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Here is a picture on my hood. You can see three spots in this photo where the XPEL isn't covering the hood. Is it supposed to be like that?
Two are next to each other at the crease and the other is in the top of the photo.
Yes, has nothing to do with the installer, this is a pre-cut piece, Mine is the exact same. Some installers use one large piece instead of a precut so in that case you would not have the fold cuts.
yes it is fine and mine is the same. It is called a relief cut so the film doesnt crease around the bend/angle following the hood lines. hence why it is only seen where the hood changes direction
Custom applied Xpel ppf has no relief cuts, machine precut ppf has precuts yes. Are you for sure those are the only 3 you have? It's up to you if you like it, if the relief cuts stay I would at least ceramic coat all those areas if you have not already. My only question is where the cuts are will the paint age differently, fade etc. Some installers only use precuts it's quicker, the installers that do not use precuts take a little bit more time to install.
That makes for a great install. You’ll have 99% coverage and never are concerned about stress lifting or pullback which happens with stretch. Enjoy the car. Thank the installer. Unless you agreed to a bulk install, that’s what I do for Corvettes.
It’s fine. A custom install that doesn’t have that would likely wrinkle or pull up over time. There’s only so much the film can do with the geometry of the C8.
Just keep it waxed and clean and you won’t get buildup at those edges. As of right now I had to zoom in to even see what you were talking about.
I agree, that looks like crap. when I had Xpel installed on my 15 Z06 the installer custom cut any areas that needed tucked. In this case, it depends on what software he used to cut the patterns. It's like an aftermarket part that doesn't fit
On the positive side. You'll appreciate the protection the Xpel gives you. I was on the track a couple years back and the car in front of me kicked up some track debris at 150 mph and it scuffed the Xpel but didn't get the paint. It took a year in the sun to heal itself but you can't see where the damage is anymore.
Yes, it is a "relief cut." It is called that because it "relieves" the installer from having to acquire the skill and spend the time to complete an install in which you can't see such defects. PPF is ungodly expensive for what it is, and for the price it is appropriate to expect perfection.
If the installer offered a lower price for quick-and-dirty installation complete with openly visible relief cuts, that would be one thing. I'm suspecting that wasn't the case.
I'm scheduled for PPF install soon, and I intend to show this thread and photos to my installer. Thank you, OP, for highlighting this issue.
Yes, it is a "relief cut." It is called that because it "relieves" the installer from having to acquire the skill and spend the time to complete an install in which you can't see such defects. PPF is ungodly expensive for what it is, and for the price it is appropriate to expect perfection.
If the installer offered a lower price for quick-and-dirty installation complete with openly visible relief cuts, that would be one thing. I'm suspecting that wasn't the case.
I'm scheduled for PPF install soon, and I intend to show this thread and photos to my installer. Thank you, OP, for highlighting this issue.
I agree, just tell the installer in advance 'if this is what I'm to expect then cancel my appointment". I haven't noticed any C8 PPF installs, but seen dozens of C7 and none have looked like this. And I can't image a C7 and C8 PPF install is that different.
That is awful. Installer should never have let that out his door. I would never have accepted that or paid for it. I have had PPF on 9 cars and never anything close to that shoddy.
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The install on my C7 looks the same with the relief cuts. Honestly, it is something that is hardly noticeable, but if it bothers you, discuss it with your installer.
No, it is a good reason to shop around for a quality installer. My PPF saved my front bumper from a shotgun blast of gravel from a flatbed 18 wheeler who pulled over in front of me at 80mph less than 4 months into ownership. Without the PPF my front bumper would've needed a repaint. I will never understand anti-PPF folks.
Why not have him cut a couple of pieces that fit the exact space that is left open? At least those little spots would be protected from the little chips that that rocks cause to the paint.
04-02-2022, 09:46 PM
XPEL - should this be showing?
