XPEL vs. 3M: Which PPF Should You Use

XPEL vs. 3M: Which PPF Should You Use?

Posted March 17, 2023

See the differences between these two popular brands of paint protection film (PPF), and why the experts at The Auto Protectors choose XPEL for your best auto protection needs.

What is a PPF Car Wrap?

PPF is a type of vinyl wrap that is applied to the exterior of a vehicle to protect the car paint from damage. PPF car wraps are usually clear in colour and are designed to shield your paint from scratches, chips, and other types of damage that can occur during normal driving or from exposure to the elements.

It is made from a durable, flexible material that is designed to conform to the curves and contours of your vehicle’s body. The film is self-adhesive, which means that it can be applied to the surface of the car without the need for additional adhesives or solvents.

PPF is becoming increasingly popular among car enthusiasts, as they offer an effective way to protect a vehicle’s paint without compromising its appearance. It is also popular among people who want to maintain the value of their car by protecting it from damage that can reduce its resale value.

3M and XPEL are two of the most popular brands that produce PPF for vehicles.

Why Use PPF for Your Vehicle?

Especially in a city like Calgary, you probably know the importance of protecting your car’s paint from the many kinds of damage that can occur on a daily basis.

Here are the key advantages of protecting your paint with PPF:

Saving money: Repainting your vehicle is very expensive and time-consuming. You can easily avoid this with PPF.
Protection of Paint: Whether it is chips from pebbles, door dings, or other environmental factors that car wear your paint down, PPF acts as another layer of armor for your car.
Versatility: PPF can be easily applied and removed at your will, without damaging the paint underneath.
Easy maintenance: When damaged, you do not need to completely re-do your current PPF job. The PPF local to the damaged area can be replaced. With less severe damage, PPF can often self-heal.

Overall, getting a PPF for your vehicle is a great investment for protecting your car and maintaining its appearance and value over time.

What are the Differences Between XPEL and 3M?

As previously mentioned, 3M and XPEL are two of the leading brands in the PPF industry. While both 3M PPF and XPEL PPF are designed to protect a vehicle’s paint from scratches, chips, and other types of damage, there are some differences between them. Here are a few key differences:

Thickness:

3M and XPEL come in a variety of thicknesses, with 3M offering thicknesses from 6 mils to 13 mils and XPEL offering thicknesses from 8 mils to 22 mils. XPEL PPF is generally thicker than 3M PPF, which can provide additional protection against more severe impacts.

Self-Healing Technology:

Both 3M and XPEL offer PPF with self-healing technology, which means that minor scratches or swirls in the film will disappear over time as the film’s polymer structure rebounds to its original form. However, XPEL’s self-healing technology is said to be more advanced than 3M’s, which may provide a higher level of protection against minor damage.

Clarity:

XPEL claims that it’s PPF is clearer and has a higher gloss than 3M’s PPF. This may be due to differences in the adhesive used or the manufacturing process.

Warranty:

Both 3M and XPEL offer warranties on their PPF products, but the terms and coverage may vary. XPEL offers a wider range of warranty options and coverage, including coverage for yellowing, staining, and cracking.

Why The Auto Protectors Choose XPEL For Your Auto Protection Needs

Based on the numerous advantages XPEL has over 3M in terms of the PPFs these companies offer, we at The Auto Protectors are comfortable only offering XPEL PPF to our customers.

It doesn’t just offer exterior protection, but also offers PPF that can be cut and fitted for use in interiors too, which is something that is often overlooked by people looking to extend the life of their vehicles.

XPEL meets the high standards that our experts hold up, and ultimately, it is the best choice available for PPF on the market. Not only that, but because XPEL is the only brand we roll with, we get preferred pricing, and these cost savings get passed down to you, the customer.

Darren Elia