Frequently Asked Questions

• What does XPEL Warranty not Cover?

  1. Non-compliance with the Company’s guide or instructions. Such failures include, but are not limited to, exposure to physical abuse, including, but not limited to chemical abuse (e.g. harsh cleansers and solvents), thermal abuse or shock (e.g. excessive heat or cold) or misuse;

  2. Improper storage, installation, handling and/or use of the Product;

  3. Damage not resulting from manufacturing defects that occur while the Product is in the customer’s possession;

  4. Unreasonable or unintended use of Product;

  5. Products installed with known or visible manufacturing defects at the time of installation, including, but not limited to scratches, scuffs, scrapes, chips to the painted surface;

  6. Stains, and scratches;

  7. Damage to the wrapped surface due to improper wash techniques, automatic car washes or incorrect wash tools that may cause abrasion or by third parties not authorized by the Company;

  8. Scratches, scuffs, scrapes, chips to the painted surface;

  9. Water spots – water spots are caused by mineral deposits, which if left to dry on the paint protection film may leave a stain, water spots are not covered;

  10. Damage caused by collision, accidental damage, vandalism, fire, hail, flood, surface rust, rail dust, physical damage, paint overspray, or paint manufacturer’ defects, which may be covered under manufactures protection plan; and

  11. Areas that have not been re-wrapped after a paint or body repair;

  12. Use in non-automotive applications;

  13. Use of non-XPEL branded ceramic coating

• Is Paint Protection Film really worth the expense?

  Forbes Magazine doesn’t lie. Here’s an interesting read. Click Here.

• How does Vinyl compare to Paint Protection Film?

  Vinyl is a thin (20micron) plastic that is usually molded with a Heat Gun and is mostly just applied for aesthetical reasons (colour change).
  It only provides minimal superficial protection. It is for this reason vehicles are often dismantled in order to cover all corners, crevasses etc. as to hide the original colour of the car. This can be very intrusive and cause alignment inconsistencies, possible rattles etc.

  Paint Protection Film is a 145 to 250 micron (film dependant) TPU (Thermoplastic PolyUrethane) that is applied with liquids and stretched and tacked to confirm to the shape of each Panel that protects against harsh damages to paint work, i.e. Scuffs, scraped, scratches and stone rash damage. It is a sacrificial layer of protection to your vehicles paint work.

• How should I wash my car differently?

  When using high pressure sprayers (washers), keep at least 800mm (80cm) (Internationally prescribed) away and at a 90 degree angle to the panel, to avoid XPEL™ (PPF) edges and film from lifting and causing damage. Preferably do not use a high pressure sprayer on small / thin areas where the product has been applied. South Africa no regulation on the qualification on the correct and safe use of High Pressure Washers. High Pressure washers can cause serious injury, imagine what it can do to you car if incorrectly used, as well as the Film.

  Also be especially careful on the areas around your wheel well liners where the film seldom gets wrapped around (vehicle dependent), where it is virtually impossible to clean inside the wheel well from a distance. Most High Pressure washers have an adjustable nozzle spray angle which should be used accordingly to wash on the inside of the wheel well and a lower pressure and correct angle to avoid causing damage to the film by lifting around the wheel well. 
  Such damage caused to the film is NOT covered by Paint Protection companies such as XPEL’s Warranty!!!

• How do I remove scratches in the film?

  Most scratches in the film can be removed using a rotary or dual-action buffer. For best results, it is recommended to use 3M Perfect-It Machine Polish used with their colour coded buffing pad. If needed, this product can be followed by 3M Perfect-It Ultrafine Machine Polish, used with the blue pad to restore a deep, swirl free shine.

• What soap should I use to wash my car with?

  Any Car Shampoo can be used as you would wash your car normally, you should however not use soaps that contain waxes on vehicles coated with Ceramic Coatings as it tends to ‘clog’ the coating, decreasing the coatings ability to bead.

• Should I wax the film?

  Contamination from road oils, diesel smoke, pollen, and pollution can cause discoloration and deglossing of the film. While traditional automotive waxes can provide a small level of protection against contamination, XPEL Flawless Finish Film Sealant is specifically designed to provide the strongest possible barrier against these and other contaminants. Moreover, waxes that contain dyes and other chemicals such as naptha or kerosene may discolor or degloss the film over time and should be avoided.

• What cleaning methods and cleaners should I avoid after installation?

  Do not use: powder based or abrasive cleaners; high speed buffing or polishing equipment (this includes automated car wash machines); rubbing compound, clay or other type of abrasive chemicals or any otherwise, including Alcohol, paraffin or Petroleum and solvent based degreasers on the areas where the film has been fitted/applied. 

  It is also imperative that when you have your vehicle washed to keep any high pressure sprayer at least 80cm (2 & half ruler lengths) away from the leading edges where the film has been fitted, as you might see the film start lifting or even remove the film entirely. Best is to use a high pressure hose at an perpendicular angle, (an angle of 90°) to the film and edges. Otherwise you risk lifting the film, causing the film to lift and cause unsightly & irreparable bubbles.

  

  The result of incorrect washing:

  

• How soon after having the film fitted can I wash my vehicle?

  Do not get your vehicle washed or wet at least 72 hours (3 days) after having the film fitted. Ignoring this golden rule, may see your film lift around the edges, for which CPP will not take responsibility, as per workmanship warranty conditions.

• How thick is the film?

  XUP is 200 microns (That is, one-millionth of a meter (or one-thousandth of a millimeter, 0.001 mm, or about 0.000039 inches). XUP7 is 180 microns while XUP10 is 250 microns thick.

• Will the film yellow?

  Unlike certain familiar brands, XPEL films have low and in some cases no level of yellowing. This is due to a thin layer of Clear coat film that also gives the film it’s high gloss look & texture. Yellowing occurs if you do not maintain/look after your film or leave it dirty for prolonged periods of time. We also recommend using a recommended XPEL Film Sealant three months as part of maintaining your films clear appearance. Do NOT Wax or use non-approved Ceramic Coatings or any product containing petroleum in it on the film, it will cause it to yellow prematurely. For more information, please contact us or visit www.xpel.com/care.

• Does the film provide UV protection?

  Yes, the film will provide a certain level of UV protection on the areas it has been fitted. Some people only have their head lights fitted for this reason.

• When should I have my vehicle fitted with TPU (Thermo Plastic PolyUrethane) Paint Protection Film?

  As soon as possible, before those nasty stone chips start taking their toll on your vehicles paint work or head/fog lights. You can even ask your car dealer when you buy your vehicle, to contact us and have the product added to your vehicle finance and we will arrange fitment with the dealer before you take delivery from the dealership.

• I have just had my vehicle re-sprayed and would like to have protection film fitted. Is it possible?

  You will need to make a booking for at the very least 10 days after you’ve had your vehicle sprayed (dependant also on Panelbeater), as fitting the protection film on new paint, may cause damage to the newly painted surface during application as well as upon removal. 

  Please bare in mind, PPF is recommended to be fitted on OEM Painted surfaces ONLY! Please advise your fitment technician if the surface you would like the film applied to, has been re-painted / repaired.

• Bird droppings, Tar, AND/OR paint has fallen on my XPEL Ultimate Paint Protection film, how do I remove it?

  First try removing it with XPEL Film Cleaner and XPEL Film Sealant (latter as you would a polish), if this does not work, use Lacquer Thinners and gently remove the contamination/stains from the film using a MicroFibre Cloth.

• Where can I have the PPF fitted on my vehicle?

  We can come out and fit the film at your workplace or home, provided the area is enclosed, well lit, sun and wind free I.E. double garage, basement parking with fluorescent lighting. Should you not have a suitable premises. CPP has teamed up with various fitment partners in across the country to have the PPF fitted on their premises. Please refer to our Partner Page or Contact Us.

  CPP also provides installation at dealership premises, thus lowering liability or risks associated with taking a new vehicle off-site prior to the new owner taking delivery. You can also have the film added to your vehicle finance, please ask your finance manager or bank to get in touch with us.

• Can the film be removed safely?

  Professional removal of the film is recommended. However, when professional removal is not possible, the film may be removed as follows:

  • Warm the film with a heat gun or hair dryer to loosen the adhesive. 170° (Fahrenheit), 76° (Celsius) is the recommended temperature for this process. Keep the heat source moving to avoid melting the film or damaging the paint.
  • You can also use a Steamer on the adhesive side as you pull the film.
  • Peel one corner of the film up with your fingernail.
  • Pull the film towards you at a shallow angle less than 45 degrees. This angle is important to ensure sure that the adhesive comes off with the film rather than staying on the paint. The film should “stretch” off the car.
  • If any adhesive is left on the car, use a general adhesive remover to help loosen it.

• PPF or Ceramic Coating?

  Both serves a very difference purpose and function.

  PPF protects your painted surface against scuffs, chips and damage, while a Ceramic Coatings provide some level of protection against chemicals (not resistant) and will keep you car cleaner for longer and ease the cleaning of you cars surface. It will however not provide the level of protection for your car as a PPF would.

• Can I apply a Ceramic Coating on top of my PPF?

  We only endorse the application of XPEL FUSION Plus Ceramic coating on top of XPEL Paint Protection Film. This is because it bonds to the top coat on a molecular level, which will see the film retain its self-healing ability. Some other coatings may harden and even discolour Paint Protection Films and XPEL/CPP may void your Film warranty should it be determined that another Ceramic Coating has been applied. Film would be removed and sent to XPEL’s in-house Laboratory in San Antonio Texas for testing to verify this.
  XPEL FUSION can however also be applied on painted surfaces.

  Some coatings can harden, crack, dull, yellow or even eat into the film combined with certain environmental minerals & chemicals.

• Which goes on first, PPF or Ceramic Coating

  Ceramic Coatings purpose is to keep your car clean for longer by preventing anything from sticking to the surface, so naturally, PPF will lift or even not stick at all when a Ceramic coating is applied before a PPF Application. Always apply a Ceramic Coating after PPF installs and when the film has fully cured.

• How reputable is XPEL?

  XPEL was singled out as the single best performing small stock by the WallStreet Journal in December 2020. In 2023 it was 22nd on Forbes list of top 100 American companies.

  Despite all the numerous other products entering the market.
  So judge for yourself.

• Does the Colour of my vehicle matter regarding area of coverage and what coverage is recommended for certain colours?

  Yes, we will give you objective professional advice on what is recommended, whilst always taking into consideration not only aesthetical but ‘economies of  scale’ such as cost to respray a particular colour vs replacing a panel of film. Also Black vehicles also tend to be more popular to have wrapped/protected  completely due to the reduced maintenance required when XPEL Ultimate PLUS has been applied (no more swirls marks), bright colour also become brighter and contrasted more where the film is (better), vs where the film is not applied.

• Which is better; Pre-Cut or Bulk (Custom)?

  Ever since XPEL invented the technique of Pre-Cut kits in 1997, the market has taken off, minimising the need and risks associated with cutting on the vehicle, thus damaging the paint.

  Pre-Cuts are consistent and should you need to replace a panel in future, it will look exactly the same as the original filmed panel and the mirror image of the opposite panel (where applicable i.e. mirrors, fenders, doors).
  Kits are designed to wrap in where possible given the limitations of the film (due to thickness) and also avoid being intrusive or having to remove panels, badges and fittings, ie lights. Which not only reduces the costs to replace a panel of film in the event of damage, but time and cost as well (for example to re-remove panels to remove and re-apply the film).

  Notwithstanding the above, XPEL in SA do train fitters up to level 5 to be able to Bulk/Custom, in the unlikely event that there is not a Pre-Cut kit available for a specific vehicle.

  Pre-Cut Kits can also be modified slightly, should a customer have specific requests.

• Can all cars interior be done with XPEL's Interior protection film

  No, due to the intricate detail of some interiors as well as limited availability of older models cars interior, we can only do the interior with XPEL Ultimate PLUS 7 on vehicle for which we have pre-cut kits available.

• Can the Instrument Cluster be protection with XPEL Surface film protection?

  No, due to the fact that we use a Wet Application method and the fact that the Instrument cluster is not normally ‘sealed’, it is not safe to put film on the main Instrument cluster. Location and accessibility (being behind the steering wheel) is also a problem.

  Only Infotainment screens can be protected as it is also more accessible.

• Why can certain vehicles Headlights not be wrapped/protected?

  This is a very technical issue. But in a nut shell;
  It’s dependent on the car, shape of the lens, climate and strength of the film. 
  All vehicle have a UV coat on their Head lights. This fragile & thin UV coat can become separated unevenly during the application of the film or removal of the film due to the need to stretch the film excessively due to the shape of the lens and having to get the film and excess to lie flat on the lens. The adhesive strength sticking to the UV coat on the lens is stronger that the UV Coats adhesion to the Lens itself, hence it is not recommended on some vehicles.

• How does XPEL PPF compare to other Paint Protection Films on the market?

  XPEL Ultimate PLUS has been developed and tested in  Texas, which has a similar climate to South Africa, it is also manufactured in the USA.
  Many other films on the South African market today are either Far Easter films that are ‘White Label’ Chinese or Korean films that are branded locally.

  XPEL is also the only manufacturer with such a vast data base for Pre-Cut Kits.
  XPEL was the first in the world to bring out Self-Healing technology in Paint Protection film in 2011 and we are already on our 3rd Generation compared to most other manufacturers.

• Why does XPEL's Paint Protection Film have a limited transferable Warranty?

  When sold, client are provided with instructions and requirements, do’s and don’ts on how to correctly maintain their PPF. When a vehicle is sold, these instructions are seldom communicated to the new owner, causing issues such as lifting due to incorrect washing, expectations that may be unreasonable and or chemicals that cause premature ageing of the film.
  Hence the Warranty is a limited transferable Warranty. 

  Transference is subject to certain Condition as determined by XPEL and CPP’s local market related Conditions.

• Is there a risk of removing paint when Removing Paint Protection Film

  If it is original factory paint, the risk is very low, provided it’s removed correctly. Re-sprayed areas and areas where the paint was cut due to trimming or bulk (Custom) installs, have a high risk of removing the PPF due to the paint being weakened etc. Incorrectly primerred panels before respraying also has a high risk of lifting paint.

• Can a car cover damage or stain PPF?

  Dirty covers can transfer contaminants and dye’s.
  Covering a wet vehicle can cause dye transfer and staining.
  Car covers should be kept clean and only used on a clean, dry vehicle.

  How should I care for a car cover when using PPF?

  Answer:

  Wash regularly.
  Ensure vehicle is dry before covering.
  Wash and Dry the Car Cover once, before 1st use