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Xpel has spray on products. You can also use Adams Ceramic Boost 2.0.
You can contact Xpel via their website and they’ll respond if you have a certain product in mind. Those with a high percentage of petroleum distillates will damage the film.
When I had XPEL applied to my Mini, the installer clued me into these two products - cleaner and sealant. I tried them on the 3M clear bra on my C7 and they work on that as well.
Can the film be waxed?
While you can wax the film, be sure the product you are using doesn’t contain Naphtha or Kerosene in concentrations over 5%, and also avoid waxes that contain dyes. For best results, we recommend using our XPEL Flawless Finish Paint Protection Film Sealant. This product has been specially formulated for use with polyurethane paint protection films to provide the maximum protection and gloss, while containing no ingredients that would cause discoloration over time. To order the film sealant please visit http://www.xpel.com/aftercare-products-tools/page/2/
In general you can use synthetic waxes and contain no petroleum products. No cleaner waxes or polish.
Not sure why any products are needed whatsoever. The wrap certainly doesn't need a finish. Why should it? All the wrap does is mirror what's UNDER it. The wrap is clear.
Coatings cannot change the shine of the car's finish underneath tgem, IF they're truly clear.
So.......The clear coating skin of the Xpel, if it dulls in any way is a negative then.It's been a while since I read Xpel's schpiel about aftercare, but I seem to remember that the appeal of their process was the low, NO maintenance aspect/benefits of the product. No?
I have Xpel on my Mini Cooper and a combo of 3M and Xpel on my C7. I recently had to have the targa top on the C7 redone because it appears the PO used some sort of incompatible cleaner that dulled the 3M film significantly. No amount of Xpel cleaner/sealant could restore the 3M film luster. I had the wrap guy reapply a sheet of Xpel and the targa looks new again.
No, they suggest you take care of it twice a year and they have always suggested caring for it like a clear coat:
How do I maintain XPEL ULTIMATE?
No special maintenance is required for XPEL ULTIMATE. However, the film will last longer and will be easier to clean if treated twice a year with XPEL Flawless Finish Paint Protection Film Sealant. For more information, please visit http://www.xpel.com/care
Of course, they are pushing their own products, but others can be sued.
As I said, the top layer is a clear coat paint. It will be subject to the same environmental stresses as any clear coat. This is true of all the self-healing PPFs.
No, they suggest you take care of it twice a year and they have always suggested caring for it like a clear coat:
Of course, they are pushing their own products, but others can be sued.
As I said, the top layer is a clear coat paint. It will be subject to the same environmental stresses as any clear coat. This is true of all the self-healing PPFs.
OK, then. That's great.
.So let's talk about why there's a danger of the product yellowing in time then. After all, it's only covered by warranty for 10 years. Why 10 years? Why not Lifetime?
. Let's say you DON'T maintain their coating, with coatings and applications of finishes - does the yellowing/aging process then accelerate?
How long do automotive manufacturers warranty their paint? Not anywhere near 10 years. I think 10 years is an excellent warranty for something exposed to the elements. Mine is approaching 10 years and shows no sign of deterioration of any kind. I really doubt I'll own this car for 10 years. The C8 is coming.
The cost v benefits ÷ intended usage & time value, of an Xpel wrap isn't possible to be calculated when term of ownership and miles-exposure hasn't been determined. There's no expected return on the money spent come sale day, making it even more of a no-brainer to pass on. Add the known unknown of how it holds up over time, makes it even more of a no-go in my case.
.I owned and drove a prized Mercedes-Benz turbo diesel sedan over 305K, miles in 16-years of usage. The paint was absolutely gorgeous on sale day. Incredible clear shine. The rock pecks, what few there were, could have been mitigated for a few hundred bucks tops on a Saturday by a talented/experienced mobile paint detailer here in
Dallas/Plano, Texas. Take the $5,500.00 that Xpel Corporate in San Antonio, Texas quotes for a complete wrap, instead putting that $5,500.00 in an S&P 500 Index fund for 16- years X 12% compounded annually - $33,000.00, and you can see what your wrap really cost you. Just simple time/value of money....easy
decision to me. My 1983 Mercedes Benz turbo diesel driven 305K miles over 16-years, was a true
lesson in time ÷ value/cost.
.
Last edited by Skid Row Joe; 11-10-2018 at 03:39 AM.
We have XPel on our 2017 Long beach Red.
I've use the XPel Cleaner and it does a decent job of removing bugs, stains, etc; and is probably less likely to damage the film.
I've also tried their Sealant and don't like it at all. Seems to provide less gloss than normal waxes or sealants. Although not intended for this use, I also used it on my wheels (1 set painted, 1 set chrome) because I normally use the same wax/sealant on the wheels as what I use on the paint. On the chrome wheels, it disappeared the first time I used the wash wand on them. On the painted wheels (applied when wheels were in storage a month or two before installation), by the time I got home (5 miles) from having the wheels installed, they had brake dust sticking to them like flypaper.
EDIT:
Some members are using Turtle Wax Ice liquid wax (not paste or spray) and happy with it, it does not leave any white lines on the edges of the XPel or on black plastic parts.
Most of the people in our club with XPel just use whatever wax or sealant they like and don't pay any attention to the "petroleum distillates" warning. Oldest cars have had the XPel for about 3 years and no noticeable problems with yellowing or deterioration. I plan to do the same.
Last edited by Gearhead Jim; 11-11-2018 at 05:54 PM.
My new 2019 GS had XPEL Ultimate Plus installed on everything but the rear, tonneau cover, trunk lid (may re-think these omissions). I just completed a thorough detail using Zaino products (Zaino wash, Z-2, Z-CS, Z-8) and I am very pleased with the results. Been using Zaino products since 2000, and think they have done a super job on top of the XPEL.
Have used many different products on expel, Sumter and 3M, no issues at all. Even have used polish to clean up some marked up expel, again worked fine. Waxing it on a regular basis definitely makes cleaning easier, just like paint.
11-08-2018, 10:19 AM
