anybody have stains etch in their XPel? freakin salt, snow, sand combo...

[achilleas101]

so with the latest snow storm yesterday, i drove through more wet stuff, and unlike other times, by the time i got to the office there were a lot of spotty areas of dirt/sand/salt on the hood. other times it hadn't been this spotty, it was more granular. Well, I didn't get home till late last night, so tonight was the first time i had a chance to rinse the crap off. unfortunately, everywhere the spots were, it looks like they've etched into the xpel film.

i tried first using quick detailer. nothing. the xpel site recommends using isopropyl alcohol, or bug tar remover. tried both. not a dent. the only thing i have not tried that they recommend is using a DA polisher with 3m machine polish. i actually have some of that, and tried a hand application since i didn't feel like breaking out the porter cable, and that didn't do anything. i'm not too optimistic that using the power DA will do much better, but i will give it a shot.

my question is if anybody else has had any similar issues, and what you've used to get rid of it. other times i've had any kind of stains or spotting from water, salt, dirt, bugs etc, i was able to easily get rid of them with quick detailer. this was a different animal. and they're all over the freakin hood and fenders.

edit:
was finally able to snap a pic where you can actually see it... you can see 2 of the spots around the reflection of the light bulb

[aaronz]

Have it as well....haven't been able to get rid of it.


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[achilleas101]

Have it as well....haven't been able to get rid of it.


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damn... how long has it been? i was hoping the self healing may help...

i looked at my paperwork and they also recommend lacquer thinner. i'll be emailing them to see what lacquer thinner exactly they recommend. the warranty says it covers staining, so if i can't get this out, i hope they honor it.

[aaronz]

Installed may of 2013


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[achilleas101]

no i mean how long ago did the spots get on there?

[helix139]

Try Xpel film cleaner or a little APC

[mmmkam]

I had an issue with water spots and if that's what it is just get some white vinegar and make a 50/50 solution with water. Spray it on, let it sit a sec, wipe it off and the spots will be gone. Then just quick detail it with some ONR and you are good to go. Worked like a charm for me.

[MrFunk]

Don't those wraps have lifetime warranties like window tint? Not something that would be covered if it won't come out?

[RickFLS4]

I don't have spots but my film was starting to get pretty yellow. After numerous washes with Dawn, Xpel cleaner, car wash detergent, Plex-All and Alcohol (separate washes, not mixed together and on film only, not paint), it has cleaned up very well. I bought a fender brush to scrub it. You need to scrub it pretty hard (again film, not paint) and it should clean up. Once clean, protect it with Xpel Sealant, Plex-All or something similar. Write to Xpel to ask for suggestions. I found them most helpful. If none of that works, put in for warranty replacement.

[drob23]

I haven't noticed any problems, I wash it 2 bucket style with mild chemical guys soap (using optimum NR this winter) every 3 weeks or so and then treat the xpel with pledge. I do the pledge every other wash (spray it on and then buff off).

[helix139]

I don't have spots but my film was starting to get pretty yellow. After numerous washes with Dawn, Xpel cleaner, car wash detergent, Plex-All and Alcohol (separate washes, not mixed together and on film only, not paint), it has cleaned up very well. I bought a fender brush to scrub it. You need to scrub it pretty hard (again film, not paint) and it should clean up. Once clean, protect it with Xpel Sealant, Plex-All or something similar. Write to Xpel to ask for suggestions. I found them most helpful. If none of that works, put in for warranty replacement.

If Plex-all is like plexus, you'll want to stay away from it. Plexus contains petroleum distillates and will cause your film to yellow.

[achilleas101]

Try Xpel film cleaner or a little APC

i don't have the xpel film cleaner, nor a specially labeled auto apc, just have the household stuff like orange cleaner sprays, fantastic and the like. i can't imagine that the xpel film cleaner is anything that revolutionary that it would get stuff out other cleaners can't. other things that have more acidic bite, like orange cleaner, i imagine *could*, but didn't want to try without knowing they're safe.

I had an issue with water spots and if that's what it is just get some white vinegar and make a 50/50 solution with water. Spray it on, let it sit a sec, wipe it off and the spots will be gone. Then just quick detail it with some ONR and you are good to go. Worked like a charm for me.

his is the first time i've heard of vinegar... i know it's ok on paint, but had no idea it was safe on the film...

I don't have spots but my film was starting to get pretty yellow. After numerous washes with Dawn, Xpel cleaner, car wash detergent, Plex-All and Alcohol (separate washes, not mixed together and on film only, not paint), it has cleaned up very well. I bought a fender brush to scrub it. You need to scrub it pretty hard (again film, not paint) and it should clean up. Once clean, protect it with Xpel Sealant, Plex-All or something similar. Write to Xpel to ask for suggestions. I found them most helpful. If none of that works, put in for warranty replacement.

the brush is an interesting idea... could break up the spot... hmm... i sent an email to xpel last night, so whenever they respond, i'll ask them about the vinegar too.

Don't those wraps have lifetime warranties like window tint? Not something that would be covered if it won't come out?

The Ultimate does have a 10 year warranty against, among other things, "staining", but i don't know of anyone who has had to make a claim, so i have no idea if they'd just honor it or give me a hard time. So while i'm not freaking out, i do want to try whatever i can to try and clean it up.

the thing that's bugging me right now is that xpel likes warm weather and water, but it's so freagin cold out that i can't just do a wash, letting warm soapy water sit on the hood for a few minutes to see if that'll do its trick or not. Sunday it's supposed to get into the 50s, so hopefully i can try that and some of these other things then.

[achilleas101]

I haven't noticed any problems, I wash it 2 bucket style with mild chemical guys soap (using optimum NR this winter) every 3 weeks or so and then treat the xpel with pledge. I do the pledge every other wash (spray it on and then buff off).

pledge? interesting... i used Klasse all in one followed by sealant glaze, which my installer said would be great on it, and probably better than the xpel stuff. but i guess the harsh winter and tons of salt have worn it down.

[fonseca_q5]

I have a ton of water spots on my hood as well. I tried Meguiars #9, Simple Green, isopropyl alcohol, & bug/tar remover and nothing has worked. The Xpel guys did recommend lacquer thinner as well but I haven't tried that yet. I'll have to give the vinegar a try first.

[drob23]

pledge? interesting... i used Klasse all in one followed by sealant glaze, which my installer said would be great on it, and probably better than the xpel stuff. but i guess the harsh winter and tons of salt have worn it down.

Yup, was told to use pledge by my installer, dude definitely knows his ish. Said the other stuff xpel sells was not needed and overpriced. Take it as a data point I guess...

[achilleas101]

I have a ton of water spots on my hood as well. I tried Meguiars #9, Simple Green, isopropyl alcohol, & bug/tar remover and nothing has worked. The Xpel guys did recommend lacquer thinner as well but I haven't tried that yet. I'll have to give the vinegar a try first.

did they give you any guidance as to what type or brand of lacquer thinner?

[drob23]

Here's an example rep for pledge

http://www.autosupershield.com/blog/...otection-film/

[Soulsaman]

I've also tried vinegar and paint thinner, nothing works. Gonna give Pledge a try.

[RickFLS4]

If Plex-all is like plexus, you'll want to stay away from it. Plexus contains petroleum distillates and will cause your film to yellow.

Thanks. I think it is like Plexus so I need to check it out. Apparently it is the product an installer is telling detailers to use but that doesn't guarantee it isn't a bad idea.

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[MrFunk]

the thing that's bugging me right now is that xpel likes warm weather....

Who doesn't?!?

[RickFLS4]

Here's an example rep for pledge

http://www.autosupershield.com/blog/...otection-film/

Interestingly, it was Pepi who recommended Plex-All to the detailer (and who installed my Xpel Ultimate) and he says to use Plexus in the link (towards the end). I'm pretty sure he also told me to use a brush (which he says not to do in the link) and not be afraid to really scrub it when it was yellow. I'm going to check with him and / or Xpel on both. The brush I used is soft, no stiff bristles. Didn't seem to harm anything but I'd like to double check.

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[RickFLS4]

The Ultimate does have a 10 year warranty against, among other things, "staining", but i don't know of anyone who has had to make a claim, so i have no idea if they'd just honor it or give me a hard time. So while i'm not freaking out, i do want to try whatever i can to try and clean it up.

They offered to replace mine when it was yellow, as did the installer. I don't think you'd have a hard time if it can't be cleaned. The seem to stand behind their product and were genuinely concerned about the customer when I contacted them. They also found me on AZ complaining about the yellowing, so I wouldn't be surprised if they find this thread too.

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[SwankPeRFection]

Usually clay baring it will take care of any yellowing or other issues like spots, but you need to apply some additional pressure depending on the type of film you have.

[achilleas101]

They offered to replace mine when it was yellow, as did the installer. I don't think you'd have a hard time if it can't be cleaned. The seem to stand behind their product and were genuinely concerned about the customer when I contacted them. They also found me on AZ complaining about the yellowing, so I wouldn't be surprised if they find this thread too.

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good to know this!

Usually clay baring it will take care of any yellowing or other issues like spots, but you need to apply some additional pressure depending on the type of film you have.

clay was the other thing i tried, but forgot to mention. no dice. :(

[achilleas101]

Who doesn't?!?

yeah... reeeeaaaallly tired of this winter...

[achilleas101]

so i called Xpel cuz i got tired of waiting for an email reply. Guy was very cool. he said that hard water spots are the one thing that they've had problems with not getting out, so if i can't get em out, they'll warranty it, no problem. But meantime, he said the following are things to try:

Simple Green
Wizards Bug release
Vinegar diluted is fine
any paint thinner, acetone, lacquer thinner. He told me that in demos, he'll spray paint rustoleum black paint on the film and remove it with alcohol or lacquer thinner to show how well this stuff cleans off. Just don't let the thinner sit on. wipe on and off.

so i have a few things to try! oh, and warmer conditions could definitely help.. so i'll wait on putting in a warranty claim... :)

[fonseca_q5]

did they give you any guidance as to what type or brand of lacquer thinner?

no, so I haven't tried any yet.

[fonseca_q5]

so i called Xpel cuz i got tired of waiting for an email reply. Guy was very cool. he said that hard water spots are the one thing that they've had problems with not getting out, so if i can't get em out, they'll warranty it, no problem. But meantime, he said the following are things to try:

Simple Green
Wizards Bug release
Vinegar diluted is fine
any paint thinner, acetone, lacquer thinner. He told me that in demos, he'll spray paint rustoleum black paint on the film and remove it with alcohol or lacquer thinner to show how well this stuff cleans off. Just don't let the thinner sit on. wipe on and off.

so i have a few things to try! oh, and warmer conditions could definitely help.. so i'll wait on putting in a warranty claim... :)

Please let us know once you try any of those.

[elhalish]

Subscribed. Going to try pledge on my Xpel.

[GeoJoe]

Best google image stain pic I could find to contribute.

[achilleas101]

all right, i can now declare victory!! Lacquer thinner it was, FTW. took some elbow grease but i was able to get them all out. so, now some details you all may want to know.

1) lacquer thinner i bought was the Klean Strip regular stuff at home depot:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Klean-Str...L170/100127500

it's a Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) based thinner, which is in the same class as acetone. i actually tried using my wife's nail polish remover that is primarily acetone, and it was working a bit, so if you have a decent amount of acetone laying around, you should try that.

2) the stuff really destroys overly absorbent, soft sponges. i poured a little on a couple different sponges and they started falling apart.. even tried using a microfiber towel, but that didn't work very easily. finally found that these kitchen ones worked well: Scotch brite non-scratch scrub sponges (i only used the soft side, not the abrasive side)

http://www.amazon.com/Scotch-Brite-3...otchbrite+pads

i went through 2 of them... they would actually harden up after a little while.

3) the stuff dries pretty quickly, which is good and bad. Good because it doesn't have a lot of risk of sitting on the surface too long, bad because you have to make quick work

4) you don't want to use too much at once. i would dab a little on the end of the sponge, start rubbing, and as it would dry i would scrub harder. the latter stage is where most of the productivity seemed to be. but the earlier stage seemed necessary in order to soak in enough solvent. As i went over areas, i'd wipe it down with a microfiber towel (to avoid letting the thinner sit on for too long). examine results, repeat if necessary.

5) definitely gotta work a small area at a time. took me about 1 hour to do the hood.

6) definitely should be warm outside, or have the hood be warm. i had just driven home from Home depot, so the car had been on for about 20 minutes over the previous 40. the temp was in the mid 50s. the first half of the hood was going well, then it started getting tougher. Figured it was the lowering temp of the surface, so i turned the car on and let it idle while i finished.

7) you may have to go over spots a few times. and it may have been the fumes from the thinner, but a few times i could have sworn that i didn't completely get the stains out, only to return to finish them off and couldn't find them. so maybe the agitation also triggered the self healing to finish some of them off, not sure. So don't be surprised if that happens to you.

after going over everything, i washed the hood, fenders and bumper to get any remaining trace of thinner off. Then I proceeded to go over it with the 3m machine polish and my Porter cable DA polisher. that took out any remaining remnants of the stains. then did the Klasse all in one and Klasse sealant glaze to give it back the sealant protection. Looks good as new now!