Xpel vs 3M clear bra

equalme

Any experience with either brands?

I was quoted $1900 for Xpel Ultimate full hood, bumper, fender, and mirrors. I checked up on pre-cut kits and it is $1400 for the Xpel Ultimate. Holy crap.

kenchan

yep

Gadgetech

I just had Xpel installed last week and it was $950 for partial hood, partial fenders, mirrors and front bumper. I then proceeded to get a nick on the front bumper the next day...

I'm going to run back by the shop to see if there's anything they can do but I doubt it.

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onzedge

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winnre

Clear Bra is $1750 installed. I checked around and was told that is a good price.

Wonka2581

Its cheaper then getting the car re-sprayed....

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Gadgetech

What's being covered for that price?








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OldGuy

Got my ClearBra the day I bought my Z. It's now 4 years old and still looks showroom new. Either way you go is a wonderful aftermarket mod.

40 to 332

I had my Z fully wrapped in Xpel film. I had researched both the Xpel and 3M films and elected to go with Xpel since it seems most durable and came highly recommended by virtually all local installers. It was costly, but it removes the "worry" of stone chips and other small abrasions … which can never be fixed properly with touch-up paint sticks … and simply makes the driving/ownership experience better. I suspect it would also improve re-sale value since the paint finish will remain like new, and the film is warrantied for 10 years. Besides the film is supposed to be self-repairing (???) … but I'm yet to test that feature. I'm very happy with it. The installation was very well done … and it looks great. That said, the installer offered that the film looks best on light-coloured vehicles such as white or silver. I'm not sure how it would look on a black or dark cherry Z.

winnre

Installer quote:
"The full hood and full fenders will give you the most coverage against impacts while eliminating lines and we wrap as many edges as we can to make it appear that you have nothing on your vehicle at all. The cost to protect the full hood, full fenders, mirrors, front bumper, headlights, and rockers is $1750.00 installed at your location"

BuckeyeZ

A couple of cautions regarding clear bra:

#1) I had this installed on my car (partial hood and fenders). When I took the car to the track, I covered a few other areas with track tape and overlapped the bra. The tape discolored the film and it turned yellow. The track tape was only on the car for the weekend. Be careful if you tape over the film!

#2) When I decided to remove the film since I didn't like the yellowing, it was a royal pain in the a$$. It took hours and I tried all kinds of solvents/cleaners. Then the good part.....there were a few areas where it had adhered so strongly to the paint, that it pulled the paint from the car!

I have clear bra on one of my other cars and am now afraid to remove it since it is starting to get worn and look bad and really needs replaced.

After all these issues, I am not sure if I would use clear bra again or not......(at least not on a white car).

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Gadgetech

I can tell you that the self healing is limited and may be a weakness of the xpel. The DAY AFTER getting it installed I got a severe scratch from something. I did not have the car on the interstate nor did I follow anyone closely. Not really happy about it after spending the $950.



winnre, $1750 sounds a bit high considering I got partial hood and partial fender, mirrors, headlights, front bumper using xpel which is more expensive than clear bra which I believe is 3M. Maybe the full front end along with rockers is that much more. IDK.


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XPEL

Gadgetech,

We are sorry to hear about the damage you sustained just after your installation. It takes 2-3 days for XPEL ULTIMATE to fully cure and adhere to the paint. During this time the film will be more vulnerable to damage because it is not bonded firmly enough to keep it from distorting when impacted. However, we are more than happy to cover the damaged piece under warranty. Let us know when, where, and who did the installation and we will help arrange the replacement for you.

BuckeyeZ,

Because the film yellowed so quickly just from tape it makes us wonder if this was a clear coated film or one that is just urethane and adhesive. Films with a clear coat coat are usually much more resistant to staining or discoloration than those without.

On the removal, this should always be done using a steamer to soften the adhesive as it is removed. Not using one will put a good deal of stress on the clear coat. Also, when pulling the film off, it is important to “stretch” the film off rather than peeling the film back over itself or straight up from the panel. This will cause the softened adhesive to release from the paint rather than leaving a big sticky mess on the panel. If removed correctly, paint protection film in general is completely safe for OEM paint and even safe for most resprayed or touched up areas. That being said, if a repainted area was not prepped correctly, it will be vulnerable no matter what you do.

winnre

Now they both sound scary.

Gadgetech

I'll PM you! Over the top customer service and unexpected!


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