint??? Peel off every couple of years?
 
My detailer was kicking around the idea of using this under thru hulls to prevent staining. I still get some brown discoloration under my FWD A/C even though I have a small hose stuck in it.

Not sure if he ever tested it out though.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
 
Phase 1 this weekend:

The 3M material I noted earlier in thread was applied in a few spots on the upper deck area.

The pictures shows 3M, Pro, Paint Protection +, on the black trim around a window. You can see the top, left, and right have been done, the bottom horizontal piece has not been covered.
 
Is it just the picture, or does that actually make the black look blacker?
 
Bill, I'm glad you said "below the seam line" (rub rail) in your last post - In your first post you said "below the waterline" - darn - you had me scratching my head!!!
 
There would be no reason not to use the 3m. I have used it on my vehicles for years. Great product. Friend of mine uses it on his airplanes too. If for some reason you didn't like it (which is doubtful) you could just peel it off.
 
Last edited:
We have been chipping away at this for the past couple months. It is time consuming. The window shown in the picture took several hours today. That is my younger helper, with a good lower back who does the hard to reach spots. Even covered the wood cutting board in the galley with it. This stuff likes the sun after it is applied. It bakes it to the surface, and often small air bubbles are absorbed.
 
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