Originally Posted by skiahh

If I'm seeing the picture correctly, how can a puncture in the hood sheet metal be reversed, short of replacing the hood?

Isn't that badge area showing a break in the aluminum? If not, what am I seeing there?

Originally Posted by ATLBond

The installer definitely ruined your car, I'd be livid too. I had Xpel installed on my new White 991.2 C2S immediately after delivery. I don't believe in films and this is my first experience. I hired a guy who charged almost double his competitor just to be safe than sorry. They cut the film larger than Xpel templates and wrap around most edges. They did a reasonably decent job but my OCD eyes can still see few small creases on the edge in the complex contours of bumper (just above the rubber guard) filling with black debris that won't go away. They damaged two small non-functional plastic caps behind frump liner trying to access the headlight assembly (they remove it for installation). So, will I do it again? Yes. The reason for this is it seems like 911 is a magnet for road debris. One area I was super glad I decided to add in the last minute is rocker panels ($600 extra). Boy did I underestimate how that area is abused with road debris and tar goo (they are paving roads in my area). I covered front bumper, fenders, hood, mirrors, rocker panel, rear fenders facing front, small strip on rear bumper next to tire well.

Originally Posted by TimAD

Hey Giuseppe,

Unfortunately this is every new car owners worst nightmare, and unfortunately it has happened to you. FORTUNATELY speaking from professional experience what has happened is 100% reversible. This will be a lesson for the installer and many other installers and potential clients throughout the country/world. As an installer whom has dealt with issues like this from other shops in our area my heart and frustrations go out to you, but I appreciate you taking the time to share your experience which can help others prevent these circumstances.

One of my BIGGEST frustrations with this industry is a lack of solid facts. There are many opinions regarding products, installations, benefits/limitations but not enough genuine solid insights.

I would like to take this opportunity to chime in with some of my industry insights. Take it for what its worth, but I've read through and seen alot of passionate responses so this is obviously very important to ALOT of you.

FACT #1, no installation will EVER be PERFECT. Why? Paint surfaces aren't perfect. Porsche has a BILLION dollar paint facility, BILLION dollar and there are still defects. The nature of any film means the potential for defects, debris, distortion etc. The defects to the extent shown here and then the explanation that it's "normal" is unacceptable to ME, and many of the other HIGH LEVEL installers around. To a large number of installers out there this install is "acceptable". The way your dissatisfaction was handled was absolutely unacceptable regardless of the level of skills or lack there of this shop had.

FACT #2, Paint protection film is made as protection first. It will be visible if you look for it, there will be visible edges, there will be texture/distortion, there will be tackiness. The extent to which you see these all depends on the film choice and most importantly the installer. My goal is to make it so that you can't tell its on the car, but obviously if you look for it you'll find it. Xpel does have some distortion and haze, this is more visible on darker vehicles such as black. Now they do have an updated film which should have been improved upon in these areas. We personally recommend a different film choice for dark colors for these reasons.

FACT #3, Broken parts/cut paint is NEVER acceptable. Porsche has made their vehicles in a way in which competent installers can safely remove items without damage. Sometimes clips break, but a good shop which cares for your best interests will inform you if ANYTHING unexpected ever happens and then cover any costs if it was their doing. Hacks will try to hide or cover up broken items, cut paint or pulled paint hoping the client will never see. Accountability is a common thread found in the elite shops around the country. You have a issue, reach out to the shop/installer, they should be happy to communicate with you and go over it to find a fix or explanation to fulfill your expectations.

In regards to the painted area under the emblem. As Xpel and JC have said, this area is VERY delicate. The paint underneath is blistered and brittle, there are times this area may be damage during the film install process. The damage shown here is extremely excessive and goes back to Fact #3 about accountability. If damage does happen the installers job is to #1 PREVENT that ever happening, but #2 inform their client, not hide it hoping no one will find it.

Once again, the lack of accountability, respect and craftsmanship shown on Giuseppe's car is well below the industry standard. He has every right to be upset, the ball was dropped by the installer in trying to satisfy his concerns. We are all looking forward to complete conclusion to this so he can go back to enjoying his beautiful GT3!

Hopefully this helps clarify some key points!

Originally Posted by MinMay

How is Detail Authority getting 5/5 stars on Yelp?

http://www.yelp.com/biz/detail-authority-fairfax

Originally Posted by squid42

Yelp is a 100% corruption-based business as far as their income is concerned. The ratings only mean how much a business is aware of them and how well their extortion worked.

Originally Posted by 911sanantone

While I feel badly for OP (very badly...), I don't think Xpel corporate should be blamed.
They make an excellent product and from their replies earlier in this post, they offered to make the OP whole at the installer of his choice.
The key, like many others have already stated, is the installer. This one should be avoided at all costs.
I have several vehicles that had Xpel expertly installed and will install it on any new car that I am fortunate enough to purchase.
Again, I hope that the OP is left satisfied when all is done.

Originally Posted by mtony

I used Derek at Atlanta Protective Films and he did an awesome job using SunTek film which he said stretches better than X-Pel.
http://www.atlantaprotectivefilms.com/

Originally Posted by fastdiablo

The thread that wouldn't die.