Xpel Wrap - Seams?

[ozymandius100]

Is it common to see seams on a xpel wrap, or any PPF for that matter? I just had my M3 done, and I can see them at many locations. I am waiting to talk to the place that did the work, but I wanted to get some expectations first. See the pictures below (ignore my ugly mug from one of them please )

 

[Fusion]

They might of used a plotter to pre-cut and install. That would be normal. Usually seamless would be the ones that do full sheets and hand cut and fold over. That and I don't really see the seams.... haha

 

[dhu1]

Is it common to see seams on a xpel wrap, or any PPF for that matter? I just had my M3 done, and I can see them at many locations. I am waiting to talk to the place that did the work, but I wanted to get some expectations first. See the pictures below (ignore my ugly mug from one of them please )

For my MX, I had the Xpel precut versions installed and yes if you look close enough (like you're doing) you see the seams. With the precut, they don't wrap over the edges and fold it (as Fusion mentions).

For my M3, I had it done custom by a different installer with Clearguard Nano since at that time, the pre-cut Xpel versions were not available yet. On that installation you do not see any seams or can tell that it has been wrapped. Having said that it, the custom install was more expensive for less coverage area than the MX. The MX was wrapped everywhere (mind you a lot more surface area) vs I did not do the doors for the M3 and it costed about the same.

In the end, I don't look close enough to care one way or another--I am just happy to have the protection given the amount of rocks and debris I deal with on my commute. So far, it has saved me numerous times as the PPF just self heals and my car is back to new.

 

[ozymandius100]

For my MX, I had the Xpel precut versions installed and yes if you look close enough (like you're doing) you see the seams. With the precut, they don't wrap over the edges and fold it (as Fusion mentions).

For my M3, I had it done custom by a different installer with Clearguard Nano since at that time, the pre-cut Xpel versions were not available yet. On that installation you do not see any seams or can tell that it has been wrapped. Having said that it, the custom install was more expensive for less coverage area than the MX. The MX was wrapped everywhere (mind you a lot more surface area) vs I did not do the doors for the M3 and it costed about the same.

In the end, I don't look close enough to care one way or another--I am just happy to have the protection given the amount of rocks and debris I deal with on my commute. So far, it has saved me numerous times as the PPF just self heals and my car is back to new.

Thanks. I guess for a partial wrap (front panels, bumper, no doors etc) at $2500, I was expecting more.

 

[xyeahtony]

my wrap has seams too. after seeing the high quality professional wraps on the TMC im pretty disappointed I got an unskilled job done. I've had instances of peeling in less than 1 year owning the wrap.

 

[kev1n]

most shops use a pre-cut design and do edits to it to add extra inches.

the better shops will do their best to wrap around where it is possible but you will still get a seam here and there as the material is not as flexible if you are comparing it to something like a vinyl wrap.

 

[dhu1]

Thanks. I guess for a partial wrap (front panels, bumper, no doors etc) at $2500, I was expecting more.

Look at it this way, for slightly more coverage on my M3 (I got lights, mirrors, and rocker panels), I paid well over $4k. It is not easy work to do this stuff and to do it well takes skill.

 

[kev1n]

Look at it this way, for slightly more coverage on my M3 (I got lights, mirrors, and rocker panels), I paid well over $4k. It is not easy work to do this stuff and to do it well takes skill.

$4000 for full front + rocker panels?

 

[outdoors]

Certain areas can be tucked/wrapped. Some can't without removing panels. Removing panlels is a whole new ball of wax. Should be darn close to edge.

 

[dhu1]

$4000 for full front + rocker panels?

front bumper, front hood, front side panels, mirrors, lights, back bumper, rocker panel

 

[ozymandius100]

I was able to get hood, front bumper(full), front fenders, mirrors, A pillar (both sides of windshield), fog lights and luggage trim for $2500, but I see those pesky seams

 

[electricFeel]

I talked to a shop and although they use a plotter, they enlarge the pieces to allow them to wrap around the edges. Thanks for the pictures. Now I know how I want it done.

 

[ozymandius100]

I talked at length with my shop. they did advise me that even if they enlarge the pieces, there are certain locations where they dont have enough angle to adhere the pieces to the car and therefore the gap.

 

[johndorian]

Your last pic, there is already a gouge in it... How did they manage that? Some of those don't look great, I wouldn't be happy if I were you.

 

[ozymandius100]

I am keeping it as if for a few weeks and they are redoing it. And yes, I’m not very happy at the moment.

 

[Motor Mouth]

Look at it this way, for slightly more coverage on my M3 (I got lights, mirrors, and rocker panels), I paid well over $4k. It is not easy work to do this stuff and to do it well takes skill.

Agree that - whether your installer uses precut or custom wraps it - this is difficult work and the actual person installing it makes all the difference. My installer said he doesn't use Xpel because it tends to lift more than Suntek. Whatever they use, however, it's more art than science. It helps if your installer isn't overworked and is something of an enthusiast.

 

[bnsfengineer]

Agree that - whether your installer uses precut or custom wraps it - this is difficult work and the actual person installing it makes all the difference. My installer said he doesn't use Xpel because it tends to lift more than Suntek. Whatever they use, however, it's more art than science. It helps if your installer isn't overworked and is something of an enthusiast.

Totally agree, folks get caught up with the brand when most of the new films will last for years but the bottom line comes down to the installer.... his experience.

 

[Cookiemobster]

Just curious what your mirror wrap looks like. I just had mine done and I assumed the whole mirror would be wrapped. They didn’t cover any part of the mirror that parallels the car when folded out. Did they wrap your whole mirror?

 

[TheLocNar]

most shops use a pre-cut design and do edits to it to add extra inches.

the better shops will do their best to wrap around where it is possible but you will still get a seam here and there as the material is not as flexible if you are comparing it to something like a vinyl wrap.

This. Any shop worth their $$$ will know this and do it right. While you won't be totally seamless, it should be minimal if they have skill.

 

[kev1n]

Just curious what your mirror wrap looks like. I just had mine done and I assumed the whole mirror would be wrapped. They didn’t cover any part of the mirror that parallels the car when folded out. Did they wrap your whole mirror?

that is how most shops do it. they cannot wrap the whole thing in one piece due to the shape