XPEL VS. 3M Clear Bra

S

sjones14580

New member
Joined
Feb 1, 2012
Messages
5
Reaction score
0
feedback%5B1%5D.gif


I recently ordered a 2012 Jeep SRT8 in "Brilliant Black" and am concerned that I will be having an ongoing issue with stones chipping the front end. The dealer suggested (of course) that I get a clear bra. When I started to look into who does what, I found that Zeibart does XPEL and a local tint shop does 3M.

Since I don't know the first thing about either products quality, longevity and transparency, etc... I was hoping people could weigh in with their opinion and or experience with either of these products.

I typically don't detail my vehicle "much"... and am certainly not a hardcore detailer, but I do like it looking nice and make sure it's washed every day or two.

1) Being that it's black... does one of these products have less visible lines?
2) What areas of the vehicle should I make sure are covered? IE Full Hood, Bumper, etc.

Thanks in advance, I appreciate the guidance.
 
sjones14580 said:
feedback%5B1%5D.gif


I recently ordered a 2012 Jeep SRT8 in "Brilliant Black" and am concerned that I will be having an ongoing issue with stones chipping the front end. The dealer suggested (of course) that I get a clear bra. When I started to look into who does what, I found that Zeibart does XPEL and a local tint shop does 3M.

Since I don't know the first thing about either products quality, longevity and transparency, etc... I was hoping people could weigh in with their opinion and or experience with either of these products.

I typically don't detail my vehicle "much"... and am certainly not a hardcore detailer, but I do like it looking nice and make sure it's washed every day or two.

1) Being that it's black... does one of these products have less visible lines?
2) What areas of the vehicle should I make sure are covered? IE Full Hood, Bumper, etc.

Thanks in advance, I appreciate the guidance.
Click to expand...

Get the: XPel, of course;

IMHO...Don't let Ziebart touch your vehicle...For any reason...Ever!!!

If your not comfortable with an XPel DIY'er...
Go here:

xpel.com/products/dealersearch

You'll find a certified/trained installer, usually that's close-by, that has the abilities to advise you further.

:)

Bob
 
complete front end, full hood, side-view mirrors and a- pillars. maybe even a bikini on the roof.

i have a customer that just got the new xpel self healing ppf. Interested to see it
 
My cars have Xpel and I'm happy with the product. Make sure to seal the film or it will stain and get dull quickly. Pick a authorized installer and you will be fine. My friend is an authorized installer and cuts every kit on site. Nice to have incase of a problem.

My father has 3M on his car and he likes it too. I think the new self healing Xpel film looks cool and I can't wait to try it out on my next car
 
Twister said:
The film is cut with a curve to hide the line better.
Click to expand...

I've got some of the bikini-cut XPel on the front-fenders of the "Red Car".

I would cover the entire roof-panel(s) of vehicles...never with a bikini-cut, though. That's one area that takes the brunt of the elements.

:)

Bob
 
Whatever you get, do it quickly after purchase. I have 3M on the front bumper/hood/fenders and mirrors of my C5. I wish I had it on the rear edge of my deck lid and area aft of the deck lid. You may also concider the area aft of the wheel wells. I would rather be upset that I see a wax line, than knowing a paint chip could have been prevented. Cry once, not often...
 
Murman said:
Whatever you get, do it quickly after purchase. I have 3M on the front bumper/hood/fenders and mirrors of my C5. I wish I had it on the rear edge of my deck lid and area aft of the deck lid. You may also concider the area aft of the wheel wells. I would rather be upset that I see a wax line, than knowing a paint chip could have been prevented. Cry once, not often...
Click to expand...

^^^^^^^:iagree:^^^^^^^

These have come in mighty handy for me!






-Not too late for you to get some PPF to protect your "uncovered areas", IMO.

:)

Bob
 
Nice. I am sure the Coupe has the same problems with "non-owners" closing the hatchback and placing/removing items from the rear. I can open/close the rear of my Vert w/o touching the paint...
 
Wow, great responses everyone, thanks! I didn't think about doing the roof because I got the dual roof (panoramic)... more glass than other surface.

The XPEL that they recommended was the self healing stuff. So far, i'm being quoted for full front bumper, full hood, front fender/1/4 panels, side skirts (don't know if I really need these or not)... rear fenders (they flair out a big on the 2012 SRT8 Jeeps) and possibly the rear bumper for another $200. All in all, they quoted $800 total. (give or take).

So, if I hear Zeibart... light them on fire an drive the other way quickly eh? Good to know.
 
Also - no one has said anything about it being metallic black - will I notice a difference in the sparkle? I love the deep gloss of a well polished car... would love to have that "forever" locked under that film.
 
If you seal it you will not really notice it too much. I used KAIO and KSG on my mom's car (dark blue metallic) and it really made the film look as glossy as the rest of the paint. I hear OC really makes the film look great and almost unnoticeable but I haven't tried it yet.

On my mom's car the film was noticeable. It didn't have the same glossiness as the paint but I only noticed it at certain angles. Once I used KSG on the film it really looked great

If you are doing the full hood it might not be noticeable at all since it's a whole panel
 
I'm a big fan of 3M. I have it on the Lambo and Porsche
 
jpegs13 said:
I'm a big fan of 3M. I have it on the Lambo and Porsche
Click to expand...

Either of them a dark color? Do you see the lines or did you do full panels? How's the durability? How's does it look with a nice glaze?

I'm looking for that "I could swim in it" depth.
 
Of course 3M recommends 3M products...

Q. What products does 3M recommend to best maintain 3M Paint Protection Film?

A. 3M makes a variety of products to help maintain the beauty of your vehicle. 3M™ Car Wash Soap (3M Part #39000), 3M™ Show Car Paste Wax (3M Part #39526 and 3M™ Perfect-It Show Car Liquid Wax (3M Part #39026). The best surface cloth to use is the 3M™ Perfect-IT™ III Detailing Cloth (3M Part #39016) since others may scratch the surface of the film.

Be advised... The Mineral Grey Metallic paint on my 2011 has an uneven surface/variation in the color. Chrysler may not be able to provide you with a paint finish that you could "swim in"...

57857284.jpg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top