Xpel Ultimate - all it's purported to be?
09-18-2014, 11:18 AM
#21
Jukebox Graduate
09-18-2014, 11:26 AM
#22
Le Mans Master
I just had 3M Pro series installed on my car. Its only been a week so its hard to give a good review. Saw a few cars with Xpel and thought the car looked a bit dull. Then I saw a car with 3M Pro at Carlisle and you could not tell the difference from the painted areas to the treated areas. So far I have only done the front bumper, headlights and mirrors. Going in next week for the entire hood.
09-18-2014, 12:36 PM
#23
Melting Slicks
I have had XPEL Ultimate on my C6 for over a year and over 3,000 miles with no problems. The finish is clear and swirl free. I've used soap and water, and spray detailers for cleaning. I honestly have not looked at XPEL's cleaning instructions beyond using warm water, but I would never use alcohol to clean a clear plastic or vinyl surface. That just does not make sense to me and would expect it to fog or otherwise damage the clarity.
The only issues with mine are with a couple of edges the installer could have done better IMO, and where something solid has cut the XPEL. In protecting the bumper and hood from the potential damage of whatever cut it I feel XPEL did it's job. Any "battle scars" inflicted due to driving are to be expected.
I've also got the 3M installed on the sides of the car behind the front wheels, below the doors, and in front of the rear wheels (it was a kit from a Forum vendor). Those are pretty flat surfaces and my wife and I put that on. It looks good too but seems to collect more dirt around the edges than the XPEL. The dirt is not under the edge but just around it and washes off easily enough. Installation cleanliness and patience is the key. Although it was a challenge to our wedded bliss we made it through and celebrate 44 years together tomorrow.
-Chris
The only issues with mine are with a couple of edges the installer could have done better IMO, and where something solid has cut the XPEL. In protecting the bumper and hood from the potential damage of whatever cut it I feel XPEL did it's job. Any "battle scars" inflicted due to driving are to be expected.
I've also got the 3M installed on the sides of the car behind the front wheels, below the doors, and in front of the rear wheels (it was a kit from a Forum vendor). Those are pretty flat surfaces and my wife and I put that on. It looks good too but seems to collect more dirt around the edges than the XPEL. The dirt is not under the edge but just around it and washes off easily enough. Installation cleanliness and patience is the key. Although it was a challenge to our wedded bliss we made it through and celebrate 44 years together tomorrow.
-Chris
09-18-2014, 12:58 PM
#24
Race Director
09-18-2014, 01:01 PM
#25
Team Owner
Thread Starter
Member Since: Aug 2007
Location: I live my life by 2 rules. 1) Never share everything you know. 2)
Posts: 136,148
Received 2,401 Likes
on
1,366 Posts
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13, '16-'17-'18
Well, just got off the phone with Xpel and they're concerned that the installer didn't actually use Ultimate. They base this on photos I sent them (and I've attached them here as well to clarify what I'm seeing).
They're contacting the installer to verify the correct part # for Ultimate was used and want them to inspect it again. Xpel is being very helpful with this...
1st pic shows the area cleaned with isopropyl and the 2nd shows a surface scratch that hasn't improved in over 4 months
They're contacting the installer to verify the correct part # for Ultimate was used and want them to inspect it again. Xpel is being very helpful with this...
1st pic shows the area cleaned with isopropyl and the 2nd shows a surface scratch that hasn't improved in over 4 months
Last edited by KenHorse; 09-18-2014 at 01:03 PM.
09-18-2014, 01:05 PM
#26
Moderator
I have had XPEL Ultimate on my C6 for over a year and over 3,000 miles with no problems. The finish is clear and swirl free. I've used soap and water, and spray detailers for cleaning. I honestly have not looked at XPEL's cleaning instructions beyond using warm water, but I would never use alcohol to clean a clear plastic or vinyl surface. That just does not make sense to me and would expect it to fog or otherwise damage the clarity.
The only issues with mine are with a couple of edges the installer could have done better IMO, and where something solid has cut the XPEL. In protecting the bumper and hood from the potential damage of whatever cut it I feel XPEL did it's job. Any "battle scars" inflicted due to driving are to be expected.
I've also got the 3M installed on the sides of the car behind the front wheels, below the doors, and in front of the rear wheels (it was a kit from a Forum vendor). Those are pretty flat surfaces and my wife and I put that on. It looks good too but seems to collect more dirt around the edges than the XPEL. The dirt is not under the edge but just around it and washes off easily enough. Installation cleanliness and patience is the key. Although it was a challenge to our wedded bliss we made it through and celebrate 44 years together tomorrow.
-Chris
The only issues with mine are with a couple of edges the installer could have done better IMO, and where something solid has cut the XPEL. In protecting the bumper and hood from the potential damage of whatever cut it I feel XPEL did it's job. Any "battle scars" inflicted due to driving are to be expected.
I've also got the 3M installed on the sides of the car behind the front wheels, below the doors, and in front of the rear wheels (it was a kit from a Forum vendor). Those are pretty flat surfaces and my wife and I put that on. It looks good too but seems to collect more dirt around the edges than the XPEL. The dirt is not under the edge but just around it and washes off easily enough. Installation cleanliness and patience is the key. Although it was a challenge to our wedded bliss we made it through and celebrate 44 years together tomorrow.
-Chris
[quote]"What if a stain does not come off the film during normal washing?"
If ordinary car wash or soap and water will not remove a stain, there are a variety products available to do the job. In most cases simple isopropyl rubbing alcohol will remove anything on the surface of the film. In cases of more severe staining, or where something has been left on the film for a long period of time, a sparing amount of lacquer thinner can be used. Bug and tar remover available at any auto parts store is also effective. If you are unsure about the use of any other chemical on the surface of the film, please contact XPEL Support at 800-447-9928 for assistance."[/quote]
09-18-2014, 01:08 PM
#27
Moderator
Ken, two questions:
1) Is the scratch deep enough to catch with your fingernail (indicating it went through the Xpel clear coat)?
2) What did you use to rub with the alcohol? A microfiber towel or something else?
1) Is the scratch deep enough to catch with your fingernail (indicating it went through the Xpel clear coat)?
2) What did you use to rub with the alcohol? A microfiber towel or something else?
09-18-2014, 01:44 PM
#29
Team Owner
Thread Starter
Member Since: Aug 2007
Location: I live my life by 2 rules. 1) Never share everything you know. 2)
Posts: 136,148
Received 2,401 Likes
on
1,366 Posts
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13, '16-'17-'18
2) I used a soft cotton cloth (not sure how the microfiber - being a synthetic - would react to alcohol)
09-18-2014, 03:57 PM
#30
Melting Slicks
Right you are mpuzach. The car was completely polished out before the film was applied and as flawless as possible sans a wet sand.
I have a call into Xpel directly about this and hope to get a call back from their CS guy this morning. I'll report back what they have to say but the issues are not just swirls but rather nothing about the material seems to match the claims of Xpel. Well, as far as the self-healing properties are concerned anyway.
And while I'm not going to make this leap quite yet, it is possible the installer didn't actually install Ultimate I suppose.....
I have a call into Xpel directly about this and hope to get a call back from their CS guy this morning. I'll report back what they have to say but the issues are not just swirls but rather nothing about the material seems to match the claims of Xpel. Well, as far as the self-healing properties are concerned anyway.
And while I'm not going to make this leap quite yet, it is possible the installer didn't actually install Ultimate I suppose.....
09-18-2014, 04:25 PM
#32
Intermediate
Member Since: Jun 2014
Location: Silicon Valley California
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My favorite method of removal is to hit em with Showtime detailing spray followed up with a microfiber towel. The spray pretty much loosens the died on bodies, and the towel picks up the residue.
The spray helps prevent any dry scrapping and scratches, and also waxes at the same time. After I have the Xpel installed, I'll probably use the same method, or I might just mix a good car wash in a spray bottle with water, and apply the same way.
The spray helps prevent any dry scrapping and scratches, and also waxes at the same time. After I have the Xpel installed, I'll probably use the same method, or I might just mix a good car wash in a spray bottle with water, and apply the same way.
This is exactly the process I go through and it works. I have a C7 Cyber Gray with Xpel on bumper, full hood, fenders, rockers, rear quarters and have no swirl marks or staining. I would absolutely use Xpel Ultimate on any high end car.
09-18-2014, 04:55 PM
#33
Racer
09-18-2014, 05:57 PM
#34
Burning Brakes
09-18-2014, 06:18 PM
#35
Team Owner
Thread Starter
Member Since: Aug 2007
Location: I live my life by 2 rules. 1) Never share everything you know. 2)
Posts: 136,148
Received 2,401 Likes
on
1,366 Posts
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13, '16-'17-'18
Interesting observations as I'm about to have the Xpel put on my Laguna Blue convertible next week.
I live in South Florida, and you don't have to travel far to cause the death of a number of bugs. I usually try to remove these pesky creatures before their body acids have a chance to take hold and do any damage.
My favorite method of removal is to hit em with Showtime detailing spray followed up with a microfiber towel. The spray pretty much loosens the died on bodies, and the towel picks up the residue.
The spray helps prevent any dry scrapping and scratches, and also waxes at the same time. After I have the Xpel installed, I'll probably use the same method, or I might just mix a good car wash in a spray bottle with water, and apply the same way.
I live in South Florida, and you don't have to travel far to cause the death of a number of bugs. I usually try to remove these pesky creatures before their body acids have a chance to take hold and do any damage.
My favorite method of removal is to hit em with Showtime detailing spray followed up with a microfiber towel. The spray pretty much loosens the died on bodies, and the towel picks up the residue.
The spray helps prevent any dry scrapping and scratches, and also waxes at the same time. After I have the Xpel installed, I'll probably use the same method, or I might just mix a good car wash in a spray bottle with water, and apply the same way.
09-18-2014, 07:35 PM
#36
Pro
i had xpel added to the nose and rockers about 4 weeks ago and i am not convinced I did the right thing. Already I am seeing dings and abrasions in the plastic, which is not as resilient as the rubber or fiberglass below it. I can't help but think a white ding in the plastic would be invisible or non existent if the plastic was not there. I drove my last Corvette 15K miles with no visible rocker or nose damage without any cover at all and it looked like new when i sold it.
09-18-2014, 09:25 PM
#37
Burning Brakes
I have Xpel Ultimate on my C7 and the area in front of the rear
wheels looks all chewed up after 2200 miles, many nicks that won't
heal, almost has an opaque look to it. I have since put on side skirts to try to keep the stones off the sides. Not impressed at this point.
wheels looks all chewed up after 2200 miles, many nicks that won't
heal, almost has an opaque look to it. I have since put on side skirts to try to keep the stones off the sides. Not impressed at this point.
09-19-2014, 07:56 AM
#38
Burning Brakes
i had xpel added to the nose and rockers about 4 weeks ago and i am not convinced I did the right thing. Already I am seeing dings and abrasions in the plastic, which is not as resilient as the rubber or fiberglass below it. I can't help but think a white ding in the plastic would be invisible or non existent if the plastic was not there. I drove my last Corvette 15K miles with no visible rocker or nose damage without any cover at all and it looked like new when i sold it.
I'm wondering if a clear coat is being used that isn't as durable. I'm already seeing wear on the nose of my Laguna Blue C7 after just under 4000 miles.
09-19-2014, 01:05 PM
#39
Pro
I've been on the fence about Xpel due to what you're experiencing above. I do think the paint was much more durable in years past than on the C7 though. I had a 2005 Lemans Blue C6 and when I sold it there was no road rash or nicks on the nose or fenders. Just a slight bin in the rear from running R compound tires and throwing stuff up on the side of the car.
I'm wondering if a clear coat is being used that isn't as durable. I'm already seeing wear on the nose of my Laguna Blue C7 after just under 4000 miles.
I'm wondering if a clear coat is being used that isn't as durable. I'm already seeing wear on the nose of my Laguna Blue C7 after just under 4000 miles.
09-19-2014, 10:02 PM
#40
Tech Contributor
Member Since: Aug 1999
Location: Should this thoughtful, valuable contribution meet with no acknowledgement or 'thanks' this post----
Posts: 16,382
Received 399 Likes
on
257 Posts
I know nothing about this Expel stuff, but I took Glen's advice on using CQuartz on the front end, mirrors, and rear spoiler...in other words, those components that are subject to forward impact with bugs, etc. The product works like a charm, bugs wipe off so easily and don't leave any trace of debris....I can simply flick off the bugs with a fingernail. It seems strange to me to add a layer of plastic over paint....any clear film can scuff and lose its gloss and transparency.