When it comes to protecting your car’s paint, XPEL Paint Protection Film (PPF) stands out as one of the top solutions on the market.
This clear film shields your car from scratches, chips, and other environmental damage, ensuring that it looks great for years to come.
But did you know that XPEL paint protection film comes in various thicknesses, each designed for specific needs? Understanding these options can help you make the best choice for your car.
What is XPEL Paint Protection Film?
XPEL Paint Protection Film, also known as PPF, is a clear, tough film applied to a car’s outside surfaces to protect the paint from scratches, chips, and other damage.
The film is made from a high-quality urethane material designed to be almost invisible once applied, ensuring that the car’s look is maintained while providing strong protection.
Learn to Choose the Right Thickness
Choosing the right thickness for your XPEL PPF is important. The main thickness options are 8 mil, 10 mil, and 12 mil.
But what do these numbers mean, and how do they affect the protection and look of your car? Let’s see.
1. XPEL Ultimate Plus
Thickness: 8 mils (0.008 inches)
Features:
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Self-healing: The 8 mil film has self-healing properties that allow minor scratches and swirls to disappear with heat from the sun or an engine.
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Durability: This thickness offers a balance between flexibility and toughness, making it suitable for most daily drivers and those who want good protection without compromising on looks.
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Clarity: Provides excellent clarity, ensuring that the original color and finish of your car are preserved.
Best For:
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Standard protection needs
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Daily driven cars
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Light off-road vehicles
2. XPEL Stealth
Thickness: 8 mils (0.008 inches)
Features:
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Matte Finish: Unlike the Ultimate Plus, the Stealth film provides a satin or matte finish, which is ideal for matte paint jobs or for those looking to transform a glossy finish into a matte look.
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Self-healing: It also features self-healing properties, ensuring minor scratches and swirls are quickly fixed.
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UV Protection: Offers strong UV protection, preventing paint from fading over time.
Best For:
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Matte painted cars
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Aesthetic upgrades
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Cars with custom paint jobs.
3. XPEL Ultimate Plus
Thickness: 10 mils (0.010 inches)
Features:
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Enhanced Protection: This thicker film protects against heavier impacts such as rock chips, road debris, and environmental hazards.
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Self-healing: Retains the self-healing properties of the 8 mil version, ensuring scratches and swirls are minimized.
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 Durability: Provides a higher level of toughness, making it ideal for more extreme conditions.
 Best For:
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 High-performance cars
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 Off-road vehicles
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 Cars often driven in tough conditions
4. XPEL Armor
Thickness: 13 mils (0.013 inches)
Features:
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Maximum Protection: The 13 mil film is the thickest option available, providing maximum protection against the most severe impacts and scratches.
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Durability: Extremely tough, capable of withstanding harsh environments and heavy use.
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Textured Finish: This has a slightly textured finish, which can provide an additional layer of strength to the car’s look.
Best For:
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Heavy-duty trucks and SUVs
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Commercial vehicles
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Cars used in construction or industrial settings
Measure Your Needs for Best Protection
Before deciding on the thickness of XPEL PPF, consider your driving habits and the environment to which your car is exposed.
If you often drive on rough roads or in areas with a lot of construction, opting for a thicker film might be helpful.
On the other hand, if you often drive in urban areas with well-maintained roads, the standard 8 mil thickness could be enough.
Master the Installation Process for Different Thicknesses
Installing XPEL PPF requires skill and expertise as the thickness increases.
Thicker films can be more difficult to install, requiring a skilled professional to ensure a perfect finish.
Choosing a trusted installer with experience in the specific thickness you select is vital to achieve the best results.
Closing Words
Investing in the right thickness of XPEL PPF not only protects your car’s paint but also boosts its resale value.
A well-maintained paint job free from scratches and chips can increase the appeal and market price of your car.
By choosing the right thickness, you ensure that your car remains in excellent condition for years to come.
