Moisture bubbles trapped in Xpel. help

[Bill D]

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

[BoxsterCharlie]

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.

[imported_Aurora40]

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.

[Bill D]

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

[Bill D]

Aurora, do yours look as bad as mine?

[forrest@mothers]

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?

[Bill D]

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?

[forrest@mothers]

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.

[imported_memnuts]

You should use a diabetic insulin syringe.

[Bill D]

Thanks again,



Could you indicate exactly which kind from the example below? Thanks!



http://www.gcmedicalsupply.com/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=40&cat=Needles/Syringes

[imported_memnuts]

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

[Bill D]

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

[imported_Aurora40]

Originally posted by Bill D

Aurora, do yours look as bad as mine?



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

[Bill D]

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

[Redcar GUY]

WOW!