XPEL paint protection film: ULTIMATE PLUS, STEALTH and cost

Which XPEL film is which

ULTIMATE PLUS is the clear gloss film most shops quote when they say “XPEL.” XPEL’s data sheet lists a clear coat over a urethane film and an acrylic adhesive, about 7.6 mil in all. XPEL says light scratches in the top coat heal in 20 to 30 minutes at room temperature, faster with warm water.

STEALTH is the satin version. It turns gloss paint into a satin look, and XPEL’s 2025 data sheet describes its top coat as hydrophilic rather than water-beading. ULTIMATE FUSION adds a hydrophobic top coat. COLOR PPF puts color in the film, as an alternative to a vinyl wrap.

What the XPEL warranty covers, and what it doesn’t

XPEL’s warranty for ULTIMATE PLUS and STEALTH runs 10 years from installation and covers yellowing, cracking, blistering and delaminating of the film. It applies to film professionally installed the way XPEL recommends, and claims go through the authorized installer who did the work, with the warranty card and the original receipt.

It doesn’t cover rock and road-debris impacts, stains, scratches, water spots, damage from automatic car washes, collision or hail, or panels that weren’t re-wrapped after body work. It also excludes non-XPEL ceramic coatings on the film, and it covers the film, not the paint under it. ULTIMATE FUSION’s extra years need a yearly inspection by a certified Fusion installer.

• Keep the warranty card and the receipt.
• Ask which coating the shop puts over the film, and whether it is XPEL’s.
• Ask what happens if a panel is repainted later.

What XPEL film costs

Shops post a median of $1,999 for paint protection film, with half of posted prices between $1,199 and $3,800 (127 shops). By coverage, shops post a median of $1,195 for partial front, $2,000 for full front, $6,000 for full body.

Coverage drives the price more than the brand: a partial front, a full front and a full car are different jobs. Compare quotes for the same panels and the same film line, and ask whether edges are wrapped and whether the price includes paint correction.

Finding an XPEL installer

XPEL publishes an installer locator on its own website. We match it against our listings by phone number, website and name, and 1,043 shops we list are on it. A shop that names XPEL on its website but isn’t on the list may still install it, so ask.

These cities have at least three shops on XPEL’s list in and around them:

Caring for XPEL film

XPEL’s care page covers washing and self-healing. For STEALTH, it suggests 99% isopropyl alcohol for stubborn stains and sealing the film with XPEL Ceramic Boost at least every six months to keep the satin finish.

XPEL’s FAQ says a ceramic coating can go over its film, and that its own FUSION PLUS coating won’t void the film warranty. The warranty itself excludes non-XPEL coatings, so check before another brand goes on top.