What causes SLX to bubble and lift on the edges?
Bubbling and edge lift can be caused by one or a combination of the following: lack of cleaning, an insufficient amount of outgassing, overstretching the film, not enough application pressure, or improper post-heating.
- Cleaning: This may be unlikely but embedded dirt in the paint will form a void around it if film is applied over it.
- Outgassing: This does not apply to latex prints but lack of outgassing with solvent prints weakens the adhesive.
- Overstretching: It?s hard to discern from the images provided but if there is noticeable discoloration in the deepest part of the groove, that indicates overstretching. We have a Wrapitright video demonstrating the technique to shift the tension away from the deepest part of the groove.
- Insufficient pressure: There might have been less pressure applied in this area. The only way to verify if sufficient pressure was applied is during the postheating process.
- Lack of post heating: Post heating is a necessary step in any vehicle application not unique to SLX. It is a combination of specified high temperatures, reapplication of pressure, and time. If sufficient pressure was applied, no bubbles should appear during this process. Any air under the film will expand when heated.