clear wrap

[aspman]

How long does clear wrap last?.....does it have any detrimental effects on the underlying paint?....is it easy to get off and replace?

[dewilmoth]

How long does clear wrap last?.....does it have any detrimental effects on the underlying paint?....is it easy to get off and replace?

I just peeled the clear bra off my 07 Lexus that was installed when new. It was getting dingy, but wasn’t horrendous. The underlying paint was perfect. I can only assume that the film has improved since 2007, and will last even longer.

[aspman]

Thanks!

[13COBRA]

I just peeled the clear bra off my 07 Lexus that was installed when new. It was getting dingy, but wasn’t horrendous. The underlying paint was perfect. I can only assume that the film has improved since 2007, and will last even longer.

What method did you use to remove it?

[dewilmoth]

What method did you use to remove it?

Just peeled it like a sticker. It left some residue that I had to remove in some spots, but wasn’t too bad. I think with heat it would be easier.

[13COBRA]

Just peeled it like a sticker. It left some residue that I had to remove in some spots, but wasn’t too bad. I think with heat it would be easier.

Thank you. I'm going to remove mine over the winter and have it redone next spring.

They quoted me $2800 to remove lol

[dewilmoth]

Thank you. I'm going to remove mine over the winter and have it redone next spring.

They quoted me $2800 to remove lol

Woah, that’s ridiculous! Maybe I just got lucky, but my Lexus was easy.

[13COBRA]

Woah, that’s ridiculous! Maybe I just got lucky, but my Lexus was easy.

I hope your findings are average haha

[aspman]

2800 bucks?...whats it cost to be applied?

[512BB]

Depends on how it was put on and whether they damaged the paint when they put it on - remember that they use a heat gun to stretch and put the film on. When taking it off, you need to be careful also, but generally the "glue" is soft enough that it will come off without damaging the paint or peeling the paint off.

[ClayR]

They don't use a heat gun at all to stretch Xpel. It is actually uses heat to correct scratches. It is pretty awesome stuff.

[ForTehNguyen]

xpel ultimate and suntek ultra have 10 year warranties. Wont hurt the paint. To remove PPF, they heat it up with a heatgun and peel it off

[bassplayrr]

No bueno, 13COBRA. I had four year old clear-bra professionally removed by a local high-end shop from my “old” ‘13 and it left a good amount of stubborn residue. This required a bit of buffing/paint correction and still only cost me $500 (+tip/beer money for the guys). This is in Dallas. To install clear-bra on the bumper, headlights, mirrors, side sills, and behind the rear tires on my ‘17 was only about $1,800 from the same shop. $2,800 got me the clear-bra, complete ceramic coat (including wheels), paint correction and some interior detailing. Me thinks you may need a quote from another shop.

[aspman]

So at the risk of a dumb ? how do you take care of the wrap?....obviously washing it but do you apply any polishes etc?

[Martin]

I had mine ceramic coated on top of the wrap - we'll see how it holds up. So far, all I've had to do is spray some detail spray on the car and wipe with a microfiber cloth. Not a single scratch - super easy to maintain.

[512BB]

They don't use a heat gun at all to stretch Xpel. It is actually uses heat to correct scratches. It is pretty awesome stuff.

Every time I have seen it put on by multiple vendors, they used heat gun to shape it to the underlying piece, which basically amount to stretching and shrinking the film.

[ForTehNguyen]

So at the risk of a dumb ? how do you take care of the wrap?....obviously washing it but do you apply any polishes etc?

i just wash it like its any other car

[sharmut]

Besides the material, the installation plays a role in the outcome of film as it ages. Rounded edges not tucked completely will accumulate dirt on the underside edges, eventually lifting.
If you track the car with stock exhaust system, the heat from the rocker panel sill slowly melts the film.