Q: Recently one of our distributors called to tell us that he encountered a problem after installing ppf on a customer's new RV. The entire install went well and he used 3M's Scotchgard.

That night it rained and the following day the film was stained with black streaks where it appeared the rain had run down either the wipers (black rubber) or the windshield gasket (also black rubber and /or sealant).

Despite his best efforts the stains could not be removed from the surface of the film. Additionally he checked to make sure the problem wasn't seepage under the film.

Any of you ever encounter a situation like this with an RV or another type of vehicle? My gut feel tells me that since this was a brand new coach that there might have been some sort of treatment on the rubber wipers (maybe like an Armor All) that washed off in the rain and stained the front. The only problem with this theory is that many RV companies are now having ppf applied in the factories so we would expect this situation to be more widespread if it was a factory applied chemical.

That makes me lean towards some sort of gasket sealant.

You guys have tons of experience. Any ideas?

A: More than likely its a combination of crud from the top of the vehicle that settled down upon the clean areas. Lots of these vehicles are transported by train(even the biguns') and rail dust can be a problem as well. Look at the sides of any motor home and you will generally see it from the roof down. Its a rubber break down of sealing materials on top and around the windshield.

Good luck with it.

A: This happens on tons of RV's .So often in fact that they make a product called black streak remover for R.V. s. You can buy this chemical at most R.V. dealerships.

Not sure what this stuff will do to PPF. I dont think that it strong enough to hurt the film

A: The Black streak remover doesn't hurt paint if used properly so it should not hurt PPF. WE have this same problem with boats. It seems the black rubber around the windows was either put in with a soapy solution that is breaking down the rubber or the rubber itself is breaking down. Either way black streaks everytime it gets wet. Best thing is to wash right away. Black streak Remover will work but it dulls the paint. Nothing a little wax won't take care of.