Xpel clear film edges over time?

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Nov 5, 2016 | 12:48 PM

abiazis

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Xpel clear film edges over time?

Anyone had any luck with any cleaning solutions that clean the dirty edges of the Xpel film that accumulate dirt? I was told brake fluid?

Nov 5, 2016 | 12:55 PM

991carreradriver

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Kidding right? Brake fluid belongs in one place only, your master cylinder and hydraulic lines. It will eat up paint in a NY minute.

Try a detailers tool https://www.griotsgarage.com/categor...rs+access.door or a Qtip with Griots Speed Shine.

Nov 5, 2016 | 01:49 PM

Archimedes

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I think he meant brake 'cleaner', rather than 'fluid'. At least I hope so.

OP, brake fluid would be a very bad idea...

Nov 5, 2016 | 02:04 PM

abiazis

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Thought so.....sounded so wrong...

Nov 5, 2016 | 02:32 PM

Geiss

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Mckees 37 road kill bug remover. Useful for tar, road grime etc. safe on paint. Spray and rinse.

Nov 5, 2016 | 03:45 PM

Detailed Designs

Burning Brakes

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Try a quality automotive exterior cleaner like P21s Total Auto Wash along with a gentle boar's hair brush.

Nov 5, 2016 | 05:01 PM

Needsdecaf

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Brake cleaner would be just as bad.

Listen to the professional above.

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Nov 6, 2016 | 12:04 PM

Type 2

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No to Brake Cleaner, Too Atomic

Quote:

Originally Posted by abiazis

Anyone had any luck with any cleaning solutions that clean the dirty edges of the Xpel film....?

If the installer had rolled the Xpel Ultimate film under the hood lip, fender lip, headlight surround lips, etc, you would not have the problem. But evidently, the film on your car was not rolled. I would not use brake cleaner! Three tips are offered below and I sure that there are others.

1. A round pointed toothpick is very effective, if glided using the points around the film edges;

2. A good polymer sealant as Menzerna PL, if firmly applied with a micro cloth along the edges, and then removed almost immediately will do a nice job of mild cleaning and does not leave a white line next to the film edge (you can also use the toothpick tip here after the removal of the excess sealant); and,

3. Xpel markets a "Protection Film Cleaner," which removes contaminants, but it cannot be allowed to dry before being removed with the contaminants with a micro cloth, so you must only do a small area and over lap as you clean with the Xpel Cleaner and micro cloth. Spray the Xpel Cleaner on on micro cloth (not directly on the film and adjoining paint) and apply. Polish out with another micro cloth.

4. Suggestion, if you do use P21S Total Auto Wash, start with a small amount of P21S in a glass container, and dilute it with a small amount of water, up to 1 to 1 with the P21S. I have found that P21S straight can be a bit strong.

Last edited by Type 2; Nov 6, 2016 at 12:12 PM. Reason: MSP and No. 4

Nov 6, 2016 | 12:23 PM

#10

ArthurVandalay

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These work well for me. On white car.

Nov 7, 2016 | 05:12 AM

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MoeMistry

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I'd be very cautious what I'd use....can you show a photo?

Usually, soap and water is all that's needed to clean the edges

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Nov 7, 2016 | 07:54 AM

#12

LexVan

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Wurth Citrus Degreaser and Q-Tips. Works great on the factory film stone guards.

This is why you want to use painter's tape on those edges when detailing your car with polishes and waxes/sealants. A little bit of prep in the begining saves you tons of 'clean-up' time in the end.

Nov 7, 2016 | 10:54 AM

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X2Board

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To keep your car looking great. Join and learn https://www.facebook.com/groups/obsessedgarage/

Nov 7, 2016 | 11:23 AM

#14

Fred R. C4S

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Quote:

Originally Posted by LexVan

This is why you want to use painter's tape on those edges when detailing your car with polishes and waxes/sealants. A little bit of prep in the begining saves you tons of 'clean-up' time in the end.

LexVan I was thinking the exact same thing regarding the taping. Here's to you