Film Care & Maintenance
Protect the protection. Simple care for long-lasting clarity, finish, and performance.
INTEGO Paint Protection Film is engineered to protect automotive finishes against everyday road wear, minor scratches, weather exposure, and environmental contamination. Its advanced TPU construction and protective top coat are designed for durability, stain resistance, hydrophobic performance, and easier maintenance.
Like any exterior automotive surface, however, paint protection film requires proper care. Stain resistance does not mean that the film is immune to every chemical, organic contaminant, mineral deposit, or environmental condition. Prompt cleaning and proper maintenance are important to preserving the appearance and performance of the film.
After Installation
Freshly installed PPF requires time to settle and cure.
Follow the post-installation instructions provided by your authorized INTEGO installer. During the initial curing period, small moisture pockets or a slightly hazy appearance may occasionally be visible beneath the film and may naturally diminish as the installation cures.
Avoid picking at film edges, aggressively wiping unfinished edges, or using high-pressure water directly against film edges during the initial curing period.
If you notice lifting, unusual bubbling, or another installation concern, contact your installer rather than attempting to repair the film yourself.
Regular Washing
For normal maintenance, wash the vehicle regularly using clean water, a pH-neutral automotive shampoo, and a clean microfiber wash mitt or other paint-safe washing media.
Whenever possible:
Wash the vehicle in a shaded area and avoid washing extremely hot surfaces.
Rinse away loose dirt before physically touching the film.
Use clean microfiber towels for drying.
Avoid aggressive scrubbing, abrasive brushes, scouring pads, and harsh household cleaners.
Do not direct high-pressure water closely at film edges, seams, or lifted areas.
Automatic car washes using aggressive brushes may accelerate surface wear and are not recommended when maximum film appearance and longevity are desired.
Remove Environmental Contaminants Promptly
Certain contaminants can contain acids, pigments, resins, minerals, proteins, oils, or other compounds capable of staining or etching automotive surfaces when allowed to remain for extended periods.
These contaminants include, but are not limited to:
Bird droppings, tree sap, berries and fruit residue, insects, pollen, road tar, road chemicals, industrial fallout, hard-water deposits, and other organic or environmental contaminants.
Remove these substances as soon as reasonably possible.
Do not allow heavy contamination to remain on the film for extended periods or bake onto the surface under sunlight or heat.
Rain should not be considered a substitute for proper cleaning. Rainwater may not fully remove organic residue and may itself leave mineral deposits or other contaminants behind.
If contamination has dried onto the surface, soften and rinse the affected area before wiping. Avoid aggressively rubbing dried debris against the film.
Berries, Tree Sap, Bird Droppings & Organic Contamination
Organic contaminants can vary significantly in acidity, pigmentation, and chemical composition.
When berries, tree fruit, bird droppings, tree sap, or insect residue contact the film:
Rinse the affected area with clean water as soon as practical.
Wash gently with a pH-neutral automotive shampoo.
Allow stubborn contamination to soften rather than scraping or aggressively rubbing it.
Repeat the gentle cleaning process if necessary.
If staining, etching, or residue remains, contact an authorized INTEGO installer before using stronger chemicals, solvents, polishing compounds, or abrasive correction methods.
Allowing concentrated organic residue to remain on the film for an extended period—particularly in sunlight or elevated temperatures—may result in permanent staining, etching, or surface deterioration.
Water Spots & Mineral Deposits
Water allowed to evaporate on a vehicle may leave mineral deposits behind. These deposits can become increasingly difficult to remove after repeated exposure or prolonged heat.
Dry the vehicle after washing whenever practical and address visible water spotting promptly.
Do not use aggressive acidic water-spot removers unless the product has been confirmed to be compatible with paint protection film.
If severe mineral deposits remain after normal washing, consult an authorized INTEGO installer.
Chemicals & Cleaning Products
Use automotive products specifically suitable for paint protection film or clear-coated automotive surfaces.
Avoid exposing the film to unnecessarily strong solvents, acids, alkaline cleaners, degreasers, abrasive compounds, or unknown chemicals.
Products containing aggressive petroleum solvents, harsh acids, strong alkalines, or abrasive particles may damage or alter the protective top coat.
When using a new detailing product, always follow the product manufacturer's instructions and test it on a small, inconspicuous area first.
When in doubt, contact INTEGO or an authorized installer before applying the product.
Self-Healing Does Not Mean Damage-Proof
Certain INTEGO PPF products feature heat-activated self-healing technology designed to reduce the appearance of light surface marks and fine scratches.
Self-healing technology is not intended to repair:
deep scratches, cuts, punctures, chemical etching, permanent staining, severe abrasion, impact damage, or deterioration caused by incompatible chemicals or prolonged contamination.
Do not intentionally scratch or damage the film to test its self-healing properties.
Pressure Washing
Pressure washing may be used cautiously when the film is fully cured and properly installed.
Maintain a reasonable distance from the surface and avoid directing concentrated high-pressure spray at film edges, seams, corners, lifted areas, or damaged sections.
Improper use of pressure-washing equipment may cause lifting or physical damage to the film.
Wax, Sealants & Ceramic Coatings
Many PPF-compatible automotive waxes, sealants, and ceramic coatings may be used over INTEGO Paint Protection Film.
Before application, confirm that the product is specifically suitable for PPF and does not contain aggressive cleaners, abrasives, dyes, or solvents that may alter the film finish.
Extra care should be taken with matte or satin films. Products designed to increase gloss should not be used on matte or satin finishes unless specifically approved for that purpose.
If You Notice Staining or Surface Damage
Do not immediately use aggressive chemicals, heavy polishing, sanding, or abrasive correction methods.
Instead:
Document the affected area with clear photographs and contact your authorized INTEGO installer.
Provide as much information as possible, including when the condition was first noticed, what contacted the film, approximately how long the contaminant remained on the surface, and what cleaning products or correction methods have already been used.
This information helps determine whether the condition is removable surface contamination, environmental damage, installation-related, normal wear, or a condition requiring further product evaluation.
Protecting Your Warranty
INTEGO Limited Warranty coverage applies to eligible manufacturing and material defects in accordance with the applicable Warranty Terms & Conditions.
Damage caused by improper care, misuse, incompatible chemicals, environmental contamination, natural causes, accidents, physical impact, neglect, or other conditions unrelated to a defect in materials or manufacturing may not be covered.
Following these care recommendations helps preserve both the appearance of your film and the ability to properly evaluate any future warranty concern.
For complete warranty coverage, limitations, and claim procedures, please review the INTEGO Warranty Terms & Conditions.
Need Assistance?
If a contaminant cannot be safely removed, the film develops an unusual surface condition, or you are uncertain which detailing product to use, contact your authorized INTEGO installer before attempting aggressive correction.
For product-performance or warranty-related concerns, photographs, installation information, product identification, and relevant maintenance history may be requested as part of the evaluation process.
Proper care helps your INTEGO Paint Protection Film deliver the appearance and protection it was designed to provide.