PFF - STEK vs XPEL

[taylorxo]

Hi guys!

I am in the process of finding a shop to install PPF on my M3. I have been asking what brand they use and came across STEK & XPEL.

Wanted to jump on here and ask if anyone has one they prefer over the other? Which one is better? I’m leaning towards a shop that uses STEK.

[SYT_Shadow]

As far as I'm concerned, xtel ultimate is the industry standard

[N1rve]

Originally Posted by taylorxo

Hi guys!

I am in the process of finding a shop to install PPF on my M3. I have been asking what brand they use and came across STEK & XPEL.

Wanted to jump on here and ask if anyone has one they prefer over the other? Which one is better? I’m leaning towards a shop that uses STEK.

Whichever one the installer is more comfortable with. Each film has different properties of the way they adhere. There are only some variances in PPF if you go really high end like some have ceramic embedded or a 12-year warranty instead of 10 years.

I have XPEL Ultimate Black (On my roof and window trim) and LLumar Platinum on the rest of my car. My Llumar is 5 years old and has less orange peel than XPEL Ultimate and there isn't really anything "bad" with it. I don't notice any difference in hydrophobic properties either. My installer told me Llumar is the best looking.

[RickFLM4]

I haven't heard of STEK but have tried 3M, Xpel and Suntek. I like Suntek best for its finish, followed by Xpel. As suggested above, use the product your installer is most comfortable installing and focus on finding the installer you trust the most.

[NSX2M4]

My M4 has Suntek and my R1S has Xpel. When I asked my PPF guy who exclusively does installations for Ferrari, Lamborghini, and other high end clientele why he made the switch he said, " because it adheres better making his installation easier." Other than that, he sees no benefit and he wraps cars 6 days a week nonstop.
Just go with what your installer is more comfortable with.

[M 4 FUN]

I have my whole M4 wrapped in STEk and it is fantastic. No comlains. Good surface finish, hydrphobic, self healing and it hasn't mi9ssed a beat in 4 years.
Very satisfyed. I even wrapped the barrels outside edge on my wheels with it.

[RElias21]

Is STEK short for Suntek, or are those two different brands?

I was at a Cars & Coffee this past Saturday at a well known PPF shop who used to almost exclusively use XPEL (and did on my car) and now has transitioned to almost exclusively Suntek.

They’re both good, but he did mention that Suntek is a US company that makes their own film, whereas XPEL has their film made for them in China and sometimes runs into quality issues.

While he was by no means trashing XPEL, Suntek is his No. 1 now.

[dsenechal]

Originally Posted by RElias21

Is STEK short for Suntek, or are those two different brands?

I was at a Cars & Coffee this past Saturday at a well known PPF shop who used to almost exclusively use XPEL (and did on my car) and now has transitioned to almost exclusively Suntek.

They’re both good, but he did mention that Suntek is a US company that makes their own film, whereas XPEL has their film made for them in China and sometimes runs into quality issues.

While he was by no means trashing XPEL, Suntek is his No. 1 now.

No, STEK and suntek are totally different brands. Any top tier PPF is just fine. All comes down to the installer

[N1rve]

Originally Posted by RElias21

Is STEK short for Suntek, or are those two different brands?

I was at a Cars & Coffee this past Saturday at a well known PPF shop who used to almost exclusively use XPEL (and did on my car) and now has transitioned to almost exclusively Suntek.

They’re both good, but he did mention that Suntek is a US company that makes their own film, whereas XPEL has their film made for them in China and sometimes runs into quality issues.

While he was by no means trashing XPEL, Suntek is his No. 1 now.

STEK is it's own brand. Suntek is owned by Eastman. Llumar is ALSO owned by Eastman.

[Wanted_M]

Any of those listed are better than nothing, I use XPEL but that's what the majority of installers have, no complaints on the XPEL product. Find a shop with good ratings, visit, see their work and go for it.

[NSX2M4]

Originally Posted by N1rve

STEK is it's own brand. Suntek is owned by Eastman. Llumar is ALSO owned by Eastman.

Man, I had no idea these were different companies...
That is some serious brand infringement right there! Stek/Suntek.
My SUNTEK PPF on the M4 was installed in 2019 and the car looks brand new today.