Aftercare · Paint protection film

Your paint is protected. Here’s how to keep the film perfect.

XPEL film is tough, but it needs about a week to fully bond to the paint. Treat it gently now and it will look invisible for years.

The one rule that matters most

No washing, waxing or pressure washing for 7 days.

7 daysLet the film cure. Rain is fine; skip the car wash and the hose.
2–3 weeksSmall moisture pockets or a slight haze under the film are normal and clear on their own.
ForeverHand wash, and keep pressure-washer tips away from film edges.

Do

  • ✓
    Hand wash with a pH-neutral car soap and a clean microfiber mitt. Two buckets if you have them.
  • ✓
    Rinse bird droppings, bug splatter and tree sap off as soon as you see them.Left in the Florida sun, they can etch any surface, film included.
  • ✓
    Let the sun do the healing. Light swirls and fine scratches in the top coat disappear with heat.Park in the sun for an hour, or pour warm (not boiling) water over the spot.
  • ✓
    Dry with a soft microfiber or a blower. Water spots are easier to prevent than remove.
  • ✓
    Ask us before applying any wax, sealant or coating on top of the film. Some are great; some aren’t.

Don’t

  • ✕
    Don’t wash for the first 7 days, and never use an automatic brush wash. Touchless is OK after week one.
  • ✕
    Don’t aim a pressure washer at film edges or seams, and keep the nozzle at least 12 inches from the surface.
  • ✕
    Don’t pick at or press on any small bubbles or moisture spots. They’re part of the cure and will vanish.
  • ✕
    Don’t use abrasive polishes, clay bars or aggressive compounds on the film.
  • ✕
    On STEALTH (satin) film, don’t use waxes or dressings that add gloss. Ask us for the right products.

Your warranty

XPEL ULTIMATE PLUS, ULTIMATE FUSION and STEALTH carry a 10-year limited warranty against yellowing, staining, cracking, blistering and delamination. We register your install with XPEL. Keep your receipt, and if you ever notice an edge lifting or anything that looks off, send us a photo before touching it.

Questions? We’re one text away.

If anything looks off in the first few weeks, send us a photo before doing anything to it. We’d rather look at it than have you guess.

Love the result?

★★★★★ A quick Google review is the best thank-you a small shop can get, and it helps the next owner find us.

OCD Tinting & Wraps · 1126 Hospital Road, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547
Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm · 850-787-8584