Xpel Ultimate Expectations

[Stickyman]

Few months ago I had Xpel Umtimate installed from one of their “premier” installers in the NY area. I know that people are human and nothing is perfect but I have been back multiple times and they just keep trimming the film where it is always peeling. For the amount I paid is this something Xpel would handle directly as I have lost all faith and I am being told that this is how the film is. Is there a contact there? It seems it is all for installer support.

Most of the below has been trimmed back except for the front bumper. When I mention replacement I get shot down quickly. In my opinion for 5K this should be nearly invisible and I am having to deal with this film more than I would have to if the car just some chips. It does protect the car however. Can anyone provide realistic expectations?

 

[DupaCannon]

It shouldn’t be peeling back. Absolutely not. I could pressure wash my Xpel’d cars with zero peeling as long as I followed sensible practices. Zero.

It’s much less likely to be the film adhesive and much more likely to be a cr@ppy install job, not prepping the paint correctly (IPA wipe down at absolute minimum) or positioning the film incorrectly during install and constantly lifting it back off again without enough lubrication. Some parts like around the mirror look poorly trimmed. There can be issues if only a couple of millimeters is trying to be tucked.

They don’t sound like they’re acting professionally based on what you’re said. If they’re not interested in re-applying I’d try contacting Xpel directly. It’s a premium product and the installation should reflect that.

 

[Stickyman]

Thank you for the input. I asked about replacement before they trimmed these pieces in December and they were resistant and said “not for this.” Attached is how they look as of two minutes ago. They will reach out to schedule the front bumper items tomorrow and I will ask for replacement.

They have only been willing to trim.

 

[DupaCannon]

Trimming only risks damage to the paint. Typically they use a razor blade.

It’s like a bad hair cut. It typically doesn’t get better by taking more off.

 

[Clark_Kent]

If done properly it shouldn't look like this. I've had ppf done on several vehicles by several shops and very few are really good at it. It's highly unlikely they will refund your money so I would take it back and have them fix it. And if it's still not applied properly, keep having them fix it until it's done to your satisfaction.

 

[Stickyman]

Thank you both. The third time I was there for correction they said that I should just deal with and “let the film do its job.” I didn’t think it was supposed to look like this though. I wouldn’t mind if I saw a seam but it should be properly seated to the surface.

I will ask for replacement when I speak to them again and attempt to contact Xpel though I am not sure what they could do.

 

[DupaCannon]

Good luck to you. You deserve better for $5K. Much better. Hopefully Xpel can put pressure on them. If not I’d write a Google review with no opinions... Simply ‘This is what they think is acceptable for $5K’ and post the pictures.

I had a poor install on some areas on one car. When I pointed it out to the guy he said “I agree, this was not my best work” and replaced everything that needed replaced. That’s how it should be.

 

[Stickyman]

Good luck to you. You deserve better for $5K. Much better. Hopefully Xpel can put pressure on them. If not I’d write a Google review with no opinions... Simply ‘This is what they think is acceptable for $5K’ and post the pictures.

I had a poor install on some areas on one car. When I pointed it out to the guy he said “I agree, this was not my best work” and replaced everything that needed replaced. That’s how it should be.

Thanks again for the advice. I hope they replace it as well... I won’t hold my breath though.

 

[Stickyman]

Spoke to Xpel today and they were nice on the phone and genuinely concerned. They stated that they would work as an advocate to ensure it is handled properly. Thank you both for the advice.

I texted the installer and they will get back to me tomorrow. I did not want to go to Xpel though this being the fourth time I would have been back it felt that it was time.