Just got a new (to me) C7Z, which had already been PPF-ed, but the installer used three small patches for the front part of the rear quarter panels (3 on each panel!), and the edges of each are highly visible. Yes, this will provide protection from rock chips, but what's the point if it looks like crud for the life of the PPF? Can anyone recommend a way to help make the edges less obvious? If not, I'll likely yank the PPF, at least on the rear quarters.


Look at the edge, not the legs.

 

Sometimes a buildup of wax/polish will settle there in the seam. you could get a soft brush and some detail spray...try to clean out the funk. You'll still see the line tho.

You could eventually wrap the entire rear quarter. More $$ but no seam.

 

Once you get the line clean, it will almost disappear, but dust/dirt will reveal it.

 

Hopefully after you clean the area the line will be less visible. If not, that was not a very good install IMO.

 

The PPF is probably about 7mils thick so its no surprise that stuff will buildup over time. I use 70% IPA/water mix to remove wax/grease and it works very well.

 

Did the installer put those patches there or do your pictures show the PPD installed by the factory? You really don't want to remove the PPF in that area as it will get chipped from all of the small sand sized debris thrown from the front tire.

Bill

 

That is the worst PPF installation I've seen in a while. Are you sure that's not the factory crap?

 

Why didn’t that wrap the whole thing in one piece?

 

There is something wrong with this. On a dark car any seams should be basically invisible. This looks like the time I forgot to tape the edges before using a clay-bar. With either clay or wax you can get a buildup on the edge. Then, as you try to get it off, you can push it under the film just a little. Then you are kind of screwed.

 

There shouldn't even be an edge. I'm convinced that is the OEM *****.

 

The piece on the front is factory, rear aftermarket. Use your finger nail and gently remove the wax build up and the line will mostly dissapear.

 

or gently with a toothpick

 

Edge of a credit card on a microfiber will fox it as well.

Have to use a clear synthetic wax or polish. You won't get that debris on there.

 

Better to not have the edge...

 

What is "IPA"? I assume we're not talking about beer....

 

Isopropyl Alcohol Rubbing Alcohol

 

Those legs I mean lines are terrible.

 

On our Long Beach Red with XPel, I use Turtle Wax Ice Liquid (not spray) wax. It won't show on the film edges, in fact it seems to somehow eliminate or hide any white lines already there.
Easy to apply, moderately durable.