STEK PAINT PROTECTION FILMS LIMITED WARRANTY

DYNO / FORCESHIELD - Warranty

Coverage Overview

This Limited Warranty (the “Warranty”) is valid from the date of original installation. It applies only to manufacturing defects in STEK Paint Protection Film (“PPF”) products that occur under normal storage, installation, and usage conditions, when installed by an authorized STEK installer in accordance with STEK’s recommended installation guidelines.

Authorized STEK installers can be found at www.stekautomotive.com.

Product quality evaluation will be determined based on a comprehensive assessment, including but not limited to the visual condition of the film, installation conditions, storage and handling history, usage environment, maintenance history, and changes over time.

This Warranty does not cover damage, defects, or issues caused by misuse, accidents, misapplication, improper installation, normal wear and tear, road debris impact, collisions, environmental exposure, improper maintenance, third-party products, or intentional damage.

Warranty Coverage

This Limited Warranty covers eligible manufacturing defects in STEK Paint Protection Film (“PPF”) products, provided that such defects are determined by STEK to be caused by material or manufacturing defects.

Covered manufacturing defects may include:

Cracking, Splitting, or Tearing Visible cracking, splitting, or tearing of the film caused by material or manufacturing defects, excluding damage caused by external impact, installation error, overstretching, sharp objects, accidents, or normal use.
Delamination Separation of the coating layer or separation between internal film layers, where such separation is determined to be caused by a manufacturing defect.
Bubbling or Blistering. Formation of bubbles or blisters caused by material or manufacturing defects, excluding bubbles, moisture marks, haze, or temporary visual changes related to installation, curing, adhesive stabilization, contamination, or improper installation.
Adhesive Performance Failure or Abnormal Peeling Degradation of adhesive performance or abnormal peeling caused by material or manufacturing defects, excluding peeling caused by improper installation, contaminated surfaces, external force, high-pressure washing, edge lifting, poor surface preparation, paint condition, or improper maintenance.
Yellowing or Discoloration Caused Solely by Material Defect. Yellowing or discoloration may be covered only where STEK determines that it was caused solely by a material or manufacturing defect, and not by UV exposure, contamination, environmental exposure, maintenance conditions, or improper care.
UV-Related Fading or Loss of Film Clarity Caused Solely by Material Defect. UV-related fading or loss of film clarity may be covered only where STEK determines that it was caused solely by a material or manufacturing defect.
Reduction or Loss of Self-Healing Performance Reduction or loss of self-healing performance caused by a manufacturing defect, excluding scratches or damage that penetrate the top coat, damage caused by improper cleaning, external impact, environmental contamination, or normal wear.
Functional Performance Defects Defects that materially affect the product’s functional performance, including adhesion, durability, and protection, where such defects are determined by STEK to be caused by material or manufacturing defects.

Warranty coverage applies only to defects determined by STEK to be caused by material or manufacturing defects. Conditions caused by installation error, vehicle paint condition, improper storage, misuse, improper maintenance, environmental exposure, external physical damage, or user negligence are excluded from warranty coverage.

Duration and Transferability

This Warranty is valid for 12 years (may vary by Regions, Maintenance Conditions apply) from the date of original installation of the Paint Protection Film by an authorized STEK installer.

This Warranty terminates immediately upon removal of the Paint Protection Film from the vehicle for any reason, except where removal and replacement are performed as part of an approved warranty claim.

The Warranty is non-transferable, except in cases where the new owner submits to STEK proof of the original installation date and notification to the original installer, STEK Country Distributor, or STEK Headquarters within 30 days of the vehicle ownership transfer. The new owner’s use of STEK PPF Care Solution is required for the remaining warranty to remain valid.

This transfer must be completed via STEK’s warranty management website at www.stek-one.com. The Warranty transfer does not extend or reset the original coverage period, and the coverage for the new owner remains limited to the remainder of the original term.

NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY

This Limited Warranty does not cover any damage, defect, or issue caused by or related to the following:

Misuse, neglect, or improper handling of the vehicle or the Paint Protection Film (PPF).
Accidents, collisions, intentional damage, or vandalism, including acts of nature such as fire, hail, flood, or extreme environmental conditions (e.g., sandstorms, hail, tornadoes, hurricanes, or any other weather condition).
Normal wear and tear, including but not limited to surface scratches, stains, discoloration, or water spots caused by mineral deposits or other contaminants left on the film for extended periods.
Yellowing due to environmental factors: Yellowing can naturally occur due to climate or environmental factors, including but not limited to UV exposure or extreme heat. This phenomenon may be more noticeable on white vehicles. Yellowing is excluded entirely from the warranty, whether minor or severe, due to environmental or maintenance factors.
Improper storage, installation, or non-compliance with STEK’s installation guidelines, including use of the product in a manner not intended or outside its specifications.
Installation on surfaces with known or visible defects, such as scratches, scuffs, scrapes, chips, or any pre-existing damage to the painted surface.
Improper wash techniques or maintenance, including the use of abrasive cleaning tools, automatic car washes, incorrect wash tools, or harsh chemicals that may damage the film or underlying surface.
Paint overspray or damage to painted surfaces resulting from the use of third-party products or improper post-installation modifications.
Damage not resulting from manufacturing defects, including defects caused by any third-party handling or services after the product is in the customer’s possession.
Unreasonable or unintended use of the product, including modifications or use in non-automotive applications, or on parts of the vehicle that are restricted or regulated by law (e.g., headlamps, taillights, windows).
Failure to re-wrap areas after paint or body repairs, resulting in damage to the film or the painted surface.
Water spots cause by mineral deposits, which, if left to dry on the film, may result in permanent staining.
Damage from external forces, including the impact of rocks, road debris, or any other physical damage to the surface of the film.
Non-STEK branded ceramic coatings or any third-party coatings that may be applied to the film after installation.
Thermal or chemical abuse, including exposure to excessive heat, cold, or harsh chemicals (e.g., strong solvents, caustic cleaners) that can deteriorate the product.
Exclusion of Liability for Damage During Film Removal

STEK shall not be held liable for any damage to the paint or finish of a vehicle caused by the removal of Paint Protection Film (PPF), whether such damage arises from factory-applied paint, aftermarket paint, or other surface conditions. All damages of this nature are considered to result from factors beyond STEK's control and are expressly excluded from this warranty.
Exclusion of Liability for Repainted or Compromised Paint

STEK disclaims all liability for any damage, including but not limited to peeling, chipping, or other paint defects, resulting from the removal of Paint Protection Film (PPF) on vehicles with repainted, weak, deteriorated, or otherwise compromised paint surfaces. Such damage is deemed to result from pre-existing conditions unrelated to the manufacture, installation, or removal of the PPF product. Installers are required to comply with STEK’s installation guidelines, including the proper use of materials and techniques, to mitigate potential risks.

Failure to follow the Material Handling & Storage Instructions and the Maintenance & Care Instructions or the use of non-authorized products or the inability to comply with PPF Care Instructions as outlined in the Installation & Care section will void the warranty.

All implied warranties (including merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose) are limited in duration to the applicable warranty period, except where prohibited by state law.

Note that some state laws do not permit limitations on the length of an implied warranty. In this case, the limitation above may not apply.

The warranty and remedies described herein are available exclusively for the specified STEK Paint Protection Film product(s). STEK installers and dealers are not authorized to modify, extend, or alter this limited warranty. STEK shall retain the sole responsibility for determining the validity of all warranty claims and reserves the right to deny any claims that do not meet the criteria outlined in this document.

Some installers may offer additional warranties or remedies beyond the limited warranty provided by STEK on their own behalf. Such additional warranties or remedies are the sole responsibility of the installer, and STEK is not liable for or bound by any extended or modified warranties offered independently by installers or STEK Country Distributors.

Installation-Related Notice

Installation quality issues, including lifting, bubbles, moisture marks, contamination, poor finishing, edge lifting, overstretching, or installation tool marks, are distinct from manufacturing defects.

Such issues are not covered under this product Warranty and will be handled separately according to the installer’s A/S policy.

Criteria for Determining Manufacturing Defects

In determining whether a condition qualifies as a manufacturing defect, STEK may consider the following factors:

The same type of defect occurs repeatedly.
The defect appears across a wide area rather than a localized spot.
The condition persists over time without improvement.
The defect affects the functional performance of the product.
The condition is not caused by installation, paint condition, storage, handling, maintenance, usage environment, external impact, or user negligence.

STEK shall retain the sole responsibility for determining the validity of all warranty claims and reserves the right to deny any claim that does not meet the criteria outlined in this Warranty.

A/S Handling Standards

All claims will be reviewed comprehensively in accordance with STEK quality standards.

Physical inspection, photographs, proof of purchase, installation records, product details, maintenance records, or additional documentation may be required if necessary.

If the warranty is approved, repair, replacement, or other remedy determined by STEK will be provided only for the affected area.

Reinstallation, repair, or replacement of the same area does not extend, restart, or reset the original warranty period.

Compensation under this Warranty is limited to the product film only. Labor, removal, reinstallation, transportation, indirect damages, consequential damages, and other costs are not covered unless otherwise required by applicable law.

Claim Filing Procedure

To file a warranty claim, the customer must first contact the authorized STEK installer responsible for installing the Paint Protection Film.

If the authorized STEK installer is unavailable, the customer may contact their STEK Country Distributor via www.stekautomotive.com or directly contact STEK Headquarters.

Claims submitted directly to STEK will only be processed if the original installer or Country Distributor is unreachable. Claims must be filed within 15 days of noticing the defect to ensure the warranty remains valid.

To apply for the warranty and have it accepted as valid, the following conditions must be met:

A. STEK ONE Registration: The warranty must be registered through the STEK ONE platform within 30 days of installation for the warranty to be valid. Following registration, the installer is required to inform and guide the vehicle owner to activate the warranty by clicking the activation link sent via the confirmation email to the owner’s registered email address. The warranty shall not be considered active until the vehicle owner completes this activation process. Once activated, the warranty will be in effect, and any defect claims must be submitted within 15 days of the discovery of the issue.

B. STEK PPF Care Solution Requirement:

Use of STEK PPF Care Solution is a fundamental requirement of this Warranty.

STEK PPF Care Solution must be applied according to the instructions outlined in this Warranty and STEK’s official care guidelines.

Immediately after installation, the application of a PPF-specific coating such as STEK Formula Quartz or STEK Final Coat may help enhance the film’s durability. STEK’s PPF-specific washing and maintenance products are effective in helping prevent contamination and yellowing.

Failure to use STEK PPF Care Solution in accordance with the prescribed timelines may void this Limited Warranty.

C. Document Submission: To initiate a claim, the installer responsible for installing the Paint Protection Film or the STEK Country Distributor must submit the product details (including coverage area and installer details) and photographic evidence of the defect. This information, along with any required documentation, must be submitted through www.stek-one.com.

Failure to provide the required documents, register via STEK ONE, or failure to follow the Material Handling & Storage Instructions, Installation & Care Instructions, or Maintenance & Care Instructions sections will result in the denial of warranty claims or cause a delay in the claiming process.

Limitation of Liability

STEK is not responsible for anything more than:

Up to the price of the roll
No other damages that are not related to roll

In no event shall any claim made by the buyer or owner, including claims for indemnification, exceed the purchase price of the product in question. Under no circumstances shall STEK, the STEK Country Distributor, or the installer responsible for the initial installation of the Paint Protection Film be liable for any damages of any kind, including but not limited to special, indirect, incidental, consequential, reliance, statutory, punitive, or exemplary damages. This includes but is not limited to, loss of profits, loss of use, loss of time, loss of revenues, inconvenience, loss of business opportunities, damage to goodwill or reputation, loss of data, or any other damages, even if advised of the possibility of such damages, and whether arising in tort, contract, warranty, negligence, strict liability, or any other legal theory, in connection with, arising out of, or as a result of the sale, delivery, servicing, use, or inability to use the product.

STEK shall not be liable for any loss or damage arising from misuse, improper installation, or failure by any installer or third party to follow STEK’s established installation guidelines and procedures. STEK shall not be liable for any labor or transportation costs associated with installing, removing, or reinstalling the Paint Protection Film.

Disclaimer of Damages

STEK disclaims any and all liability for incidental or consequential damages resulting from the installation, use, or inability to use Paint Protection Film, including but not limited to damages to other vehicle components, reinstallation costs, transportation expenses, loss of vehicle use, loss of profits, or reduction in the vehicle's value.

Responsibility of the Vehicle Owner

The Car Owner is responsible for any problems that are not related to the product and for following the law in each country.

It is the sole responsibility of the owner to ensure compliance with all local, federal, national, and international laws regarding the use of STEK Paint Protection Film. The owner assumes all risks associated with the product’s use, including its installation by third parties and any non-compliance with applicable regulations. STEK, the Country Distributor, and authorized installers are not liable for any legal violations, fines, or damages resulting from improper use or installation of the product.

Check your state and local laws before applying paint protection film to any vehicle parts that may be restricted or regulated under aftermarket modification laws, including but not limited to headlamps, taillights, windows, and other safety-related components. STEK does not cover paint protection film installed on parts restricted by law and is not responsible for any resulting damages, fines, or legal violations. Failure to comply with local, federal, national, and international laws, voids the Warranty, and it is the vehicle owner’s responsibility to ensure compliance.

Except where prohibited by law, no indemnification, compensation, or damages beyond the original purchase price of the product shall be available to the buyer or owner under this Warranty. Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations or exclusions may not apply in those areas.

Warranty Disclaimer

Except as expressly provided in this Limited Warranty, STEK makes no other warranties, express or implied, regarding the Paint Protection Film.

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, any implied warranties, including warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or warranties arising out of a course of dealing, performance, custom, or usage of trade, are limited to the duration of this Limited Warranty.

Some jurisdictions do not allow limitations on the duration of implied warranties, so the above limitation may not apply.

The Warranty and remedies described herein are available exclusively for the specified STEK Paint Protection Film product(s).

STEK installers and dealers are not authorized to modify, extend, or alter this Limited Warranty.

Some installers may offer additional warranties or remedies beyond the Limited Warranty provided by STEK on their own behalf. Such additional warranties or remedies are the sole responsibility of the installer, and STEK is not liable for or bound by any extended or modified warranties offered independently by installers or STEK Country Distributors.

Material Handling & Storage

Do not put undue pressure on the surface of the film while it is still on the roll, as pressure marks may form.
Handle the product box with care to avoid pressure marks from careless handling.
Gloss may fade due to pressure, long-term storage, and high temperatures, which is typical of TPU film. The gloss may be recovered by using a heat gun on the affected area. To protect gloss prior to installation, STEK uses a protective GLOSS-ENHANCING sheet on the surface of the top coat.
The product should be stored in an environment with temperatures below 90°F(32°C) and relative humidity between 40% and 60%.
STEK paint protection film should be used within one year from the date of purchase.
Repackaging a roll of film into a box bigger or smaller than the size of the roll can damage the film. Doing so may result in pressure marks, faded gloss, embossing marks, etc. STEK therefore recommends using the original box and packaging for storage.
When rewinding or cutting in order to repackage the film, note that surface marks (e.g., small dots, twists, etc.) may appear on the surface due to dirt or dust contamination. If repackaging, ensure that your workspace is clean.
After using part of a roll of film, do not repack it loosely. Keep the film as it was originally packaged—rolled tight and held in place by taping. As STEK films have surface protection sheets, note that tunneling may occur if the roll is not rewound tightly or rewound in the reverse direction.
Adhesive characteristics may change between seasons if the application environment is not climate-controlled. This is typical of the material. Particularly in cold weather, apply the film only in environments with temperatures higher than 50° F (10°C).
Generally, water mixed with a neutral detergent or IPA (isopropyl alcohol) may be used as a pre-handling liquid before applying the film. Initial adhesive tack may vary depending on the ratio of IPA to water.
Contact the manufacturer if using PPF for non-automotive purposes. Material size, packaging, and adhesive specifications may need to be changed.

STEK is not responsible for damage caused by mishandling, improper storage, recutting, repacking, not using a sponge core or storage for more than one year. Failure to follow these Material Handling & Storage instructions may result in the voiding of your warranty, as outlined in the Limitations and Exclusions section.

Installation & Care

Due to its self-healing abilities, light scratches on STEK top-coated paint protection films (PPFs) may be removed by applying hot water or a heat gun over the affected area(s). Note that if a scratch has penetrated the top coat, it will not self-heal. This is typical of any top-coated PPF.
During installation, take care to avoid scratching from installation tools. STEK recommends using a rubber squeegee for installation (e.g., a yellow or green Turbo squeegee). Even with the use of a rubber squeegee, scratches may occur. Test your tools before installation to determine whether they are safe for use.
Installation should take place in a clean area free of airborne dust and other particulates, which could result in surface scratches.
Test all waxes or after-market sealants before application to PPFs. Not all products are compatible with PPF top coats. Extremely hydrophobic PPF top coats may interfere with the application of waxes or other coatings.
STEK recommends hand-washing cars protected with PPF. While the top coat may have self-healing abilities, using automatic car washes increases the likelihood of surface scratching. Though minor scratches may self-heal, deeper scratches may remain if they have penetrated the top coat.
Although STEK PPF is highly resistant to cracking, lift lines, and “chicken skinning,” applying too much force/stretching may damage the film. While STEK PPF offers sufficient flexibility for installation in tight corners, depressions, and other complex areas, the material does have its limits. In order to determine such limits, which may vary based on individual application methods, we recommend testing the stretchability of the PPF prior to your first installation. Note that a heat gun may be used during stretching to increase flexibility.
Prevention of Color Variations for Color PPF Products:

To ensure color consistency across the vehicle, it is essential to implement strict Lot management during installation. The same Lot number must be used when installing Color PPF on all parts of the vehicle, as using different Lot numbers will result in noticeable color discrepancies.

For after-service (A/S) or partial reinstallation purposes, both STEK and the customer must each reserve one roll from the original Lot used during the initial installation (e.g., Lot A12345) for a minimum of two years to ensure consistency and availability. This requirement excludes black color PPF.

The use of STEK's PPF Care Solution is a fundamental requirement of the warranty. Immediately after installation, the application of a PPF-specific coating such as Quartz or Final Coat will help enhance the film's durability, and STEK’s PPF-specific washing and maintenance products are effective in preventing contamination and yellowing.

Failure to use STEK PPF Care Solution in accordance with the prescribed timelines will void the Limited Warranty. Any fees or charges by the STEK Certified Installer will be charged to the owner to complete the annual inspection, including but not limited to, exterior wash, decontamination, and inspection. Please keep proof of all inspections, as they must be provided if you have a Limited Warranty-related issue.

Failure to follow these Installation & Care instructions instructions may result in the voiding of your warranty as outlined in the Limitations and Exclusions section.

Maintenance & Care Instructions (PPF & top-coated PPF)

Do not wash the vehicle for 48 hours following installation.
Avoid directly spraying the edges of the PPF with a pressure washer or nozzle. Doing so may lift the edge of the film. If using a high-pressure washer, keep the nozzle at least 36 inches above the film’s surface.
Do not use pigmented waxes, abrasive waxes, or waxes containing naphtha or kerosene.
Do not use abrasive pads or harsh chemicals on the film.
If desired, wax the car and film at least once every 6 months after testing for compatibility.
Remove stains as soon as possible. Use isopropyl alcohol to remove stubborn stains. Avoid cleaning the film in direct sunlight or in high temperatures.

Caution: Dirt, debris, and stains left on the film may discolor the film if not removed immediately. Take care to prevent discoloration, which may be more noticeable on lighter-colored cars. Advise vehicle owners of proper maintenance procedures.
To remove minor contamination, which refers to dirt or stains on the Top Coating surface and Top Coating layer of the Paint Protection Film (PPF) that do not affect the underlying TPU layer, a PPF Compound Kit should be used. It is essential that this kit be applied by a STEK Certified Installer to ensure proper maintenance and avoid voiding the warranty.
To remove the film, pull the film from a corner at an angle less than 90° from the surface of the car. If the film has been installed for a number of years, it may be more difficult to remove. In that case, a steamer, heat gun, or hair dryer may be used to soften the adhesive. After removing the film, adhesive residue may remain on the vehicle body. This residue may be easily removed using the STEK adhesive remover.

Failure to follow these care instructions may result in the voiding of your warranty as outlined in the Limitations and Exclusions section.

Contact Information

For any inquiries regarding this limited warranty, claims, or technical assistance, please contact:

STEK Automotive

Website: www.stekautomotive.com

Warranty Management: www.stek-one.com