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Thinking about applying PPF to the front bumper while it still looks new. 3M and Avery are about 1/2 the price of Xpel. Is Xpel that much better? Application videos show about the same procedure for all of them. Basically apply wet.
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
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I had the Xpel PPF installed on my car not only based on reviews on the forum, but also on prior installs on my other cars. I have no regrets. 10 year warranty, self healing feature and a very good installer were a plus.
My advice is to just compare the features, see if you can get references from the installer, and go from there.
When I was shopping around for my film, I really did not see much difference in price between the Xpel and 3M products. I did not research the Avery as none of the shops I went to offered that product.
I'd guess just about everyone will recommend whatever product they used. If you actually compare side by side, you'd be hard pressed to tell the difference between any of the top brands (Xpel, SunTek, 3M, etc.). All of them will have great clarity and last for years. Are you installing yourself? If you're going with a pro, I'd use whatever they are comfortable with. Xpel has a rather extensive library of precut patterns. So an Xpel installer will be familiar with how those patterns are meant to be installed (proper alignment, stretch zones, etc.).
I went the DIY route and used 3M on the bumper and hexis bodyfence on the fender, hood, and rockers. I think it came out great, and the only issues I had were my own mistakes. Xpel film would not have made a difference.
I have purchased and installed pre-cut kits from Xpel and 3m pro. They are both clear and invisible. 3m Pro seems to be a tiny bit thicker. For the money, I will go 3m Pro every time.
Xpel does seem a little bit easier to work with, the glue takes more time to dry so you have a little more time to work on it.
I did XPel film on the front bumper, mirrors and rocker panels, with their ceramic on the rest of the car, and have been very pleased with it. Could have applied it m'self but decided to pay a pro to avoid newbie mistakes on what I consider to be a "capital investment". Paint correction is strongly advised for the smoothest surface...
I did the front bumper w/ 3M twice. I totally messed up the first try and through it away. A month or so later I decided to try again. The 2nd one was the thicker variety and was a lot harder to install. I first realized it was thicker and thought that would be good because of better protection. By the time I was done I wished I had the thinner one. I am a pretty experienced guy having been an auto tech and diy for most everything for most of my life but I will have a pro install a new one when I get tired of looking at my mistakes.
I'm having my front bumper Expell "Like" bra removed after 3 3/4 years and replaced $ 600. It's starting to bubble in many places. I have had 2 film installers turn down the work for fear of pealing off the paint during removal. 2017 GS CE Grey Metalic. It was installed a few weeks after it landed at the dealer Feb. 2017 not by the dealer.
Any thoughts???? I have one guy say it's a no brainer? Insurance coverage, if the installed dose peal away paint he has to pay to have it fixed???? Yes.
For What it is Worth -
I had 3M on my 2004 and it started to 'yellow' after approx. three years. I had XPEL installed on my 2008 and it never yellowed. Did same thing on my 2013 and 2019 with outstanding results. I will always use XPEL.
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PPF - Xpel vs 3M vs Avery
