Stek Full front PPF done but found many debris

[M3nmotion18]

Hello,

I picked up the car today and while I was inspecting the PPF, I realized two things.
The first picture is the side mirror that Stek film was installed and I was wondering if this how the normal pre-cut looks like after the installed? For those with Stek PPF installed on the side mirrors, does it cover the entire mirror or looks like this?

Secondly, Is it normal to have about 10 debris under the film ? (mostly found from the front bumper areas) I already informed about this debris to the shop and the installer told me that after 2 weeks, they will inspect the car and re-do the film. I know this can't be perfect, but found too many...

I also found one big bubble on the hood and other on the front bumper. Does it go away by itself?

Let me know your experience with your PPF!

Thanks!

[kosd]

I have had PPF installed on previous vehicles. The debris, especially what you have in the second pic is not normal and I would want it fixed. With regards to the pre-cut mirror, my opinion is that it looks amateurish but I do not know if this is because of the precut pattern or because of the installer. I think it could have been done to appear much less noticeable.

[KevinM]

While one or two tiny pieces of debris may be okay, if in an area not visible and if not forming an air pocket, the one you picture should definitely be fixed by the shop. it is large, visible and forms an air pocket.

In terms of bubbles, small ones will resolve, so it depends on the size.

There is definitely a seam on the mirror for all kits given the bend. However, the seam on your mirror seems quite noticeable (perhaps it is the lighting). For contrast, here is my mirror:



GL

[MadZarBMR]

That mirror job is horrible and I would ask to have it redone along with the panel with debris. The mirror kit for our cars has that pattern, but the seam should be stretched to wrap to the underside of the visible edge. It looks like a sloppy alignment along with a dull blade on their plotter which resulted in a harsh edge that clearly shows that it was not properly sealed. The white visible edge should not be there. That is adhesive left behind from not having sealed with 70% IPA a bit of heat.

Waiting two weeks should not be necessary for this, but keep in mind that it is normal for some cloudiness or even small bubbles to dry out as the sun sets the film. Especially on darker colored cars. This is why most shops will not perform rework until the film has set for at least two weeks.

[M3nmotion18]

Originally Posted by kosd

I have had PPF installed on previous vehicles. The debris, especially what you have in the second pic is not normal and I would want it fixed. With regards to the pre-cut mirror, my opinion is that it looks amateurish but I do not know if this is because of the precut pattern or because of the installer. I think it could have been done to appear much less noticeable.

2nd picture with big debris was found by me when I was picking up the car. The owner asked me to wait about an hour, but I had to get back to work, so they were going to re-do it when I bring the car back.

If you look at my mirror, film is not even covering the entire mirror..

When the detailers are done with PPF, don't they inspect the car to make sure the obvious debris are not there? They had my car for 4 days.

[M3nmotion18]

Originally Posted by KevinM

While one or two tiny pieces of debris may be okay, if in an area not visible and if not forming an air pocket, the one you picture should definitely be fixed by the shop. it is large, visible and forms an air pocket.

In terms of bubbles, small ones will resolve, so it depends on the size.

There is definitely a seam on the mirror for all kits given the bend. However, the seam on your mirror seems quite noticeable (perhaps it is the lighting). For contrast, here is my mirror:



GL

I can understand the tiny small bubbles, but look at this one. Two bubbles like this from Front bumper and one on the hood. I forgot to circle the bubble, can you see?

[M3nmotion18]

Originally Posted by MadZarBMR

That mirror job is horrible and I would ask to have it redone along with the panel with debris. The mirror kit for our cars has that pattern, but the seam should be stretched to wrap to the underside of the visible edge. It looks like a sloppy alignment along with a dull blade on their plotter which resulted in a harsh edge that clearly shows that it was not properly sealed. The white visible edge should not be there. That is adhesive left behind from not having sealed with 70% IPA a bit of heat.

Waiting two weeks should not be necessary for this, but keep in mind that it is normal for some cloudiness or even small bubbles to dry out as the sun sets the film. Especially on darker colored cars. This is why most shops will not perform rework until the film has set for at least two weeks.

As you can see the film, it does not cover the entire mirror...is this because the installer didn't stretch the film? most of the film has some gap like as the installer just wrap the pre-cut film into the car and didn't stretch?

FYI: I did the full frontal plus CF roof at a highly recommended detail shop!

[M3nmotion18]

Originally Posted by MadZarBMR

That mirror job is horrible and I would ask to have it redone along with the panel with debris. The mirror kit for our cars has that pattern, but the seam should be stretched to wrap to the underside of the visible edge. It looks like a sloppy alignment along with a dull blade on their plotter which resulted in a harsh edge that clearly shows that it was not properly sealed. The white visible edge should not be there. That is adhesive left behind from not having sealed with 70% IPA a bit of heat.

Waiting two weeks should not be necessary for this, but keep in mind that it is normal for some cloudiness or even small bubbles to dry out as the sun sets the film. Especially on darker colored cars. This is why most shops will not perform rework until the film has set for at least two weeks.

I also discovered this scratch where I circled. Ceramic Coating is already applied, so I think they need to redo this part? What do you think this is? maybe scratch from the dealership when they pull the white wrap from the vehicle? Thanks

[M3nmotion18]

One more thing I discovered about PPF on the sensors:

PPF was covering over the two sensors where the camera is on the each side. However, PPF was cut where the sensors on the front bumper areas. Is this how the Front bumper PPF was designed when it was pre-cut?

Thanks!

[M3nmotion18]

Originally Posted by M3nmotion79

I also discovered this scratch where I circled. Ceramic Coating is already applied, so I think they need to redo this part? What do you think this is? maybe scratch from the dealership when they pull the white wrap from the vehicle? Thanks

Here's the better picture.

[MadZarBMR]

Originally Posted by M3nmotion79

As you can see the film, it does not cover the entire mirror...is this because the installer didn't stretch the film? most of the film has some gap like as the installer just wrap the pre-cut film into the car and didn't stretch?

FYI: I did the full frontal plus CF roof at a highly recommended detail shop!

Yes, pre-cut patterns are often cut short to allow for stretching and avoid having to cut excess on the car. The installer should have stretched the inside edge/corner into position and not left it exposed like that.

Originally Posted by M3nmotion79

One more thing I discovered about PPF on the sensors:

PPF was covering over the two sensors where the camera is on the each side. However, PPF was cut where the sensors on the front bumper areas. Is this how the Front bumper PPF was designed when it was pre-cut?

Thanks!

All sensors should be cut or you will have a ring of film that will possibly lift and create a larger bubble. The pre-cut patterns are available with or without PDC sensors pre-cut so it is possible they used the pattern without the sensors pre-cut and then trimmed only the fronts. Some installers prefer cutting the sensors, cameras and washers once installed which makes installation easier because you have less work trying to align everything.

Originally Posted by M3nmotion79

Here's the better picture.

To me, that looks like it could be ceramic coating that was not properly buffed out or they wiped that area with a dirty towel that had ceramic coating residue on it. I would think that if it was residue from shipping film, the coating installer would have caught it, but then again, the film work doesn't appear to have been done correctly. What does it feel like to the touch? It should buff out with careful paint correction and re-coating.

If I were you, I would bring the car back and make sure they at least document all of this before too much time goes by and they try to blame this on something else.

[M3nmotion18]

Originally Posted by MadZarBMR

Yes, pre-cut patterns are often cut short to allow for stretching and avoid having to cut excess on the car. The installer should have stretched the inside edge/corner into position and not left it exposed like that.




All sensors should be cut or you will have a ring of film that will possibly lift and create a larger bubble. The pre-cut patterns are available with or without PDC sensors pre-cut so it is possible they used the pattern without the sensors pre-cut and then trimmed only the fronts. Some installers prefer cutting the sensors, cameras and washers once installed which makes installation easier because you have less work trying to align everything.



To me, that looks like it could be ceramic coating that was not properly buffed out or they wiped that area with a dirty towel that had ceramic coating residue on it. I would think that if it was residue from shipping film, the coating installer would have caught it, but then again, the film work doesn't appear to have been done correctly. What does it feel like to the touch? It should buff out with careful paint correction and re-coating.

If I were you, I would bring the car back and make sure they at least document all of this before too much time goes by and they try to blame this on something else.

I contacted the owner today and told me to bring the car tomorrow morning.

I used the microfiber towel to try wipe them, but it doesn't come off. I think they should buff out and re-coat that portion.

[Eric S]

coating high spots need to be knocked down with a polish/compound and recoated.
the mirrors look to be mis-aligned and crooked. redo. the kit will sit a tad off the edge. You cannot have the film perfectly in line with the edge, it will lift in a matter of time. If you cant wrap it around, it needs to be trimmed back a tad accordingly. Looking at Kevin's mirror, while the top looks like a tighter fit, the bottom base of the painted part is way off. the installer needs to find the happy medium point. If you dotn want to see that big of a gap, a custom one piece is doable.
dirt under the film, address this one and come up with a solution you are ok with. Nothing is 100% debris free. But, that one looks to be big...might be soap scum build up from the bottles, or possibly even broken and balled up adhesive during the install. We had that happen before with Stek and suntek and Xpel.

[smithf80]

Dude if that line is really where your installer cut the mirror up to, then just run away from this place. They suck. That cut on the other mirror looks like garbage and it looks like your PPF is almost 1/4 of an away from where it should be on the photo I attached. That combined with what appears to be a coating high spot tells me that whoever did this work has no real idea what they're doing.

[MFNATIK]

Geezus that's shoddy work. I'd ask for all that to be replaced

[M3nmotion18]

Originally Posted by MFNATIK

Geezus that's shoddy work. I'd ask for all that to be replaced

I just dropped the car today and they are redoing the both mirrors and other places I mentioned above.

Thanks

[Bruce_SC]

Originally Posted by M3nmotion79

I just dropped the car today and they are redoing the both mirrors and other places I mentioned above.

Thanks

I think I would have actually done that before throwing it on here. Give them the benefit of making it right.

Many people will comment without the prior knowledge of what you agreed to. I am not saying that you agreed to having a kit mirror or not, but for another person to call that out as wrong, well, its wrong on their part.

Bruce

[Wmf80]

Originally Posted by Bruce_SC

but for another person to call that out as wrong, well, its wrong on their part.

Bruce

Wrong. A place with any respect for their own company should have some standards of the quality they produce. Too many place do awful work and they shouldn’t be in business but in today’s world we give the benefit of the doubt and second chances. This place should be run out of business for this work.

[Eric S]

WHOA...that's a bit harsh don't you think WreckedmyF80?

The shop is removing and redoing just as the owner wanted. In the end, happy owner, happy shop.

If anything or anyone in the world is perfect, please show me what or who, I'm yearning to see it...

[MFNATIK]

Originally Posted by Eric S

WHOA...that's a bit harsh don't you think WreckedmyF80?

The shop is removing and redoing just as the owner wanted. In the end, happy owner, happy shop.

If anything or anyone in the world is perfect, please show me what or who, I'm yearning to see it...

Actually, he is right. These are some really obvious and sloppy mistakes. Any business that gives a damn about their work would have fixed it before letting it go out like that. These guys instead tried to pass it off and hoped the customer didn't notice so they could get away with their shoddy work.

[GotM?]

I would’ve asked for my money back and take my business somewhere else.

[smithf80]

Originally Posted by Eric S

WHOA...that's a bit harsh don't you think WreckedmyF80?

The shop is removing and redoing just as the owner wanted. In the end, happy owner, happy shop.

If anything or anyone in the world is perfect, please show me what or who, I'm yearning to see it...

Come on Eric.

You see all the obvious mistakes and horrible lines here not to mention that horrible coating high spot.

Would you ever let that leave the shop? Do you really think you could easily miss that stuff in a final walk over of the car?

It's sad the car ever left their shop like this.