Can the film be waxed?
While you can wax the film, be sure the product you are using doesn’t contain Naphtha or Kerosene in concentrations over 5%, and also avoid waxes that contain dyes.
What is the expected life of XPEL?
Our ULTIMATE PLUS PLUS and STEALTH films are warrantied for 10 years. This warranty covers: yellowing, staining, delaminating, cracking, peeling, bubbling, and more.
Can I use detailing clay on the film?
Yes. The process is the same as with regular paint: wet the surface with a lubricant such as soapy water and then gently rub the surface with the clay bar. For stubborn insect, bird dropping, or hard water stains, use Simple Green as the lubricant for the detailing clay.
How do I maintain XPEL ULTIMATE PLUS?
No special maintenance is required for XPEL ULTIMATE PLUS. However, the film will last longer and will be easier to clean if treated twice a year with XPEL Flawless Finish Paint Protection Film Sealant.
Can XPEL film be applied to Chrome?
Any of our films can be installed on Chrome, though the finish will look slightly different than if left unprotected. We recommend having your installer apply a small swatch to the desired surface so you can see what it looks like before deciding.
Will XPEL ULTIMATE PLUS yellow over time?
XPEL ULTIMATE PLUS is warrantied for 10 years against a range of issues including yellowing.
How deep of a scratch can film still heal?
The clear coat is the self-healing layer and is approximately 13 microns thick. If that layer is penetrated, the film will not heal.
Can XPEL be installed on your windshield?
No. Because of the impact absorbency of paint protection film, the refractive index of the film is too different from that of the windshield. Because of this difference, putting the two together causes a distortion when looking through the glass that would be unacceptable to the vehicle’s occupants.
Can I cover my whole vehicle with XPEL Film?
Yes. Any smooth painted surface can be covered with paint protection film.
Can XPEL be installed on my airplane or aircraft?
Paint protection film can be applied on any smooth painted surface. However, given the tight tolerances on weight, balance and other factors on some aircraft, it is highly recommended to consult with the manufacturer of the airplane for strict guidance.
Can I run my car through an automatic car wash?
Yes. But wait 48 hours after installation to allow the film to dry completely.
What happens if you put Acry-solvent on the film?
Acry-solvent, or any other Xylene based solvent, will not harm the film unless left sitting saturated in it for an extended period of time. To use this type of solvent on the film (for removing stains, etc.) wet a microfiber towel with the product and wipe the film for one or two minutes. If the stain remains, allow the solvent to evaporate and then repeat the process.
How thick is XPEL ULTIMATE PLUS paint protection film?
XPEL ULTIMATE PLUS is 8.5 mils (.0085 inches) thick.
Can XPEL be installed on boats and other watercraft?
Yes. XPEL can be installed on marine boats and water craft.
Can I use a pressure washer, and how soon after install?
Yes, pressure washers can be used on XPEL paint protection films, provided the film has completely dried after installation (typically 48 hours) and provided the high-pressure water is not pointed directly at the edges of the film.
Can I install XPEL ULTIMATE PLUS Paint Protection Film myself?
Other than the simplest body panels, application of paint protection film is a process which requires a good deal of experience and training to obtain satisfactory results. The compound curves present on most surfaces require the film to be stretched and compressed in a very controlled way to ensure proper adhesion without distorting the adhesive. As such, it is highly recommended that the film is professionally installed.
Will removing the film harm the vehicles paint, once removed?
It is highly unlikely for paint protection film to harm OEM paint. Paint systems used on modern assembly lines today produce a minimum bond strength of 16 MPa and maximum of 25 MPa between the panel and the paint depending on color, iridescence and the system used. Our film’s bond to the painted surface at normal state (immediately following installation) is .0753 MPa. Even after years of heat and sun, the bond between the film and the paint increases to only 0.17 MPa. What that means is in the absolute worst case scenario, the bond of factory paint to the panel is over 94 times stronger than the bond of our film to the paint. In the best case, the paint is 332 times stronger.
That being said, it is still recommended to have a professional remove the film in accordance with our published guidelines.
Can I have XPEL installed over my Vinyl Wrap or Racing Stripes?
Yes. XPEL film can be applied over a vinyl wrap or graphics. However, if there are any hard edges that film must cross (as in the case of stripes), it could result in some air being trapped along that edge.
Can XPEL be installed on your vehicles headlights and fog lights?
Yes. XPEL can be installed on your cars headlamps and fog lamps.
How do I wash the film, can I use a quick detailer or detail spray?
You may use any standard car wash soap, rinse free car wash, or detail spray to clean the film, provided that the product does not contain more than 5% naphtha or kerosene.
Can XPEL be applied over a vehicle that has had paint touch ups?
Yes. Though you can install the film over any quality of touch-up, the best possible appearance will be obtained if the touched up area has been color-sanded smooth and buffed after the application of the paint.
Can XPEL film be installed on the glossy interior panels of my car?
Yes. XPEL ULTIMATE PLUS can be applied to any smooth surface, though care should be taken around any electronics and/or switches so that installation fluids aren’t allowed to get into sensitive areas.
Can XPEL paint protection film be installed on a brand new vehicle?
Yes. Factory paint is fully cured before the car ever leaves the assembly line.
What can I use to clean the film with if the Film Cleaner isn’t working?
XPEL Film Cleaner is generally designed to remove dirt, grime and oils from paint protection film that lead to yellowing over time. To remove stains from other substances such as insects, bird droppings or other compounds, use acetone or lacquer thinner with a soft microfiber cloth.
If I get a partial front end wrap, will the edge of the film be noticeable?
While the edge of the film can be seen from certain angles, people generally do not notice it unless they are looking for it. However, if the car is dirty and dust and dirt is allowed to collect along the edge of the film, it will be more noticeable. Once the car is cleaned, it will be once again difficult to detect unless looking for it.
A piece of road debris scratched the film on my car. Will this self-heal?
The self-healing clear coat of our ULTIMATE PLUS and STEALTH films is designed to repair itself from swirl marks and light scratches from car washes, etc. If a piece of debris has penetrated all the way through the clear coat on the film, it will not self-heal. The only way to fix this would be to have the piece of film replaced.
How can I remove the excess adhesive after I removed the film myself?
If there is left over adhesive upon removal, you can use a general purpose adhesive remover, often found at your local auto parts or home improvement store.
Does the 10-year warranty on ULTIMATE PLUS transfer to another owner if car is sold?
The XPEL ULTIMATE PLUS, STEALTH, and XTREME warranty is transferable to another owner with proof of purchase.
Once the film has been removed from my vehicle, can I re-use it on another vehicle?
No, the film once applied and removed cannot be reused.
Can I install XPEL paint protection film on aluminum or brushed metal accents on the car?
Any of our paint protection films can be installed on aluminum or brushed metal, though they may change the appearance to some degree depending on the film you choose. We recommend having your installer apply a small swatch of the film to the surface in question to determine the appearance prior to full installation.
What is the best polish to put on your car after you have had it wrapped with XPEL ULTIMATE PLUS?
We recommend using XPEL Flawless Finish Paint Protection Film Sealant. This product has been specially formulated for use with polyurethane paint protection films to provide the maximum protection and gloss, while containing no ingredients that would cause discoloration over time.
My car dealer applied a paint sealant to my vehicle, can I have XPEL installed over this protectant?
Waxes, sealants and protectants are typically designed to reduce the surface energy of the paint, making them easier to clean etc. A reduction in surface energy will reduce the film’s ability to adhere to the paint and could cause long term adhesion issues. Because of this, we generally recommend removing these types of products before installation. If these types of coatings are to be used, we recommend applying them AFTER installation of our paint protection film.
Can I apply a ceramic coating on top of the film and how does it affect the self-healing feature of XPEL?
Yes, Coatings can be applied to the films. Adding a coating does not stop the film from self-healing. Coatings can add a protective layer over the film, which depending on the coating can provide different properties (Please contact your installer or coating company for more information). That additional coating layer, depending on the coating applied, may or may not self-heal. Once the coating wears down and deteriorates, the self-healing qualities of XPEL ULTIMATE PLUS and STEALTH will still remain.
How do you remove the material and what kind of residue or marks does it leave on clear coat type paint?
Be sure to use a steamer or heat gun to soften and warm the adhesive. This will yield the best possible results and will leave little if any adhesive behind. Any traces of residue left behind can be removed with any commercially available adhesive remover that is safe for automotive paint.
Can I install a vinyl stripe on top of XPEL paint protection film and will I be able to remove the stripe without damaging the clear protection?
Yes, you can install a vinyl on top of the film. We recommend waiting 48 hours after installation before doing so. You may also remove the stripe without damaging the film, if removed properly.
When I wear Polarized Sunglasses, my Paint Protection Film appears to have blemishes and distortions, why is that?
This is a very common occurrence with Paint Protection Film of all brands. It has to do with the difference in refractive index between the layer of film and the paint on the car. It is most noticeable on compound-curved surfaces because the film must be stretched over these areas to allow it to be installed without wrinkles. When the film is stretched, it becomes slightly thinner in those areas which causes the phenomenon seen through polarized glasses.It can also occur on flat surfaces when the installer needs to use a drying solution (as opposed to a slip solution) such as alcohol and water to get the needed bond to the paint. This is due to the difference in viscosity of the fluids and their effect on the adhesive’s properties.
Polarized glasses have this effect on a number of different multi-layer surfaces (not just paint protection film) made of glass or plastic.