Xpel Ultimate Clear Bra

[SINIS7R]

I am plan on getting a full clear bra for my viper. I was talking to the detailers today and found out the hood is a 3 piece film.

Can anyone share pictures of their car with the Xpel film seams on the hood? Dark colored vipers would be the best since mine is black. I just want to see how noticable it is.

[Purple Haze]

Here is my Stryker Purple done in several pieces...In sunlight at angles yes you can see if really looking for it. You can see some edges around the SRT hood vents mainly. Overall looks great. Better that than chips in this sacred paint! 37484

[Martin]

I don't have pictures, but on dark color cars, you will probably see the seam. I had a good installer do mine, and I saw a few other cars that he did, and I could barely notice the seam - but those were lighter colored. When he finished with mine, I was a little disappointed that the seam is really obvious in a few places. Also, if you put a coating over the wrap (like a ceramic coat) you'll definitely see the seam - some of the white residue gets into the seam and I haven't found a way to make it go away.

Otherwise, I'm happy with it. I got the Suntek wrap, but I think the patterns are the same for Xpel and Suntek.

[imzoomintoo]

Here is a close up of mine. If you look close you can see right at the edge of the GTS stripes that is where the seem is. I notice it all the time but it really is not bad, most people never notice it. I did Xpel and I think the benefits out weigh the seams.
37487

[SINIS7R]

Thank you all for sharing. I just want to know what to expect after they are complete with the clear bra.

So I found the pre cut template from Xpel. I am more interested in the seam that comes together after the vents and goes to the windshield. Does anyone have a close up picture of that area?
All the other seams seem to follow close to the viper's natural lines.

37488

[Bruce H.]

It's impossible to not see seams in film if you look for them, and how obvious they will be is determined largely by the installer, and color as you know. You can see seams in mine on a black car but they don't show up in pictures...and it doesn't bother me because I know it's impossible to not see them if you go looking. Find a good installer and enjoy the comfort of knowing your paint is protected. Seams won't ruin your car but scratches and dings sure mess it up.

[blingnoring]

do they make this stuff for the windshield?

[cubeman]

do they make this stuff for the windshield?

Yes there are a few companies that make it, similar to the stuff they use at race tracks

[Gen5snake]

I wonder if there are any long term side effects to the paint from it being covered/sealed?...like discoloration. Do these wraps bubble up around the impact areas as they start getting stone chips? and how hard is it to remove?

[SINIS7R]

Yes there are a few companies that make it, similar to the stuff they use at race tracks

There is a 10 year warranty on Xpel Ultimate film. People on this forum have documented discoloration around the exhaust. But if you get an aftermarket like belanger from JonB you should be good. As for stone chips the film is self healing (with heat).

[LuvSpeed]

LLumar makes a film large enough to cover the Viper hood so that you do not see any lines. They make a nice self healing film. From personal experience, I would stay away from any installer that uses templates to cut the film. The templates usually leaving the leading edges of the car void of film. The most important part! Also, I have a car 100% wrapped in clear bra. After close scrutiny I still can't tell you where the film edge is. You can only feel it on the other side of the leading edge. A good result from a wrapped is most dependent on the installer. With research, and possible a little travel, you can find an installer that will do a great job.

[1Koolasp 16ACR]

full body expel, had no choice...

[urchin]

37494

Had entire car wrapped by Clear Bra Indy. Great experience.

Couple of qualifiers. Matte wrap, so seams will show more due to texture of film. Had to take a few pics in different light and angles to get seam to show to this degree.

Peace of mind outweighs any visible seams as far as I’m concerned.

[SINIS7R]

37494

Had entire car wrapped by Clear Bra Indy. Great experience.

Couple of qualifiers. Matte wrap, so seams will show more due to texture of film. Had to take a few pics in different light and angles to get seam to show to this degree.

Peace of mind outweighs any visible seams as far as I’m concerned.

Thank you for posting this picture.
Yah I am doing the clear bra wrap regardless. I definitely agree the peace of mind outweighs the visible seams. I just want to know what to expect when I get the car back!

[FSTENUF]

37508375093751037511
If you have the stripes you will never see them

[FSTENUF]

375123751337514
Worth every penny

[bassplayrr]

I have, essentially, the worst combination possible: black, GTS hood, and full ppf. The only seams I have are two in either side: one on the hood between the hood vent on the back edge of the hood and on the roof between the roof and B pillar. It doesn’t get any worse than black, so if you get a competent installer your seams will be no worse than this.3751537516 *in full disclosure, I have ceramic coating on top of the PPF as well*

[Exhlr8n]

Suntek here...Full wrap, all painted areas covered. Done by free hand (Wasn't cheap either). No templets here, all the edges are rolled under. It is Very very difficult to spot the seams, on the hood he followed the strips perfectly. You have to rub your hand across it and try and find it.

37517

[SINIS7R]

I have, essentially, the worst combination possible: black, GTS hood, and full ppf. The only seams I have are two in either side: one on the hood between the hood vent on the back edge of the hood and on the roof between the roof and B pillar. It doesn’t get any worse than black, so if you get a competent installer your seams will be no worse than this.3751537516 *in full disclosure, I have ceramic coating on top of the PPF as well*

That doesn't look bad at all! I am also getting ceramic coating on top. Hopefully I do have a competent installer :lol2:
They just did a gen V GTS-R so I'm pretty confident in their ability!

[Gen5snake]

I would imagine this stuff has to come off at some point. I would be crapping myself if I were this guy. https://youtu.be/6pvavRaeBEA

[housemouse]

suntek just released a larger width roll, and they might could do it in one piece. I am having my TDF redone this way. Have suntek on GT3, GT3RS, and then another RS with Xpel. Suntek is thinner, but optically it looks better, and doesnt seem to yellow like Xpel. Also, get the custom cut on car, wrapped edges...skip the template stuff. my .01.

[Caldermw]

I have XPel on the entire car. Hood is done in 3 pieces and while the seam is visible from some angles, from others it is not. Nobody has ever asked me about the seam at car shows, club events, parking lots, etc. From my perspective, it was money very well-spent and the film is awesome. 375643756537566

[Bill Pemberton]

We have a guy that did quite a few Vipers for us ( he does some of our Porsches , Alfas, Maseratis also ) and the seams are not very noticeable. Xpel has become very, very popular in the last year, so my best advice to you is to ask the simple question of the Installer you choose , " How long have you been doing Xpel? " No offense , but if the guy is new, move on, and try and get recommendations from friends as well as looking for a guy with years of experience.

[Martin]

We have a guy that did quite a few Vipers for us ( he does some of our Porsches , Alfas, Maseratis also ) and the seams are not very noticeable. Xpel has become very, very popular in the last year, so my best advice to you is to ask the simple question of the Installer you choose , " How long have you been doing Xpel? " No offense , but if the guy is new, move on, and try and get recommendations from friends as well as looking for a guy with years of experience.

The key here is that they have a lot of experience with Vipers - especially Gen I/II and V cars. Those are difficult - especially the Gen V ACRs. The guy that did mine has done quite a few and he warned me that no matter how hard he tries, I'm going to see the seams. It's just the nature of the beast, and the limitations of the material at the time (I think they can get wider rolls now that either put the seams in a less noticeable place, or cover the whole hood). I was a bit bummed when I saw the seams, but as people have said, I'd rather have the protection than constantly be worried about rock chips. That, and it's SOOOO much easier to wash the car now. That alone is worth the price of admission (which is crazy high in my opinion).

[SmoknTires]

I echo the above, a skilled person does a good install - but experience helps make it great.

Over the last 20 years I've used a lot of clearbra products as I've always been obsessed with caring for the cars. Moved to xpel 7 years ago and did a number of my cars with it. It seems thinner (and the installers say it's easier to install than most). Though ont he cars that are moreso daily drivers, I admit I have a couple rocks that made it all the way through, not something that ever happened a lot with prior products. I've still been happy with it.

But I made a change three years ago to Suntek on the Bentley, which I never regarded as among the best film. They are rated well and they really came along the last few years, they also have a self healing product now. I did a test of 3 products on the same panel - and suntek looked the smoothest. It was thicker than xpel, but that didn't bother me (though does make the seams slightly easier to see). I have to admit, I'm sticking with it. I did 3 cars with it now. It's just slightly glossier and smoother than xpel in my opinion. And of the research I was doing, it seems fairly highly rated. I've been fairly happy.

All of them (even 3M - which used to be the old favorite by consensus) have developed better products. It's so much easier to make the decision these days, they're pretty good compared to 15 years ago, nowadays you can't go wrong. You don't hear of people using a product and being unhappy with it as much. Though one thing that isn't common knowledge - all of the self healing products (which they pretty much all have now) eventually lose that capability - actually within just 3 years or so (or faster in hot climates). So don't get too focused on that. You'll also find that seams aren't as big a deal as you think - often it has more to do with the kit or how your installer cuts it, the seams are often more strategic than they used to be. That's another thing that's really improved over the years on precut kits.


The one thing that's for sure, I'll never own a car without a clearbra on it. I've also gotten hooked on ceramic coating, which when applied to the clear bra, helps make it even easier to clean. Opticoat has my vote there. Have fun.

[blingnoring]

The one thing that's for sure, I'll never own a car without a clearbra on it. I've also gotten hooked on ceramic coating, which when applied to the clear bra, helps make it even easier to clean. Opticoat has my vote there. Have fun.

is it more beneficial if you do a ceramic coating and then apply clear bra? or clear bra then ceramic coating?

[SINIS7R]

is it more beneficial if you do a ceramic coating and then apply clear bra? or clear bra then ceramic coating?

You have to apply the clear bra first. The ceramic coating and clear bra adhesive don't play well together:z:

Plus the point of ceramic coatings is to get the hydrophobic properties. Basically its permanent wax

[SmoknTires]

Exactly. Clear bra first.

[Martin]

If you do the ceramic before the clear bra, it's like doing the spermicide before putting on the condom. I think I remember that question from the LSAT.

[wakebum2507]

Xpel + ceramic coating yields fantastic results, with great hydrophobic qualities//easier cleaning. I wouldn’t do it any other way. 37592

Don’t forget the wheels!