Xpel Question
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 17,758
Likes: 3,689
From: The Sunshine State
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Xpel Question
For those of you who have applied Xpel, did you polish/wax the finish of your paint prior to installation or does Xpel installation require a different procedure or prep? As we know many C7s and new cars in general that sit on dealers lots may need some paint/clear coat correction after taking delivery and I'm curious if this is recommended or not.
Also, I read that you can polish/wax the Xpel/protected areas the same way you maintain the the exposed painted areas. Does this help maintain the Xpel or are you wasting product on the Xpel?
Also, I read that you can polish/wax the Xpel/protected areas the same way you maintain the the exposed painted areas. Does this help maintain the Xpel or are you wasting product on the Xpel?
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 159
Likes: 1
You want to make sure you remove any paint perfections as best as one can in the applicable areas before applying Xpel. This is why I took my Z51 directly from delivery to a professional car detailer who went over every inch of my car removing swirl marks, etc. Then I had Xpel install. After Xpel was installed I returned the car to the detailer and had CQuartz Finest applied.
I think polish or wax will maintain Xpel in the same way it maintains your paint. However, a professional car detailer can answer this better than me.
I think polish or wax will maintain Xpel in the same way it maintains your paint. However, a professional car detailer can answer this better than me.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 838
Likes: 70
From: Loudoun County VA
For those of you who have applied Xpel, did you polish/wax the finish of your paint prior to installation or does Xpel installation require a different procedure or prep? As we know many C7s and new cars in general that sit on dealers lots may need some paint/clear coat correction after taking delivery and I'm curious if this is recommended or not.
Also, I read that you can polish/wax the Xpel/protected areas the same way you maintain the the exposed painted areas. Does this help maintain the Xpel or are you wasting product on the Xpel?
Also, I read that you can polish/wax the Xpel/protected areas the same way you maintain the the exposed painted areas. Does this help maintain the Xpel or are you wasting product on the Xpel?
Best approach to prep and care is outlined here:
http://www.xpel.com/support/installa...structions.pdf
I had a professional detailer perform paint correction, then apply Suntek paint protection film, then Modesta coating on top of the entire car body.
Last edited by arturox2; Feb 22, 2015 at 11:11 AM.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 17,758
Likes: 3,689
From: The Sunshine State
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2021 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
Finalist 2020 C7 of the Year -- Modified
2020 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
C5 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
2018 C5 of Year Finalist
You want to make sure you remove any paint perfections as best as one can in the applicable areas before applying Xpel. This is why I took my Z51 directly from delivery to a professional car detailer who went over every inch of my car removing swirl marks, etc. Then I had Xpel install. After Xpel was installed I returned the car to the detailer and had CQuartz Finest applied. I think polish or wax will maintain Xpel in the same way it maintains your paint. However, a professional car detailer can answer this better than me.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 159
Likes: 1
I'm not a pro at this and I don't want to give you bad advice. So if you PM me, I'll give you the contact information to my professional detailer who really knows his stuff and you can speak or email him.
But IMO, I don't think you want to apply any wax or sealer before Xpel is applied but again, I want to be honest with you, I'm only guessing.
But IMO, I don't think you want to apply any wax or sealer before Xpel is applied but again, I want to be honest with you, I'm only guessing.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,176
Likes: 263
From: Henderson, Nevada Nevada
Best approach to prep and care is outlined here:
http://www.xpel.com/support/installa...structions.pdf
I had a professional detailer perform paint correction, then apply Suntek paint protection film, then Modesta coating on top of the entire car body.
http://www.xpel.com/support/installa...structions.pdf
I had a professional detailer perform paint correction, then apply Suntek paint protection film, then Modesta coating on top of the entire car body.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 17,758
Likes: 3,689
From: The Sunshine State
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2021 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
Finalist 2020 C7 of the Year -- Modified
2020 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
C5 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
2018 C5 of Year Finalist
Thanks for the replies guys. I plan to have the Xpel professionally installed by a local area shop that comes highly recommended by other Corvette owners I know not only for Xpel but for window tint and I certainly will ask them for their advice on how or if I need to prep the finish prior to installation.
I was just curious based on other owners experience, if there are other opinions, options, etc.
I was just curious based on other owners experience, if there are other opinions, options, etc.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 838
Likes: 70
From: Loudoun County VA
There are several CF threads where other owners preferred Suntek also. Probably just as many or more chose xPel. I believe either way will be great.
In my experience, the main difference in a ppf installation is the expertise and experience of the installer. I wanted to ensure the edges were wrapped around the hood, other body panels, etc. Visible edges nonexistent. Some installers leave a 1/16" gap along the edge of the panels. A high quality installation is more important than the choice of film (at least between these two high end films).
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 838
Likes: 70
From: Loudoun County VA
Thanks for the replies guys. I plan to have the Xpel professionally installed by a local area shop that comes highly recommended by other Corvette owners I know not only for Xpel but for window tint and I certainly will ask them for their advice on how or if I need to prep the finish prior to installation.
I was just curious based on other owners experience, if there are other opinions, options, etc.
I was just curious based on other owners experience, if there are other opinions, options, etc.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 797
Likes: 634
From: Orlando FL
You should not put anything on the paint before Expel is installed.
I had my Cyber-Gray Z51 completely wet sanded and then buffed out using Menzerna SF4500 which removed 90% of the orange peel before the Expel was installed. Why the factory can't/won't do this is beyond me.
I would suggest you get the installer to cut the Expel a little larger than the preloaded templates as I had to have the entire hood redone because after a week on the car the Expel pulled (shrank) a little past the hood-to-fender gap making the edge of the hood application visible.
The product is amazing and worth every penny spent IMHO.
I had my Cyber-Gray Z51 completely wet sanded and then buffed out using Menzerna SF4500 which removed 90% of the orange peel before the Expel was installed. Why the factory can't/won't do this is beyond me.
I would suggest you get the installer to cut the Expel a little larger than the preloaded templates as I had to have the entire hood redone because after a week on the car the Expel pulled (shrank) a little past the hood-to-fender gap making the edge of the hood application visible.
The product is amazing and worth every penny spent IMHO.