bannonb

I'm not sure if the film is XPEL or ScotchGuard or something else.

I just acquired a used 2016 3LT/Z51 Auto Coupe with film over most of the car.

I expect it will protect the paint fine and looks clean but have noticed that my bright yellow car has dirt lines on the leading edges of the panels where the film is installed.

This car only has 2200 miles on it and I hate to think that this will continue to get worse over time without intervention.

Is this to be expected. I guess I now expect it but hoped not to.

Has this happened to you?

Is there a way to clean the dirt off of those edges while not removing adhesive where it will peel up? I thought that alcohol would probably remove both the dirt and the adhesive so don't want to start that.

capecodvette

Based on your description, appears the original installer did not wrap the PPF edges, instead leaving a edge that will catch wax/dirt. The fix is easy. Xpel sells product specifically to clean and protect their PPF.

mountainears

Not necessarily. Even on a wrapped car, there will be some edges. And yes, can be cleaned, needs a little detail work. Can also be avoided a little based on cleaning techniques.

Larry/car

Use a soft toothbrush, works great.

blueDelusions

what can happen is if the installer installs the film over an edge, like where the doors transition from the bottom to the middle, there is an edge there. If the film goes just ever so slightly past that edge, usually not noticeable by the naked eye, dirt collects in there because it is adhesive. There is no good way to clean it because the dirt is stuck to the adhesive, it has to be cut lower than the edge.

obxchartercaptain

I had the same problem...spray some detail spray on the edge and use a micro fiber towel with you finger nail inside and it will take the white from the leftover wax off.

bannonb

The XPEL aftercare product line includes a film cleaner. Not sure how this will work on the edges and if it will make the film peel up...

XPEL Paint Protection Film Cleaner is designed to extract most environmental deposits such as tar, oil, hard water stains, bug acids and other contaminants from Polyurethane paint protection films. Its deep cleaning action restores the clear, glossy, freshly-installed appearance of the original film.

bannonb

Not sure if this car has ever been waxed. I bought it used but appears to have been wrapped brand new. So particles show as black. Thanks for the tip though, I'll probably try that to get the black off in the short term.

Now if there was a touch up adhesive I could apply to the edges when cleaned, that might solve the problem for go-forward maintenance for years.

bannonb

Just talked to XPEL. They said if the edges are compromised, that it was probably an installation problem. A qualified installer can use a (laser knife?) to cut those edges back. Once this has started it is likely to get worse.

bub

Things like this are exactly why I avoid the stuff. I will take a rock chip or two vs. all this "installer error" finger pointing and risk of deterioration like this down the road.

It's all the rage right now, I get that, but more trouble than its worth to me. To each his own. Guess I'm just old school. Defensive driver.

bannonb

I somewhat agree...I wouldn't have done this myself, but the used car came with it. I look forward to seeing if it does make a difference over time in appearance. I know one difference will be caring for the film itself. Cheaper than paint but I've had many cars without the film and did just fine.

XPEL

Hello, regardless if this was XPEL or another brand, the exposed edges will gather dirt/dust over time. A good detail spray or even isopropyl alcohol(if its wax buildup) is your friend to clean the edges. Most installers will wrap edges where possible with minimal seams visible. Don't pick at the film, although a qtip or soft microfiber will work just fine.

An installer can use an Olfa Knife (razor knife) the trim any excess film or an edge that is incorrectly done.

FKING1

Had this problem on my yellow C5 with 3M film.
Could not get the black dirt out of the edges no matter what I tried.
Tooth brush, cleaners, etc.
This is why I will never have film put on my C7.