Older clear bras/paint protection films tend to crack and break down after time. Eventually you're going to need to remove and replace it. This article shows a Lotus Elise with a factory installed 3M film that Lotus calls starshield. If you talk to paint protection film installers, they'll tell you the old 3M material can be a real pain to remove.

The Lotus Elise and Exige basically require paint protection film. The fronts are super low and every rogue, bouncing rock smashes into the hood. Then, there's the way the body curves on the sides of the car. The front wheels pick up road debris and throw it directly at the rear quarter panels.

Removing this film sucks

It's so old, it's no longer a solid, pliable plastic sheet. It's become brittle and cracked. Basically long past due to be replaced.

If you scrape up enough of an edge to pull the material, it just cracks apart, even with some heat or steam, the product just comes apart only allowing you to pull tiny pieces of film up. And of course, the adhesive doesn't stick to the film at all - most of it stays on the paint. Basically the only way to remove it is with a whole bunch of time and labor.

We eventually found a combination of tools and techniques that worked, and this article will cover those

Keep in mind most modern paint protection films are much easier to remove. If you're installing a new film, be sure to ask your installer if they'll remove it, and when they suggest you replace it.

Be Careful, Proceed at your own Risk

This process requires you to scrape against the paint surface, generally a huge no-no. Make absolutely sure your plastic scraper edges are clean, soft, and free of dirt. It is very possible (and likely) you're paint will need some care after removing the film. We have a great article about machine polishing paint that may be a good follow up.