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Which is better 3 M Scotch-guard paint protection film or the Expel anyone try to DIY either product?
I had the 3M Clear Bra on my 370Z for four years (sold it) with zero problems. That being said, I'll probably go with Xpel when I get my Z06 because it seems to be the choice for higher-end cars by the shops.
After watching the install on my Z, there is no way I would attempt a DIY install. There are way too many compound curves on a Corvette for me to ever get it close to being right.
I put the xpel ultimate on mine and am very satisfied. The new 3m is a much better product than the old one from what I have read but I have no experience with the new version.
XPEL ULT! Take a look at the PIKS in my album of my DSOM...XPEL completely covered. If the job is done right, nobody knows yet you have compete protection for 10 years. On top of that, the shine is amazing....
Another good film option is Suntek. Both Suntek and Expel are great films--I've used both.
The expertise of the installer is very important to ensure the film is applied correctly.
I agree, the installer is the most important part to the equation. My installer uses both products but when I told him I'd probably keep the car 10 years or more he suggested the xpel ultimate.
Suntek and xpel are the best. Xpel is the best choice tho because it is thicker than suntek. Suntek is just easier to apply it's more forgiving. That's why installers like it. I hear the new 3m is a direct copy of xpel tho.. I would go expel all the way. Thicker and will protect your car the best! Just make sure you do your research when choosing your installer!!!! Find the the best people for the job in your area!!!
I just had almost all (no top and rear coverage) my new z06 done amd the installer did a great job. Absolutely the installer is the bigger variable to be worried about but after that I think the warranty, slightly thicker material and references lean towards Xpel. I had a front cover bra with 3M but my first two weeks with the Xpel tell me it's better. Cleanup after a 1200 mile delivery and drive home was a breeze and it performed well throughout the trip from a looks perspective. Definitely worth the investment - looks great and the piece of mind for the side panels is almost worth it by itself!
I have 3M Pro on mine and saved more than 1/3 over Expel. The new 3M films are as good if not better than Xpel for which you are burning money that you'll never recover just for their marketing. You can take a look at any of the threads linked in my sig to see that it looks the same as it looked when I drove her out of the dealership.
Find a good installer, use 3M Pro, and save your hard earned $, imo.
Got Xpel on mine and looks great! Could not tell film was on the car without looking real close and having the edges pointed out. A good installer is a must.
I have 3M Pro on mine and saved more than 1/3 over Expel. The new 3M films are as good if not better than Xpel for which you are burning money that you'll never recover just for their marketing. You can take a look at any of the threads linked in my sig to see that it looks the same as it looked when I drove her out of the dealership.
Find a good installer, use 3M Pro, and save your hard earned $, imo.
Same here as well... The installer seems to be the key ... Mine came out great ..
No it really isn't... XPEL has a 10 year warranty against yellowing, cracking, peeling, staining, hazing and is self-healing, whereas 3m has a five year warranty that doesn't include yellowing. If you are going to keep your car for anytime... the 10 year warranty, yellowing and self-healing guarantees are the big takeaways here. There are PLENTY of vids that demonstrate XPELs self-healing properties when water is applied.
In addition, XPEL joins forums such as this and has assisted with customer satisfaction threads where they will mediate your concerns with the installer.
Admittedly, I have not used 3m or Suntek but the final decision for me was made with the warranty, self-healing and anti-yellowing claims. The Z06 is covered head to toe and it is rather impressive when the question comes up at shows by those few that really take that extremely close look at the paint. The first time I met with several Vette guys and one picked it out, it became the main topic of conversation as the rest admittedly never noticed; a good installation will result in this.
No it really isn't... XPEL has a 10 year warranty against yellowing, cracking, peeling, staining, hazing and is self-healing, whereas 3m has a five year warranty that doesn't include yellowing. If you are going to keep your car for anytime... the 10 year warranty, yellowing and self-healing guarantees are the big takeaways here. There are PLENTY of vids that demonstrate XPELs self-healing properties when water is applied.
07-27-2015, 03:45 PM
