XPEL vs Clearshield paint protection film

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 11-27-2006 | 05:48 PM
  #1  
Chas2's Avatar
Thread Starter
Safety Car
 
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,217
Likes: 38
From: Northern VA
XPEL vs Clearshield paint protection film

Any ideas on which is a better product?

XPEL is a 3M product
Clearshield is made by Bekaert Group

A quote for a full frontal on an RL is 995 for XPEL, 500 for clearshield

partial hood, fender, bumpers, mirrors, lights.

Detail Authority of Herndon VA and Phoenix AZ (go figure) says Clearshield is vastly better product than 3M XPEL.

Bekaert is a European film company.

Another detail guy says 3M is the only film that has a clearcoat on it. Urethane films, as these all are, are inherently porous, and that absorption of contaminants will discolor the film.

XPEL is the design company that makes the dies for cutting the film and distinguishes itself from the pack by the least amount of pieces and seams (which means more wastage in the sheet, but ultimately a cleaner look)

Is this all BS?
Old 11-27-2006 | 06:30 PM
  #2  
FromTLtoRL's Avatar
06 RL - Carbon Gray Pearl
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 135
Likes: 0
Chas - did you find a local shop that would do the install? Thanks!
Old 11-27-2006 | 07:42 PM
  #3  
neuronbob's Avatar
Senior Moderator
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 20,020
Likes: 4,618
From: Cleveland area, OH
I used Xpel on my TL. It looked as clear 2 1/2 years after I put it on as the day I put it on. Further, it cost only $600 for the very difficult installation the TL presents. The RL looks like an easier install than the TL and there is no way an Xpel install should cost $995. I plan on installing it on my RL.
Old 11-28-2006 | 06:35 AM
  #4  
Chas2's Avatar
Thread Starter
Safety Car
 
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,217
Likes: 38
From: Northern VA
Thanks, I will continue to look around for a deal on XPEL. I guess I will have to widen the search area!
Old 11-28-2006 | 12:20 PM
  #5  
kmcheney's Avatar
Instructor
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 138
Likes: 3
From: Central VA
I got X-pel installed at UltraShield of Richmond on my RL for $500. They did a great job and are very good to work with. I've had 3 cars done there over the years. Never a problem with their work.
Old 12-05-2006 | 10:57 AM
  #6  
backfire's Avatar
Instructor
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 233
Likes: 2
3m Only

I just had to remove the clear bra from my 2003 Acura. the hood was done with another brand. the rest was 3m. The 3m came right off the other brand took me 6 hours and two fingers. kept breaking in small pieces and left goo. behind. I will never use anything but 3m
Old 12-05-2006 | 07:52 PM
  #7  
neuronbob's Avatar
Senior Moderator
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 20,020
Likes: 4,618
From: Cleveland area, OH
I'm having Xpel installed on my RL this weekend for $615 here in Cleveland.
Old 12-06-2006 | 07:38 AM
  #8  
D3MTRSPT's Avatar
Instructor
 
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 172
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by Chas2
Any ideas on which is a better product?

XPEL is a 3M product
Clearshield is made by Bekaert Group

A quote for a full frontal on an RL is 995 for XPEL, 500 for clearshield

partial hood, fender, bumpers, mirrors, lights.

Detail Authority of Herndon VA and Phoenix AZ (go figure) says Clearshield is vastly better product than 3M XPEL.

Bekaert is a European film company.

Another detail guy says 3M is the only film that has a clearcoat on it. Urethane films, as these all are, are inherently porous, and that absorption of contaminants will discolor the film.

XPEL is the design company that makes the dies for cutting the film and distinguishes itself from the pack by the least amount of pieces and seams (which means more wastage in the sheet, but ultimately a cleaner look)

Is this all BS?
Chas if you really want this kit I can get it for you at a cheap price!! I am a dealer in houston, tx but I can send it and have someone put it on for you.. $if you can do $550. its yours. PM me if you are interested. On by the way i am talking about the Xpel 3m Paint Protection kit front pieces
Old 12-06-2006 | 08:22 AM
  #9  
nyjohnchan's Avatar
Advanced
 
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 92
Likes: 0
pictures please. Should I buy clear bra on ebay and install it myself?
Old 12-06-2006 | 09:01 AM
  #10  
backfire's Avatar
Instructor
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 233
Likes: 2
Exclamation Installing Clear Bra

Originally Posted by nyjohnchan
pictures please. Should I buy clear bra on ebay and install it myself?
Uunless you have done this before I would say DO NOT do yourself I have and I now pay to have it done. I just got a quote for 2006 rl for $695 includes both front kits and lights done. I you go to Expel website http://www.xpel.com/ put in your zip and find someone close by. Its like doing window tint....
Old 12-06-2006 | 04:06 PM
  #11  
neuronbob's Avatar
Senior Moderator
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 20,020
Likes: 4,618
From: Cleveland area, OH
Originally Posted by nyjohnchan
pictures please. Should I buy clear bra on ebay and install it myself?
If you are patient, have a steady hand, and have a lot of time, you can definitely do it yourself.

I have the steady hand but not a lot of time, so it's worth it to me to pay for the install. I will have pix after my install.
Old 12-06-2006 | 09:22 PM
  #12  
Ry4an's Avatar
Instructor
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 108
Likes: 0
given that we know your job...

Originally Posted by neuronbob
If you are patient, have a steady hand, and have a lot of time, you can definitely do it yourself.

I have the steady hand
but not a lot of time, so it's worth it to me to pay for the install. I will have pix after my install.
Heh, that might sound like bluster if we didn't know you're a neurosurgeon.
Old 12-08-2006 | 12:18 PM
  #13  
ajdigerati's Avatar
Instructor
 
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 138
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by nyjohnchan
pictures please. Should I buy clear bra on ebay and install it myself?
If you are seriously considering doing it yourself I recommend CLEARMASK. The product is good ( I have on 2 cars: '06 TL & '06 TSX). Additionally, the company's customer service is great. I messed up two pieces and they sent me replacements even though it was my fault. I have called them twice and both times the owner picked up the phone and was great to deal with.
Old 12-08-2006 | 08:56 PM
  #14  
neuronbob's Avatar
Senior Moderator
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 20,020
Likes: 4,618
From: Cleveland area, OH
Originally Posted by Ry4an
Heh, that might sound like bluster if we didn't know you're a neurosurgeon.
I appreciate the compliment, but I am a mere neurologist. I still need a steady hand when I do EMG testing, though.
Old 12-09-2006 | 01:48 PM
  #15  
neuronbob's Avatar
Senior Moderator
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 20,020
Likes: 4,618
From: Cleveland area, OH
Here are pictures of my install today.

https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3138
Old 12-09-2006 | 09:00 PM
  #16  
backfire's Avatar
Instructor
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 233
Likes: 2
I spoke to one of the Expel dealers today and he told me there are two complete kits for 2006 RL. One goes up hood 18" and the other is 24" does that seem correct with yours. If you don't mind what did they charge you and did you do your headlights?
Old 12-10-2006 | 08:48 AM
  #17  
neuronbob's Avatar
Senior Moderator
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 20,020
Likes: 4,618
From: Cleveland area, OH
On my car, the hod kit extends 22 inches at its midpoint.

I paid $615 for mine; it was done at my house by a local installer called Block-a-chip. I found that a reasonable price for a moderate-difficult installation like that on the RL. I'm sure it would have been less had I gone to their facility. The headlights would have been $95 extra and I didn't opt for those.
Old 12-10-2006 | 09:09 AM
  #18  
backfire's Avatar
Instructor
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 233
Likes: 2
I was quoted $570 and $49 for headlights. Thank you
Old 12-10-2006 | 09:23 AM
  #19  
neuronbob's Avatar
Senior Moderator
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 20,020
Likes: 4,618
From: Cleveland area, OH
Not a bad price!
Old 12-10-2006 | 09:49 AM
  #20  
backfire's Avatar
Instructor
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 233
Likes: 2
Just used expel website and found one close by that appeared to work with product http://www.xpel.com/
Old 12-21-2006 | 04:58 PM
  #21  
backfire's Avatar
Instructor
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 233
Likes: 2
Just got home had 3m bra put on the RL. Full front with headlights, foglights, and mirrors. He did a EXCELLENT job. They also tinted windows. I am very please with the work. The whole front end was one piece, can barely see it on. He uses the EXPEL cut. We talked about other brands and he carries some others, but his biggest seller is the 3M. He says some of the others are easier to put on, but not as nice.
Old 12-21-2006 | 09:49 PM
  #22  
plastikman's Avatar
Senior Moderator
 
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,340
Likes: 85
From: West Coast
Originally Posted by neuronbob
I'm having Xpel installed on my RL this weekend for $615 here in Cleveland.

I only found one guy here in the Seattle area that has Xpel and he wants $785
Old 12-21-2006 | 09:59 PM
  #23  
backfire's Avatar
Instructor
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 233
Likes: 2
Expel

Sometimes you have to pay for the BEST. I've had two types of cuts on 4 different vehicles and never had a problem with 3m EXPEL. I personally think the fit is better. The kit for the RL cut today was excellent. It cost me $700 for everything and $200 for windows.
Old 12-21-2006 | 10:02 PM
  #24  
plastikman's Avatar
Senior Moderator
 
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,340
Likes: 85
From: West Coast
I dont mind paying. but when I hear about other people getting deals, then I want one as well ! ! ! Oh well, I have to do some more research, but I wanna do it soon
Old 10-16-2008 | 04:36 PM
  #25  
conklinm's Avatar
6th Gear
 
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Best Product for Black TL?

Has anyone had Xpel or ClearBra installed on a black car (I have an 08 TL)? I've heard that these kits can make darker paint look hazy.
If anyone has any photos of what their kit looks like I would certainly appreciate it.
Old 10-17-2008 | 01:46 AM
  #26  
470hpGS400's Avatar
Pro
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 668
Likes: 7
From: So .California
If it appears hazy then the installation was not proper.
used both brands with success. No issues with discoloring over time, etc. Seen it on dark cars and again no issues.
Old 10-17-2008 | 05:14 AM
  #27  
neuronbob's Avatar
Senior Moderator
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 20,020
Likes: 4,618
From: Cleveland area, OH
^^^^^^

Agree. No way it should appear hazy on a black car, or any car. I've had Xpel on my RL for nearly two years and I can't see it unless I'm at certain angles. It's completely clear still.
Old 10-17-2008 | 07:09 AM
  #28  
conklinm's Avatar
6th Gear
 
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Thanks. I had one of the local installers tell me that one product hazed on black cars and I wanted to get some unbiased feedback.

Another question...I just got quoted $925 for an Xpel bumper, 24" hood and mirror package. It looks like that it a bit pricey from what I have seen others get the same package for. Should I try talking him down or just find another installer?
Old 10-17-2008 | 03:34 PM
  #29  
neuronbob's Avatar
Senior Moderator
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 20,020
Likes: 4,618
From: Cleveland area, OH
I'd price it with another installer. I don't know where you live, but I paid $650 for a mobile installer to apply the Xpel to the bumper, 1/4 hood, and mirrors here in the Cleveland area.
Old 10-17-2008 | 03:55 PM
  #30  
conklinm's Avatar
6th Gear
 
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Just got a quote for $450 to install Xpel on the front bumper, mirrors and hood here in Columbia, SC.
Glad that I checked with some other places.

Thanks for the help!
Old 10-17-2008 | 04:24 PM
  #31  
470hpGS400's Avatar
Pro
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 668
Likes: 7
From: So .California
Originally Posted by neuronbob
I'd price it with another installer. I don't know where you live, but I paid $650 for a mobile installer to apply the Xpel to the bumper, 1/4 hood, and mirrors here in the Cleveland area.
I thought the 'love" comment was funny before you changed it.
Old 10-18-2008 | 03:26 PM
  #32  
eric_wolf's Avatar
Cruisin'
 
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by conklinm
Has anyone had Xpel or ClearBra installed on a black car (I have an 08 TL)? I've heard that these kits can make darker paint look hazy.
If anyone has any photos of what their kit looks like I would certainly appreciate it.
I have Scotchguard Paint Protection Film from 3M. It was installed by my dealer (Hood, fender, mirror, bumper, lights). It was installed in July of 2008 and I took delivery in September of 2008). It looks good to me but it is essentially new.

Old 10-19-2008 | 03:44 AM
  #33  
470hpGS400's Avatar
Pro
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 668
Likes: 7
From: So .California
Looks good Eric.

Also, 3M kits are sold via Ebay if you fee like saving $$. I installed a 3M kit which has clearcoat on my GX. No problems after 2 years. Some cars are more difficult requiring stretching and another two hands. I will be doing the RL shortly.
Old 10-19-2008 | 07:06 AM
  #34  
neuronbob's Avatar
Senior Moderator
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 20,020
Likes: 4,618
From: Cleveland area, OH
That's a great installation! I can't see the line on the hood from that angle.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
MrHeeltoe
1G TSX Tires, Wheels, & Suspension
20
02-23-2023 01:54 PM
rp_guy
Member Cars for Sale
9
07-16-2017 07:33 AM
MrHeeltoe
2G TSX Tires, Wheels & Suspension
3
09-29-2015 10:43 PM
MrHeeltoe
3G TL Tires, Wheels & Suspension
0
09-28-2015 05:43 PM



Quick Reply: XPEL vs Clearshield paint protection film



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:40 AM.