Hi folks,

Over the weekend, I purchased a 2021 D90 X and I am absolutely loving it. However, I noticed a black gash/scratch on one of the doors that has me wondering if it can be repaired. The vehicle came with the factory wrap in grey, but it's difficult to determine if the scratch is simply a material residue or if the top coat of the wrap has been damaged. I plan to take a photo to share for better assessment, but has anyone encountered a similar issue and been able to repair a scratch on a vehicle wrap? It's worth noting that the scratch is smooth to the touch and has not caused damage to the door or ruptured the wrap; the color is simply different, almost like an abrasion on skin. While this is my second Land Rover, my previous experience was with a Discovery many years ago. I have been driving Audi's since then, but the Defender has always had a special place in my heart, and I finally decided to pull the trigger.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

Here is a photo of the scratch, gash, blemish. Whatever you want to call it.

 

Aside from what not to do, this might not be helpful.
You can't buff it. That will knock the texture off and leave a shine. You shouldn't pressure wash it. You can't use oils, waxes or heavy cleaners. Best you can do is try a blow dryer 6-12" away and see if heat softens it enough to delicately wipe with a micro fiber. Matte wraps are tough. Probably just replace that piece.

 

Replace that piece of matte paint protection film on that door. That's your best bet.

 

Actually I looked at the pic again. First stop should be a good detailer, it might be paint transfer from another material.

BTW don't let them talk you into replacing the material with another matte PPF that maybe the detailer uses or likes to install. It won't match perfectly. Put the JLR factory stuff back on (part #'s are in JLR parts systems).

 

Thanks for responses. I'll try the hair dryer method first, if that does nothing I'll ask my local dealer if they can repair it without gouging me for an arm and a leg.

 

I would agree with no power tools but the rest of this isn't really true for XPEL stealth, which is what this product is. People seem to confuse the care of matte paint for matte PPF and it's not nearly as demanding. It's very durable.

OP, that is paint or rubber transfer. A professional detailer might be able to get it off for you, and if not, they can replace the panel for a little more money.

if it were me, I'd try some bug/tar spray and just don't let any chemical sit on the wrap too long. Wash and rinse the area when you're done mucking around.

 

Are you sure it's XPEL though? Afaik, LR hasn't ever specified a brand.

Would make it easier to address this issue if they did. Hell, I've buffed XPEL and it's fine if you're really careful but who knows what this really is. All ppf is not the same.

LR is intentionally vague but that's a whole other conversation. "No voc's and "solvent free" are not terms XPEL uses in their marketing. Also, if it was XPEL, you would think they would at least mention self-healing.

From LR:

 

XPEL has at least said they are the product on the Range Rover Westminster. I can't imagine Land Rover using something different on other vehicles in the lineup. Is this airtight evidence? No, I admit it's not.

https://www.xpel.com/blog/range-rover-stealth-xpel

 

Hard to be sure I suppose. There was a video that showed a clip of the Defender wrap process a couple years back and they were vague about it being in-house or farmed out to a sub.

Idk if being in the Nitra factory has anything to do with possibly using dif't material than the RRS but there was a shortage of ppf material for a bit. I almost wonder if they're vague about it so that they can switch between available product or if they just don't want you cross shopping to see if you can just have it wrapped with the same material for a better price.

One thing for probably, they're vague for a reason. We just don't know what that reason is.

It kind of sucks because not knowing what it is diminishes the value of the wrap.