In the end, it always comes down to skill of installer and attention to detail. Being a detail studio, you can imagine the advantages of having the work done by a shop with both skill sets.

Every clear film installation we do, a full paint decontamination and paint correction is done. By paint correction, we eliminate any swirls, scratches, imperfections, etc. prior to install. Some may say it's overkill since you cannot see most of imperfection under the film, but to us, anything short is not perfection. We then remove any lights, emblems, grilles, etc. to have a seamless of an installation as possible. Once film is applied, we then protect it with a nano sealant. You don't want to use a wax containing yellow carnauba or certain synthetic waxes such as rejex or sprays like Plexus. They will eventually dull and yellow the film.

We also apply XPEL Ultimate on higher-end installs. Otherwise, we'll use venturshield or 3M depending on client's needs.

A typical front complete coverage meaning, full hood, full fenders, full bumper, mirrors, and headlights takes a full day to complete from start to finish.

We just finished a 991 that also included a custom full rear bumper. I'll have pics posted shortly.

 

Will do. Appreciate the info

 

I am the 991 owner that Glistening Perfection has finished. The results were beyond my expectations. You can barely see the seams. Plus, this was a correction from a terrible installation by another person.

 

Update: i spoke with the dealer today and also the instaler. they use Digifilm and they have told me do to the glue content and the fact that it is a 6ml that its the best product they have used. the install guy said he has been doing it for 15 yrs and also stated he really likes this product.
they clean wax and remone any and all imperfections as best as they can prior to install. they have the precut and said they just type in the vin and it is all cut for them how ever they can cut it larger and wrap all edges. so when the car arrives I will be getting the full front, bumper hood, fenders, pillars and mirrors. i hpe this all comes out good!

 

I just installed the XPEL ultimate film. What waxes / quick detailers are you guys using for cleaning? I'd rather buy one wax product or one spray detailer to do the entire car, including over the film.

Xpel says petroleum distillates should be avoided on the website but it seems that is a ingredient in almost everything.

Thanks.

 

Wrapped edges are a good idea, as they help the film virtually dissappear. I would suggest shopping around and having installers demonstrate the durability of their film as it applies to stain resistance and scratch resistance. While most films look alike when initially installed, their resistance to staining and chemicals is going to determine how the film looks a few years down the road. There are films available with a wide range of capabilities, so you want to make sure you are getting the best film for your purposes and budget.

Another thing to consider is the thickness of the film. While a thinner film may be preferred by an installer due to a little added elasticity, it is to the detriment of the car owner, as it is more easily penetrated than the industry-standard 8 mil film.

 

Moe, thats great information. BTW, here's a well deserving plug. i've been a customer of Moe's for a few years and his advice on car detailing and products has always been spot on. My only complaint about him is that he's not based in TN!

Back on topic... Moe, for those of us who have had clear film installed (in my case ClearGuard X) would you elaborate on the nano sealant to use. I've been applying Einszett PolishWax (which you supplied) and am wondering whether I should use anything else.

 

The info on our website about petroleum distillates is a bit of a broad statement. Not all petroleum distillates are bad, but we had to keep our message somewhat concise. Naptha and kerosene are two that are commonly found in paint waxes that you will want avoid with urethane films. Avoid bug & tar removers, as they contain xylene.

XPEL Ultimate film is unique in the sense that its clear coat is much more chemically resistant than other films on the market. So much so, that you really don't have to worry about the ill effects of the chemicals listed above. In fact, you can use lacquer thinner to remove any harsh stains on XPEL Ultimate. Luckily, the surface energy of Ultimate is so low (think Teflon), that staining is virtually a non-issue. With any other film on the market, including our Xtreme film, you'd want to adhere closely to the instructions above.

To answer your original question, if you wanted to use a wax on both your paint and film, Zymol and Swissvax are both safe to use on any brand of film.


Now, with all of that said, let me explain the difference between waxing the film and using polyurethane sealant on the film. While any wax is safe to use on Ultimate, they don't do much to help it. In other words,you can put them on without hurting anything, but there isn't really any benefit to doing it. On the other hand, the sealant we make is made specifically to seal the pores in polyurethane which slows the absorption of contaminants from the environment. It also contains plenty of wax to give it a high gloss, and I think you will find it will match any gloss your paint has after waxing. The polymer in the sealant hardens when exposed to UV, which forms a very dense barrier to contaminants. This means less cleaning to keep the film pristine.

We would be happy to send you a sample of the sealant if you like so you can try it out. Just e-mail your address to support@xpel.com and we can get it shipped out right away!

 

I have a question - how do you avoid UV coloration in the sunlight ?

 

UV hasn't caused yellowing in films for over a decade. Films are made "UV stable" now to protect from UV yellowing. The yellowing that is caused in today's films is caused by contaminants in the road. Everything from road oils, tar, even diesel smoke can get into the pours of the film and cause it to dirty. Because XPEL Ultimate has a clear top coat there is no yellowing and our film stays clear.

 

Here's a link to the work that we did on your 991. Thank you for the opportunity!

https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...ml#post3756692

 

Gave up on Ventureshield a long time ago... simply will not stand up to the bugs in Texas. Xpel Ultimate is a great film though.

On a side note, What in the world is Digifilm? I have been installing for 11 years now and have never heard of it nor can I find any information regarding them on the net. anyone have a link... or know who actually makes the film?

 

I'll be giving my Xpel Ultimate the ultimate test this season including one Gumball Rally.

 

Dropped off my new C4S to Premier Wrap in Fremont today. Cant wait til tomorrow when I pick it up! They were working on a beautiful Bugatti!

 

Love it!! Which areas are you putting it on?? Send me a PM! Cheers!!