[johnny59]

Someone on a Tesla forum said you need to use a sealant regularly on Xpel PPF - true or not? I’m in the market for covering the front and cargo lip but don’t want the added tasks of doing the sealant regularly. I don’t think 3M needs any more stuff after install.

 

[johnny59]

I have XPEL on my PP. The 3M and XPEL are similar products. I would not do it yourself. Find a place with certified installers, that's the secret. My XPEL installation included all the forward facing surfaces and door handle wells for $1100. Very pleased with it.

I wouldn't attempt to install this myself, so I called up a few installers. In my area Xpel for the full front is ~$2000. That's a tidy penny. Wonder if the 3m installs run cheaper.

 

[johnny59]

"Sealant" is the term for a synthetic wax vs "wax" which contains natural carnauba wax. You can treat most automotive films like the clearcoat (top coat of paint). That is, clean it like the rest of your car with shampoo, polish if necessary, wax or sealant. Search the web and there are a few forums dedicated to automotive detailing and care of automotive films.

When using a "wax", keep it off the black plastic. Waxes will leave white residue on the black plastic when dried. A "sealant" does not leave white residue on black plastic. Sealants are longer lasting than waxes, but waxes provide a deeper gloss. Use alcohol or a black vinyl cleaner to remove wax residue on black plastic.

What I understood from your reply is that any film (3m, Xpel etc.) could use sealant if you want to apply it. And you could just be lazy and/or cheap and not bother doing it on any film either?