Classification:

Reference:

BT99-031g

Date:

NTB99-060g

March 11, 2015

PAINT SWELL/STAIN/SPOT UNDER PAINT GUARD FILM
This bulletin has been amended to apply all current production models.
Please discard all previous versions.

APPLIED VEHICLES: All Nissan Production Models with Paint Guard Film

SERVICE INFORMATION
NOTE: Failure to follow the procedures in this bulletin may result in the denial of a
warranty claim.
In an effort to protect the paint finish, Paint Guard Film (PGF) is applied on many new
Nissan vehicles.
Paint Guard Film is a temporary white plastic protective film that is applied by the factory to
the horizontal painted surfaces of the vehicle. The PGF protects the paint finish during
vehicle handling, transportation and storage from harmful elements such as acid rain, iron
particles, bird droppings, tree sap and other environmental contaminants.
NOTE: Paint Guard Film CANNOT remain on the vehicle for more than six months after the
vehicle’s manufacture date. PGF must be removed at the end of six months.
If a Nissan vehicle exhibits swelling, stains or spots on the paint finish (which appear milky
or whitish on dark colored vehicles and dark-shaded or coffee-colored on light colored
vehicles) immediately after the PGF is removed, the cause may be moisture collection
under pockets/creases of the PGF. The paint may absorb moisture which may cause the
affected paint finish area to temporarily discolor.

Nissan Bulletins are intended for use by qualified technicians, not 'do-it-yourselfers'. Qualified technicians are
properly trained individuals who have the equipment, tools, safety instruction, and know-how to do a job
properly and safely. NOTE: If you believe that a described condition may apply to a particular vehicle, DO
NOT assume that it does. See your Nissan dealer to determine if this applies to your vehicle.
1/4

The size of the swell, stain, or spot may
range from a dime to a clinched fist and
have an irregular shape and possibly a
slightly raised surface.

Windshield
wiper
Stain area

This incident may occur anywhere under
the PGF, but may be noted in particular to
occur around the windshield fluid nozzle
(see Figure 1) and on the deck lid. In any
case, use the following service procedure
to correct the incident.

Windshield washer
fluid nozzle

Front

TP990512

Figure 1
IMPORTANT: If this condition occurs, do not rebuff or initially attempt to repaint the
affected area. Perform the following service procedure first.

SERVICE PROCEDURE
Use one of the following procedures to remove the moisture from the affected area(s).
Place Vehicle in Sun Light (warm weather)
In warm weather, place the vehicle in the sun light. The paint condition should disappear in
a few hours depending on the severity of the condition.
Place Vehicle Indoors (cold weather)
In cold weather, place the vehicle indoors at a temperature of approximately 70° F. The
paint condition should disappear in about 8 to 12 hours depending on the severity of the
condition.
Heat Lamp or Heat Gun
To speed up the recovery process of the condition, use a portable infrared heat lamp or a
heat gun. Follow the “Important Points” listed below and on page 3 when using a heat lamp
or a heat gun.
CAUTION: Only an experienced paint technician, who is familiar with paint temperature
limitations, should use a heat lamp or heat gun. Also, do not use a heat lamp or heat gun
on painted plastic body components (i.e., bumper covers, spoilers, etc.).
Important Points


The maximum total bulb wattage for the infrared heat lamp should not exceed 750
watts.



The heat gun wattage should be between 1200 and 1400 watts.
2/4

NTB99-060g

Heat gun



Maintain the heat lamp/heat gun
distance so the painted surface
temperature is between 175° and
190° F (80° - 90° C). Affix a paper
label thermometer on the paint
surface, two inches away from the
affected area (see Figure 2), to
monitor the surface temperature.

No closer
than 12 inches

Stain area

Temperature
label (place 2
inches from
stain area)
F
0˚ ˚C
13 .4
54 0˚F
C
14 0˚
6
F
0˚ ˚C
15 .6
65 0˚F
C
16 1˚
7
F
0˚ C
17 7˚
7 ˚F
0 C
18 2˚
8 ˚F
0
C
19 8˚
8 ˚F
0 C
20 3˚
9

NOTE: Paper label thermometers
can be purchased from the
company listed at the bottom of
this page.

Between
175˚-190˚F.

TP990513

Figure 2



Do not apply the heat gun for more than 5 minutes as permanent damage (i.e.,
bubbling, burns, etc.) can occur to the paint.



Do not hold the heat gun closer than 12 inches from the paint surface. Also, do not
hold the heat gun in one position, rather, move it continuously from side to side to heat
the affected area evenly.



Do not apply heat directly on to the paper label thermometer, as this will give a false
temperature reading.

This repair is effective only if performed within a short time period after the PGF is removed
from the vehicle, i.e., a few days in mild climates, or within a week in colder climates. This
repair will not be effective beyond that time frame.
If the condition does not disappear after the above service procedures are performed, the
condition may be permanent and the affected area may have to be re-painted.
Paper thermometers may be purchased from the company listed below.
NOTE: Equivalent paper thermometers may be used and are available from other local
suppliers.
TIP Temperature Products
340 W. Broad Street
Burlington, NJ 08016
Phone: 1-800-847-8367
Fax: 1-609-239-1911
www.tiptemp.com
P/N TLCSEN023 (non-reversible, 10/pkg.)
P/N TLCSEN006 (reversible, 10/pkg.)
3/4

NTB99-060g

CLAIMS INFORMATION
If further repairs necessitating buffing or repainting are needed and paint inspection is
required, refer to Nissan Warranty Bulletin WB04-016 for the current paint approval
process.

4/4

NTB99-060g