Xpel PPF Stained after driving on snowy roads

[COdogman]

Exactly why I passed on PPF. It’s just another thing to worry about. It’s a truck, there will be some bumps and bruises. It builds character!

I actually agree with you. I have never added PPF to any vehicle I’ve purchased except for my upcoming R1T. All the others either came with it or I just went without. My Tacoma came with it and I have driven it through all kinds of bad road grime without any kind of staining or other issues. It actually kind of sold me on the benefits because it has prevented any rock chips on the front end.

I ordered the factory installed front PPF on my Rivian and now I’m kind of regretting that. Oh well??‍

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[DTown3011]

I actually agree with you. I have never added PPF to any vehicle I’ve purchased except for my upcoming R1T. All the others either came with it or I just went without. My Tacoma came with it and I have driven it through all kinds of bad road grime without any kind of staining or other issues. It actually kind of sold me on the benefits because it has prevented any rock chips on the front end.

I ordered the factory installed front PPF on my Rivian and now I’m kind of regretting that. Oh well??‍

I mean, honestly if it would not have changed my delivery window I probably would’ve done the factory stuff in for the price. It’s probably worth it even though you and I both know it won’t be installed the same way as an aftermarket person would do it but it’s probably fine for 99% of what you need

 

[Jac]

Like @COdogman I have factory front PPF in my current configuration for my R1S. I don’t recall seeing any posts from folks who ordered the factory front PPF reporting on the quality of the PPF installation done in Normal. Also, any staining or other concerns that have emerged on a factory PPF installation so far?

 

[COdogman]

I mean, honestly if it would not have changed my delivery window I probably would’ve done the factory stuff in for the price. It’s probably worth it even though you and I both know it won’t be installed the same way as an aftermarket person would do it but it’s probably fine for 99% of what you need

I thought the same thing, but I have a sneaking suspicion that might be causing the delay in my delivery?. So you were probably wise to pass on it if you didn’t want to wait longer.

 

[DTown3011]

Like @COdogman I have factory front PPF in my current configuration for my R1S. I don’t recall seeing any posts from folks who ordered the factory front PPF reporting on the quality of the PPF installation done in Normal. Also, any staining or other concerns that have emerged on a factory PPF installation so far?

There are plenty of posts documenting the PPF installation from Normal - it's not the same as aftermarket, they don't wrap the edges, etc. Again, it's fine, but not what an aftermarket installer would do.

 

[Jac]

There are plenty of posts documenting the PPF installation from Normal - it's not the same as aftermarket, they don't wrap the edges, etc. Again, it's fine, but not what an aftermarket installer would do.

Not familiar with the posts from people reporting on the quality of their factory PPF applications. While looking, I did find an older post from an Expel VPwith answers on the factory Expel installation.

“Q. Are the edges wrapped on the factory options?

A. Edges that are accessible without requiring disassembly of the vehicle are wrapped. Edges that are not accessible without disassembly are not. For example, all the hood edges are wrapped, but the top of the bed rails is not since it would require removing the bed rail caps to access this area.

Q. Are the Rivian badges removed to install the factory PPF?

A. Yes. New badges are to be applied over the film after the installation is complete using a jig to ensure proper location and spacing. We are currently trying to obtain extra badges for the installations related to this program that are being performed by XPEL dealers in the field as well, but currently the badges are in very short supply. I will update this thread when this changes.”

 

[Inkedsphynx]

I'm still of the opinion that the cost of PPF buys a lot of paint correction down the road. I decided against it since it generally does a poor job of protecting from the type of off-road damage I tend to incur anyway.

That said, this seems awful. I can't believe they wouldn't warranty something like this. Talk about a rolling advertisement for not buying PPF

 

[DTown3011]

Not familiar with the posts from people reporting on the quality of their factory PPF applications. While looking, I did find an older post from an Expel VPwith answers on the factory Expel installation.

“Q. Are the edges wrapped on the factory options?

A. Edges that are accessible without requiring disassembly of the vehicle are wrapped. Edges that are not accessible without disassembly are not. For example, all the hood edges are wrapped, but the top of the bed rails is not since it would require removing the bed rail caps to access this area.

Q. Are the Rivian badges removed to install the factory PPF?

A. Yes. New badges are to be applied over the film after the installation is complete using a jig to ensure proper location and spacing. We are currently trying to obtain extra badges for the installations related to this program that are being performed by XPEL dealers in the field as well, but currently the badges are in very short supply. I will update this thread when this changes.”

Well that can be misleading - depends on how good the install is. The XPEL from the factory is pre-cut, meaning if it's a good install then some of the edges could be wrapped, but if not then who knows. That said, it's a great price and probably good for 90% of people.

 

[Zig]

I've lived in Colorado since 2007 and have had PPF on numerous vehicles with no problems of staining. On Thursday we had a couple of inches of snow and I drove to work. The front and sides of my R1T were covered in streaks of road grime. I just cleaned my truck this morning and the Xpel PPF has stains in the location of the road grime. The bare paint on the sides of the truck looks flawless.

So far I've tried isopropyl alcohol, clay bar, vinegar, Xpel detailing spray, and wax. No luck removing the stains. I'm going to reach out to Xpel and my installer tomorrow, but according to the Xpel website their warranty doesn't cover stains and water spots. If they don't cover a replacement, and I don't find a way to remove them, it will definitely be my last time getting PPF. What's the point if I can't drive through snow and let my truck sit for a few days without a wash.

Anyone have similar issues?

Did you ever come up with a solution to fix the staining? I didn't wash my truck immediately after the latest COS snow storm and noticed I picked us some stains.

 

[bigsky]

Take it to your PPF installer for a check and correction. He will know what to do.

My R1S is my third EV with full XPEL PPF, but all have Opti-Coat Pro+ ceramic coating. Have never had any stain problems or anything at all happen to either one. All look as mighty shiny and spotless as when first installed.

My PPF installer will also replace film should anything ever happen to it. For free.

Hope you get it resolved. Please post outcome.

 

[manitou202]

Did you ever come up with a solution to fix the staining? I didn't wash my truck immediately after the latest COS snow storm and noticed I picked us some stains.

I was unable to remove the stains and neither was my PPF installer. The only solution was to replace the PPF. It was not cover by Xpel warranty so I was going to have to pay out of pocket (my installer was going to offer a discount).

I ended up not replacing the PPF and left it as is with the stains when I traded in our R1T for our R1S. I didn't get the PPF on our R1S as it's a lease and I'm not confident the same thing wouldn't happen again.

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