SoCal XPel recommendation request
 

I now know that my C7 ZR1 exists in our corporeal plane, and I am awaiting delivery. I already have extended rock guards in my garage awaiting the car. So it is time to consider paint protection.

I do my own detailing, and did not have PPF installed on any of my BMWs. I can see how in some cases it would have helped, and in other situations it would have been a waste of money. But given the fine sand that always seems to be on the I5, and the necessity of tracking the ZR1, I am strongly considering PPF. And of those I lean toward Xpel (unless anyone has a significant argument).

Questions:
1) As I am not going to wrap the entire car, I will still be detailing the exposed paint. Does a D/A present a problem to overlapping the edge of the Xpel?
2) What can be done to detail the Xpel so it and the exposed paint have the same surface gloss?
3) Is Xpel cut to the car, or is it a kit? If the latter, does a kit exist yet for the ZR1?
4) Who knows of a reliable quality installer in Southern CA? Preferably around north OC.

I would think that in order to get the same surface gloss or close to it you may need to ceramic coat the entire car after you Xpel it. However, ceramic coating your car will take away the self healing properties of the Xpel.

I have used Sean at Envious in Orange on multiple vehicles and have been 100% satisfied. Most recently he did a full ceramic coating and clear bra on my 2019 Z06. I am in Brea and you are welcome to stop by and examine my almost one year old job. Car is daily driven and looks great. If you call him tell him Tom E from Brea told you to call. By the way if you are local and decide to change your own oil or just want to get your car up in the air I have a drive on rack at my office you are welcome to use. :)

Tom

One Xpel dealer in TN. (probably more) simply has the kit cut to Xpel patterns. This means there is no wrapping around the edges, only cut to exact size of panel. That is not good. It needs to be cut oversize and wrapped around the edge where possible. Also, find out what method of paint decontamination the installer uses before applying. Some methods are better than others. Yes, you can 'ceramic coat' the Xpel after application. Another concern, don't let installer stretch the material to fit contours. It will always have a dull finish. This makes it imperative to use someone that is conscientious especially for the many bends and angles of the front. Of course I have no idea what is available in Ca. but these are the universal concerns.

Thanks for all the suggestions guys. I was referred to a place here in Orange that seems great, talked to the owner for quite a while. I'll be going with them just as soon as I have my ZR1. Any days now...

Just had my Audi done here. $2k for front only xpel. Was told not to ceramic first, that it goes on top after. Installer did a great job and can't even tell it is there. I've had 4 people say "I thought you were going to get a clear bra" and didn't realize it was done already.

Clear Pro.