Moisture bubbles trapped in Xpel. help

Bill D

Bill D

Hooked For Life
I installed Xpel headlight protective film on my headlights back in October. I saw some mositure bubbles trapped between the material and the light when I was finished. I repeatedly tried to smooth them out with the provided squegee while having the high beams on and using a blow dryer. I got extremely minimal improvement. By late fall/winter I figured I just try again when the weather got warmer. By now the bubbles have improved a tiny bit mostly on the passenger side but I still get make them better. I even use my halogen work lights now, I even tried poking them with a pin., nothing :mad:



I thought I read about using a syringe and injecting the bubble with more water?IPA solution , but what kind of syringe, where do I buy?



Anyone else have this problems? Any solutions?



Here's a link to a photo of the driver side headlight. I did my best to pint out the bubble in red.



http://www.autopia.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=7295
 
I hate to say it, but I think you're out of luck. The main reason is that the adhesive may have aged too much. Not sure water would help, the adhesive isn't water-based.
 
yeah, I think you are screwed... I have the same thing. I put mine on, and the directions that came with them didn't mention being able to pull it off again. So I figured that would basically ruin it. So I just tried to smooth the bubbles out, and did do the poking trick with a pin, which helped some. Later that week, while a bit disheartened by the bubbles, I checked their website which had much more comprehensive install instructions. I should have just pulled it off and on until it was mostly bubble free to start with, then squeegy it perfect. Alas, it was knowledge too late.



They've been on over a year now and I don't mind too much. One day I'll buy a new set and do it right... At least they still protect well, bubbles or not.
 
Thanks guys,



Im going to email Xpel now, see what they say, will probably have to get another set :mad: I hope it's not a massive endeavor to get them off
 
When they installed mine, the installer used a small syringe to remove trapped air - know anyone who has diabetes where you can get a syringe?
 
Hi Forrest,



Sorry no, but I suppose I could try a pharmacy. I have seen special syringes for cooking purposes I believe and i think some folks used them with zaino. I wonder if that kind would do?
 
Think small - a small syringe with a small (short) needle.



If I recall, he put the needle in from the side, instead of straight down (so he wouldn't hit the paint, I suppose), then slowly pulled the plunger out (towards him) to create vacuum and reduce the air bubble size.
 
Terumo Insulin Syringes



U-100

Latex Free, Sterile, Single Use, Non Toxic, Non-Pyrogenic.,



Available in Boxes Of 100



Do you have a friend that works in a hospital? If so, have them pick you up one. You might go to your local pharamcy and explain you intended usage and they may give you one. Unfortunately, these are a junkie's (IV drug abuser) favorite needle and are quite controlled (normally need a prescription).

I would mail you one (w/i US borders) but afraid of the legality. :nixweiss
 
blkz28conv,



Thanks very much for the offer,:xyxthumbs I was thinking about those same issues. I don't want to give the impression I'm anything more than just a detailing junkie;) :o I guess I'm sorta stuck. On the bright side, looks like I might be able to get replacements from Xpel
 
Bill D said:
Aurora, do yours look as bad as mine?
Click to expand...



I think on mine there is only one bubble that's about that bad, the rest is more minor. I can try to take a picture next week when I have the digital camera back. But no, I don't think mine are quite that bad. If you step back about 5 feet from my car, they look really great. :nixwiess
 
Xpel sent me an entire replacement kit for the cost of shipping, got it today! Talk about a compnay that stands behind its products. Bravo Xpel! :bow
 
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