I ordered the rear bumper applique with my xB and was told that sales have been stopped on it due to bubbling issues. Scion is working on the issue. Anyone heard of this.

 

No, I haven't heard but am very curious, I've got one of the bumper protectors sitting in my garage waiting to be put on this weekend. Maybe I'll wait a little longer......

 

But my rear bumper applique has small bubbles. It's not very noticeable but I will probably eventually have it replaced under warranty.

 

this is how to do it with no bubbles
mix 50/50 alcohal and water with 1 drop of dish soap,

mist tiny tiny tny fine spray on bumber and apply the protector and squegee from center out smoothing bubbles.

place in sun for an hour or so. I did one and it was perfect this way,,,not one bubble

 

i was told, the applique is cut to short. Doesn't protect the edge of the rear bumper.

 

CheapChic,
Are we talking about the same thing??? The protector I have has adhesive on it, how will the adhesive stick to the bumper if you spray water/alcohol/dish soap on the bumper?? I'm not trying to be a SA, I really want to know.....

 

I know it sounds like it wouldn't work, but anyone who has put adhesive overlays on their vehicle will tell you the water and soap thing works WONDERS. I've never heard about using alcohol in the mix as well. Anyway, the soapy water mix allows you to apply the overlay, position it however you want, and smooth out bubbles. When the water/soap dries the adhesive sticks to whatever you applied it to.

 

it works

I use to do graphics on cars everyday, and the protector is the same.
the key is a very very fine mister spray

the alcohol re-activate the glue when it dries.

 

Yup. CheapChic has it exactly right.
Here is a link to the site where I got my mask. They have nice guides that include using an alcohol water mix just like she describes. And it does work better than just the soapy water many use.
http://www.invisiblemask.com/howto.html
Their info says the alcohol/ water mix also gets the soap out and helps prevent yellowing because what is left behind to dry is cleaner/ more clear. Makes sense to me.

 

thx cheapchic, worked like a charm. did my csm 08 dry, bubbles . did my wifes bcm 08 your way, perfect!

 

The only reason for it to bubble is the tech installing doesnt know what they are doing when they installed it. We re having no issues with the film being installed.

The water and alcohol is used for faster evaporating. By using a small amount of soap it allows for the film to slip and slide across the surface easier.