STEK FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
STEK FAQ and How to Maintain STEK
STEK recommends hand-washing cars protected with PPF. If using a high-pressure washer keep the nozzle at least 36″ away and avoid spraying the edges of the PPF directly. Test any wax or after-market sealant before applying to the PPF. Extremely hydrophobic PPF topcoats like HYDROphobe® on DYNOshield® may interfere with application of wax or other coatings. Do not use pigmented or abrasive waxes or waxes containing naphtha or kerosene. Do not use any abrasive pads or harsh chemicals on the film. Remove contamination (bird droppings, tar, bugs) as soon as possible to avoid any staining or damage to the film, stubborn stains can be removed with isopropyl alcohol. Avoid using isopropyl alcohol in direct sunlight or if the film is hot.
STEK top coated paint protection film (PPF) has a self-healing ability so light scratches can be removed by hot water or the use of a heat gun over the affected area. Note that if a scratch penetrates the topcoat, it will not self heal. Using automated car washes increases the likelihood of surface scratches penetrating the top coat. This is a characteristic of any top coated PPF.
The HYDROphobe® top coat of STEK products creates water beads for a self cleaning effect and easy maintenance. We recommend drying the water beads off of the film after rain or wash if in warm weather or sunlight to avoid water spotting.
The melting point of TPU (PPF) is 175 degrees Celsius or 347 degrees Fahrenheit.
How to Maintain STEK Paint Protection Film FAQ
The following covers best practices for caring for STEK top-coated thermal polyurethane (TPU) paint protection films. STEK strongly recommends that you follow these guidelines to ensure best results:
How do I wash STEK?
Hand wash with a “Ceramic Coating” friendly shampoo such as STEK Shampoo. Rinseless washes are also safe.
How do I dry STEK?
Microfiber drying towel or chamois.
How do I clean (clay) STEK?
Avoid using “Clay” it can mar the finish, get caught in edges and discolor the Clear Bra. The two contaminants that deteriorate a Clear Bra are Road Tar and Iron Oxide and two great chemical decontaminates for this are STEK Tar and STEK Iron.
How do I polish (wax) STEK?
STEK Finish is a great sealant that will help bring back gloss and hydrophobicity. There is no need to polish STEK but if a major problem arises talk to us, we do have STEK Fusion, a professional only polish that can fix minor water spotting.
What specific products should be used to maintain STEK?
Treat STEK like a “Ceramic Coating” using Ceramic Coating friendly products.
What products should I NOT use to maintain STEK?
Do NOT use… Detergents containing waxes, sealants or silicone.
What should I NOT do?
If something looks unusual, please ask.
How to Maintain STEK DYNOtop Windshield Film FAQ
The following covers best practices for caring for STEK DYNOtop (TPU-based) windshield protection films. STEK strongly recommends that you follow these guidelines to ensure the best results and experience:
How do I maintain DYNOtop?
The most common damage is from windshield wiper scratches. Replace your windshield wipers with high-quality silicone wiper blades at the time of installation. Consistently clean your wiper blades and windshield when hand washing your vehicle (at least once per month).
Worn wiper blades may catch debris that could damage your DYNOtop or lead to water streaks, reducing visibility. We recommend BOSCH, PIAA, or Rain-X brand wiper blades.
Avoid running your wipers on a dry or dirty surface. DYNOtop’s surface is naturally hydrophobic, allowing rain and mud to run right off at highway speeds. This can help limit the use of windshield wipers. Spritz your windshield washer fluid when turning your wipers on for the first time during a drive.
Keep the film surface clean at all times, especially after rain or snow. It is important to remove any ice or snow before operating your windshield wipers using only the defroster. Attempting to operate windshield wipers before the surface is clear may end up damaging the film.
Bird droppings, bug spatter, dirty washer fluid, or any other contaminants should be cleaned immediately using non-ammonia cleaners and a soft, clean, microfiber towel. If left to sit on the film’s surface, they could lead to stains.
How do I wash DYNOtop?
DYNOtop can be cleaned with most conventional glass cleaning solutions, just be sure to avoid any ammonia-based cleaning products or products that contain corrosives or solvents. Remember to always use soft cloths, sponges, or squeegees to avoid damaging your film. Using the same ceramic-coating friendly shampoos recommended to handwash your vehicle’s PPF is also an effective way to clean DYNOtop.
How do I dry DYNOtop?
A clean, soft cloth or soft rubber squeegee will be able to dry the surface of your DYNOtop film without issue. Rougher materials may risk damaging the film’s surface.
How do I polish (wax) DYNOtop?
STEK FORMULA 14 FUSION is a great sealant that will help bring back gloss and hydrophobicity but should only be applied by a professional. There is no need to polish STEK films but if a major problem arises, contact us and we will be able to provide additional suggestions.
What other products can be used to maintain DYNOtop?
Treat STEK like a “Ceramic Coating” using Ceramic Coating friendly products.
What products should I NOT use to maintain DYNOtop?
Do NOT use… Detergents containing waxes, sealants, or silicone.
What should I NOT do?
If something looks unusual, please ask.