Hello KLBWise! I apologize for your frustration. In order to better protect the faux tin decorative backsplash panels, ACP has recently improved the protective film over the panels. The removable protective laminate film over our panels is now built into the finish of the panel which alleviates the need to have a separate protective film placed over the top of the panel during shipping. It sounds to me like your panels did have a removable protective film over them which was why they were easily scratched. For this reason, the film was meant to be removed prior to installation. I apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused you. Please feel free to contact customer care (800.434.3750) if you have any further questions or concerns.