Chris W. - '96 Targa

Euro turbo bumper was installed a couple weeks ago! Woo-hoo!

After all the really positive posts re: Invinca-Shield paint protection film, I got a kit and did the install today. The first couple of pieces were a pain, as I learned how to do it, but overall, not too bad.

For those of you who have installed this film, is there anything that can be done about squeegee marks in the film? In previous posts there was a lot of discussion about fine scratches in the film, but these are more like dents caused by the edge of the squeegee as I applied a little too much pressure in places.

Will these go away by themselves, or with some elbow grease, or with heat, or only with a new piece of film?

BTW, A.J. had given me a really long reply post with a lot of good info (thanks, A.J.! <img border="0" alt="[cheers]" title="" src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" /> ), and I modified my kit similar to how he described. I really like how it turned out, with the exception of the aforementioned squeegee marks.

Pics soon, but not until I get the finish smoothed out. :-)

<img border="0" alt="[cheers]" title="" src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" />

-Chris

David in LA

Too late now but there is a better squeegee available that had a hard rubber edge that leaves less marks.

I was told that the invinca-shield stuff is covered by a thin coat of clearcoat just like car paint - scratches can be polished out depending on how deep they are. I used 3M plasic polish but haven't finished the job yet.

Chris W. - '96 Targa

Thanks for the reply, David. Actually, I was using the better squeegee -- Invinca-Shield calls it the "Blue Max". The marks aren't so much scratches as where it looks like the edge of the squeegee "dug in" and gouged the film, stretching it and leaving an indented line deep enough to feel with your fingers.

Tomorrow I'll give Invinca-Shield a call and see what, if anything, I can do to save the install. Worst case, I'll have to replace a few pieces.

-Chris

David in LA

OK now I understand what you are referring to...it sounds like you didn't use enough solution and the squeegee caught on the film. I had a few minor ones on my install and these went away after a few days as the film unstretched to its original shape.

If you do decide to replace it be aware that there is a technique for removing it so that the glue comes off with the film...much easier than having to remove the glue from your paint and then having to remove any remaining lint. They guys at invinca-shield are pretty helpful.

jw97C2S

Chris
Go to Autopia and search for a plastic polish that people have used on the material with great results.

<a href="http://www.autopia.org/forums/index.php" target="_blank">http://www.autopia.org/forums/index.php</a>

Jim

A.J. - 95 993

Removing the film is easy. Use a hair dryer, highest setting, and pull it off. I had the one-piece nose on for a few weeks, then pulled it off. Took about 10 minutes. I expected the worst, but it was pretty easy. No issue with adhesive residue. 3M adhesive remover would clear up anything leftover anyways. The best thing I found for taking care of the scratches is the 3M Perfect-It polishing compound. The Imperial Hand Glaze didn't have much effect, and was difficult to use.

I don't think you have much hope of reversing the marks made by the squeegee. How long has it been since you put it on? The material is probably stretched, and it might ease back to the original shape/thickness over the course of a few weeks. But it will likely always be there. After I completed the nose on mine, I wasn't overjoyed with it. I still could see flaws. But I knew I was nitpicking, and I left it alone. Now, a month later, I don't even notice it's there.

Chris W. - '96 Targa

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Originally posted by A.J. - 95 993:
<strong>I don't think you have much hope of reversing the marks made by the squeegee. How long has it been since you put it on?</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">I put the film on this past Sunday. I had hoped it might even out after a few days in the Florida sun, but no dice. I contacted Debbie at Invinca-Shield and she is checking with the tech there to see what can be done short of replacing the pieces. If that's what it takes, then I'll do it, as right now the front bumper looks like it was painted with a brush, and the paint under the film is flawless.

-Chris

stedge

I just did my car yesterday. I think I likely will have to replace some pieces, as I have a few small bubbles that I simply cannot get rid of, and they are too small to puncture safely, in my opinion. Some pieces turned out quite well, the large, upper front bumper piece, for example. Others I had to trim a bit to get to fit, etc, etc. We'll see. The paint under is perfect, so the whole point of this for me was to take away some worry of hurting that, and actually haveing it look a little less than perfect may make me relax a bit about the perfect nature of the car and drive the crap out of it.

We'll see how it looks in a few weeks under the Carolina sun....

stedge

I just did my car yesterday. I think I likely will have to replace some pieces, as I have a few small bubbles that I simply cannot get rid of, and they are too small to puncture safely, in my opinion. Some pieces turned out quite well, the large, upper front bumper piece, for example. Others I had to trim a bit to get to fit, etc, etc. We'll see. The paint under is perfect, so the whole point of this for me was to take away some worry of hurting that, and actually haveing it look a little less than perfect may make me relax a bit about the perfect nature of the car and drive the crap out of it.

We'll see how it looks in a few weeks under the Carolina sun....

David in LA

Stedge - Dait a few days before you decide to rip off the pieces and replace...after a few days in the sun, many of the bubbles may disappear (mine did) or at least become small enough that you can eliminate by moving them around with your finger tip (do not use a squeegee). Car needs to be in the sun for this to happen effectively though.

mike cap

Stedge,

David is correct. Many of the "flaws" will disappear. If a small bubble remains, put a tiny slice into the film with a fine hobby type razor knife. Squeeze out he liquid and you'll never see the cut w/o a microscope.

Mike Cap
1997 C2
Arena Red

stedge

thanks for the input.

STLPCA

A trick of the trade used by my installer for small bubbles was a syringe w/a fine needle (he uses those sold for insulin injections). Fill the syringe w/the application liquid you're using (alcohol & water, etc.). Insert the needle carefully into the bubble's edge, inject a bit & then withdraw the plunger sucking out the trapped air & liquid.

Dudley

I messed up the first piece I put on so badly that I pulled it off and threw it away. The next few pieces went better - I used less pressure and more massaging with a squeegee wrapped in a soft cloth. No scratches. Oh yeah, I called Invica-Shield and ordered a replacement for the first piece I ruined. They replaced it for half price - that is what I call customer service.

I finally ordered Steve's chip today and used my PCA coupon at Sunset Parts. I am still surprised at the quality of the vendors I have found through this site. This board has been a great resource. Thanks to all.

Dave