Xpel film. Regular sealant needed?
11-07-2017, 06:46 PM
#1
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Thread Starter
Xpel film. Regular sealant needed?
Another question for folks who have the xpel clear bra? I got the full frontal 
treatment for my car. Supposed to seal the film every 3 months. Helpful or let it be? I am not **** about the car but want to keep the film for a few years if I can. I bought the sealant but feeling too lazy to do it myself. Car will be driven in winter so will see cold and some snow. Thanks guys.
treatment for my car. Supposed to seal the film every 3 months. Helpful or let it be? I am not **** about the car but want to keep the film for a few years if I can. I bought the sealant but feeling too lazy to do it myself. Car will be driven in winter so will see cold and some snow. Thanks guys.
11-08-2017, 09:12 AM
#4
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Never heard of sealing PPF. Xpel Ultimate has 10 year warranty. Never heard film is like paint before. And don't know why you would put wax on film.
11-08-2017, 09:47 AM
#5
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Xpel themselves recommend applying their sealant monthly, but I gather that few do that, myself included. Here is a link to their product: http://www.xpel.com/product/xpel-ppf-sealant-16-oz/.
Here’s the description if you don’t want to click the link:
“XPEL Film Sealant is an acrylic polymer product that is purpose-made for protecting any aliphatic urethane paint protection film. Attaching itself at a molecular level, the sealant forms a hardened barrier when exposed to UV light. By sealing off the pores in the film, the sealant will reduce absorption of pollutants, tar, and pollen; as well as staining due acid rain, hard water and bugs by 90%. Because this product is engineered specifically for Aliphatic Polyurethane, it is much more durable on Paint Protection Film than other waxes and polishes. Apply XPEL Film Sealant monthly for maximum protection”
Here’s the description if you don’t want to click the link:
“XPEL Film Sealant is an acrylic polymer product that is purpose-made for protecting any aliphatic urethane paint protection film. Attaching itself at a molecular level, the sealant forms a hardened barrier when exposed to UV light. By sealing off the pores in the film, the sealant will reduce absorption of pollutants, tar, and pollen; as well as staining due acid rain, hard water and bugs by 90%. Because this product is engineered specifically for Aliphatic Polyurethane, it is much more durable on Paint Protection Film than other waxes and polishes. Apply XPEL Film Sealant monthly for maximum protection”
11-08-2017, 09:50 AM
#6
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Xpel themselves recommend applying their sealant monthly, but I gather that few do that, myself included. Here is a link to their product: http://www.xpel.com/product/xpel-ppf-sealant-16-oz/.
Here’s the description if you don’t want to click the link:
“XPEL Film Sealant is an acrylic polymer product that is purpose-made for protecting any aliphatic urethane paint protection film. Attaching itself at a molecular level, the sealant forms a hardened barrier when exposed to UV light. By sealing off the pores in the film, the sealant will reduce absorption of pollutants, tar, and pollen; as well as staining due acid rain, hard water and bugs by 90%. Because this product is engineered specifically for Aliphatic Polyurethane, it is much more durable on Paint Protection Film than other waxes and polishes. Apply XPEL Film Sealant monthly for maximum protection”
Here’s the description if you don’t want to click the link:
“XPEL Film Sealant is an acrylic polymer product that is purpose-made for protecting any aliphatic urethane paint protection film. Attaching itself at a molecular level, the sealant forms a hardened barrier when exposed to UV light. By sealing off the pores in the film, the sealant will reduce absorption of pollutants, tar, and pollen; as well as staining due acid rain, hard water and bugs by 90%. Because this product is engineered specifically for Aliphatic Polyurethane, it is much more durable on Paint Protection Film than other waxes and polishes. Apply XPEL Film Sealant monthly for maximum protection”
11-08-2017, 10:02 AM
#7
Rennlist Member
Well of course!
It's not stated how long a bottle should last so I have no idea how much money this would cost over time.
The PPF on my car has been there four years now, untreated other than the Kenotech detailing spray I use sometimes when doing a light cleanup. It still looks great and allows bug splatter to wash off easily. There might be some small benefit to the sealant but I can't imagine the film performing any better than it already does without it. Maybe it will make a difference if you leave it on for a long time, but at that point I'd probably just replace it.
It's not stated how long a bottle should last so I have no idea how much money this would cost over time.
The PPF on my car has been there four years now, untreated other than the Kenotech detailing spray I use sometimes when doing a light cleanup. It still looks great and allows bug splatter to wash off easily. There might be some small benefit to the sealant but I can't imagine the film performing any better than it already does without it. Maybe it will make a difference if you leave it on for a long time, but at that point I'd probably just replace it.
Last edited by StormRune; 11-08-2017 at 11:39 AM.
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11-08-2017, 10:03 AM
#8
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^+1
Our two Xpel installers NEVER mentioned using sealant on Xpel. We’ve had Xpel on 3 cars in the past 12 months and many before that.
In recent years we’ve had Opticoat ceramic put over the entire car, including Xpel. Maybe it does the same thing as sealant.
Our two Xpel installers NEVER mentioned using sealant on Xpel. We’ve had Xpel on 3 cars in the past 12 months and many before that.
In recent years we’ve had Opticoat ceramic put over the entire car, including Xpel. Maybe it does the same thing as sealant.
11-08-2017, 10:44 AM
#9
Burning Brakes
Wouldn't expect an installer to recommend it. They want you to come back after its normal lifespan for replacement. haha
11-08-2017, 03:23 PM
#10
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I called my installer and they recommended applying the sealant once every 3-4 months on a DD.
Seems easy enough to do because I just did. Took me about an hour. The sealant stinks so have to use it in a ventilated area with chemical resistant gloves. Safety data sheet.http://www.xpel.com/wp-content/uploa...alant_V1.1.pdf
Seems easy enough to do because I just did. Took me about an hour. The sealant stinks so have to use it in a ventilated area with chemical resistant gloves. Safety data sheet.http://www.xpel.com/wp-content/uploa...alant_V1.1.pdf
11-08-2017, 04:13 PM
#11
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I treat PPF (Suntek Ultra) as if it were clear coat just like that on your paint. i do not use abrasives but I do clay, polish and use a sealant of my choice.
Just did a detail for winter put away and did the whole car after polishing and prepping with Gyeon Can Coat including wheels. Came out beautiful.
Just did a detail for winter put away and did the whole car after polishing and prepping with Gyeon Can Coat including wheels. Came out beautiful.
11-08-2017, 04:52 PM
#12
11-08-2017, 05:54 PM
#14
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you can think of the PPF wrap as a means of protecting the paint from impact (flying rocks and debris). The coating (ceramic, wax, sealant, etc) protects the surface from dirt, chemicals, insects, bird droppings, etc. The coating doesn’t really protect against impacts. The wrap does have some chemical resistance properties, but nowhere near as good as the coating.
11-08-2017, 06:02 PM
#15
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The film is doing its job. I have close to 3k miles on my 4S in three months. Besides taking the car to a touchless car wash once a week, I haven't done anything else. I applied the sealant today and got a closer look at the hood, front bumper etc. Unblemished. No marks, scrapes or dings. I will see after this winter.