Is Xpel Ultimate Plus safe for exposed carbon hood?
02-22-2019, 02:35 PM
#1
Is Xpel Ultimate Plus safe for exposed carbon hood?
My 2019 GT3RS with WP s being delivered to my dealership so it's time to consider options of clear protective film. Does anyone know if Porsche endorses the use of such products on their exposed carbon surfaces?
The specific product the installer recommended is Xpel Ultimate Plus. However, they do not know for sure if it will or won't do anything to the clear coating Porsche uses on their carbon fiber surface.
The specific product the installer recommended is Xpel Ultimate Plus. However, they do not know for sure if it will or won't do anything to the clear coating Porsche uses on their carbon fiber surface.
02-22-2019, 02:47 PM
#2
I've always used PPF over carbon mirrors and roofs and will do the same on my RS with WP. I haven't had any issues at all, and I personally wouldn't drive around with a naked exposed CF hood. Also I would personally recommend Suntek Ultra over Xpel, I've had much better luck with Suntek than Xpel on my cars.
02-22-2019, 02:50 PM
#3
That’s what I have over the exposed WP panels of my RS.
02-22-2019, 02:57 PM
#4
02-22-2019, 03:00 PM
#5
XPEL or any other PPF is safe over Carbon Fiber.
There is a higher risk of the clear coat getting damaged when removing the film (still low chance). This is because clear coat does not bond to carbon fiber as strongly as paint. In worst case if damage occurs you can always just have the hood re-cleared.
its a lot better than if a rock pierces the clear coat and scratches the actual carbon fiber weave. That is irreparable. PPF will prevent most of that.
There is a higher risk of the clear coat getting damaged when removing the film (still low chance). This is because clear coat does not bond to carbon fiber as strongly as paint. In worst case if damage occurs you can always just have the hood re-cleared.
its a lot better than if a rock pierces the clear coat and scratches the actual carbon fiber weave. That is irreparable. PPF will prevent most of that.
02-22-2019, 04:07 PM
#6
I've gone through multiple installers and dealers on my cars, and everyone I've talked to seems to prefer to work with Suntek. That's just my experience, though. Xpel isn't a bad product by any means, but if it was my car I'd stick with Suntek since I've had zero issues with it. In fact, a couple of weeks ago a heavy box with an exhaust system dropped on my GT3's bumper and scuffed it really bad. I was sure I'd had to redo the whole panel, and texted my detailer to get that set up. He suggested using a hair dryer on the area, so I did, and within 20 seconds the whole area that was scuffed up really bad looked like nothing every happened. It was literally completely gone. So I can definitely vouch for their self healing properties!
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02-22-2019, 05:59 PM
#10
02-22-2019, 06:13 PM
#11
Rennlist Member
02-22-2019, 06:47 PM
#12
Both XPEL and Suntek are good. XPEL is slightly thicker, has a bit more orange peel, and is a little harder to work with.
Both films have a hydrophobic coating now, although this will wear off quite quickly. Both will be self healing.
I personally prefer SunTek since I think the biggest risk in PPF is actually during install and removal, so I want a film that is the easiest for the guy to work with, no matter his skill level.
Both films have a hydrophobic coating now, although this will wear off quite quickly. Both will be self healing.
I personally prefer SunTek since I think the biggest risk in PPF is actually during install and removal, so I want a film that is the easiest for the guy to work with, no matter his skill level.
02-22-2019, 06:56 PM
#13
Burning Brakes
The new Xpel Ultimate Plus is thinner and easier to work with for the installer. I think the old Expel (thicker) is more durable but they don't make it anymore. I would find a great installer and follow his recommendation.