Xpel Certified Installers Nottingham - FAQ
Please see below FAQ but if you have any questions then feel free to contact us and we’ll be happy to talk to you about the services we offer.
What is XPEL Paint Protection Film (PPF)?
Xpel Paint Protection Film (PPF) is a virtually invisible, self-healing polyurethane film designed to protect your vehicle’s paintwork from stone chips, scratches, road debris, bug splatter, and environmental damage.
XPEL PPF features:
- Self-healing technology (light scratches disappear with heat)
- Exceptional optical clarity
- UV resistance to prevent fading
- Hydrophobic surface for easier cleaning
- Long-term, sacrificial protection for your paintwork
- 10 year transferable warranty
XPEL is widely considered the industry benchmark for paint protection film.
What does “XPEL Certified Installer” mean?
Being XPEL Certified means Surface Works has:
- Completed and passed official XPEL training at their UK training centre
- Met strict installation and quality standards
- Uses genuine XPEL materials and DAP software
- Follows approved fitting and preparation methods
This ensures your PPF is installed with precision, consistency, and care meaning that we can carry out Xpel PPF installation on your vehicle in Nottingham.
How much does Xpel PPF cost to do a full car or a front end?
Some have parking sensors, some don’t, some cars are customised and some are in worse condition than others.
Each customer may specify different panels they want protecting or areas they want to avoid because they’ve already been treated.
We start front end installations (bonnet, bumper, etc) at £1200 and full car installations at £4000 just to give an idea but every car will have a customised quote created.
That’s why we ask customers to contact us with as much information as possible and we’ll provide a customised quote.
And what’s more, if you choose to be contacted via text message or email because you don’t want to speak to us then we will. But if you want to talk to us then we can pick up the phone and have a discussion about your requirements.
Is XPEL any good?
Yes. XPEL is regarded as one of the leading paint protection film manufacturers globally.
Xpel is perfect for :
- Supercar owners
- Track-day enthusiasts
- Collectors
- OEM-level installers worldwide
- Any one that cares for their car
Its reputation is built on:
- Consistent film quality
- Advanced self-healing performance
- Reliable long-term results
- Industry-leading software and vehicle coverage
It is trusted not just by customers, but by professional installers who rely on repeatable, predictable outcomes.
Is XPEL worth the money?
Yes — XPEL is widely considered worth the investment for customers who want long-term protection and peace of mind.
While XPEL PPF sits at the premium end of the market, it offers:
- Proven self-healing technology
- Excellent long-term durability
- Outstanding optical clarity
- Strong manufacturer backing and warranty
- Consistent quality across vehicles and installs
For high-value vehicles, performance cars, and customers who care about preserving paint condition and resale value, XPEL PPF often proves more cost-effective over time than repeated paint repairs or resprays.
Why does Surface Works choose XPEL over other brands?
At Surface Works, we’ve chosen to align ourselves with XPEL because we believe they are leaders in their field.
From our perspective as XPEL Certified installers, XPEL offers:
- Consistent, high-quality film
- Excellent technical support and training
- Industry-leading vehicle template software
- Reliable results across a wide range of vehicles
From a customer perspective, XPEL delivers:
- Outstanding protection
- Long-lasting performance
- Peace of mind backed by a globally recognised brand
For these reasons, Surface Works installs XPEL exclusively and confidently recommends it to customers looking for the best available paint protection.
There are other PPF suppliers like CarPro PPF, 3M PPF, and Pro PPF to name a few but we wanted to align ourselves with Xpel in our Nottinghamshire studio.
Do I need machine polishing before XPEL PPF is installed?
Not always.
PPF is transparent, so whatever is in the paint will be locked in underneath the film. For this reason, paint condition is assessed before installation.
- Brand-new or immaculate vehicles may not require machine polishing
- Used vehicles or paint with swirl marks, light scratches, or haze may benefit from polishing
Machine polishing is offered as an optional add-on, but if polishing is necessary to achieve the correct result, we will always advise you honestly before any work begins and it’s the customers choice whether to go ahead with this add on.
PPF is very forgiving with minor marks and scratches and will add a level of gloss and in some instances hide the minor marks underneath, but not always guaranteed.
Our approach is simple:
If polishing is needed, we’ll tell you.
If it isn’t, we won’t sell it unnecessarily and it’s your choice.
Can I combine XPEL PPF with ceramic coating?
Yes — and this is one of the most popular protection combinations we offer.
Many customers choose:
- XPEL PPF on high-impact front-end areas (bumper, bonnet, wings, mirrors)
- Ceramic coating on the remaining painted surfaces
This provides:
- Maximum stone-chip protection where it matters most
- Enhanced gloss, hydrophobic behaviour, and easier maintenance across the rest of the vehicle
- A cost-effective alternative to full PPF coverage
We can also coat:
- PPF itself with ceramic(for added hydrophobic performance)
- Wheels (Wheel Armour)
- Glass (Window Armour)
- Trim
All protection packages are tailored to how you use your vehicle.
Is XPEL PPF only suitable for new cars?
No.
While PPF is ideal for new vehicles, it can also be applied to used cars once the paintwork has been properly prepared.
If correction is required, we will recommend the minimum level of polishing needed to ensure the best finish before installation.
What areas of the vehicle can be protected?
XPEL PPF can be applied to:
- Front bumper
- Bonnet
- Wings
- Headlights
- Mirrors
- Side skirts
- Rear arches
- High-impact areas
- Full vehicle coverage
Protection is always customised to the vehicle and how it’s driven.
Does XPEL PPF change the appearance of my car?
XPEL PPF is designed to be virtually invisible and often enhances gloss and depth.
For customers wanting a satin finish, XPEL Stealth PPF can transform gloss paint into a factory-style matte appearance while retaining full protection.
There are also colour PPF options available for anyone wanting to change the colour of their vehicle.
How long does XPEL PPF last?
When installed by an XPEL Certified installer and properly maintained, XPEL PPF is designed to last many years, even under daily use and harsh conditions.
We provide full aftercare guidance following installation.
Why choose Surface Works for XPEL PPF?
- XPEL Certified installation
- Controlled working environment
- Precision-cut vehicle-specific templates
- Honest, no-upsell advice on paint correction
- Experience with high-value and performance vehicles
Every vehicle is treated with the same care, precision, and respect we expect for our own.
I've already had the car PPF'd but a panel is damaged.
What is the warranty on Xpel PPF
All installations are logged on Xpels system along with the car information and pictures giving piece of mind to the customer that they can always get warranty support.
For the full warranty information visit Xpel : https://xpel.co.uk/help/warranty-information/
What is XPEL Stealth PPF?
Xpel Stealth Paint Protection Film is a satin/matte version of traditional clear PPF.
It can:
- Protect factory matte paint
- Transform gloss paint into a smooth satin finish
- Provide the same self-healing and impact protection as standard XPEL PPF
Stealth PPF gives the vehicle a subtle, OEM-style matte appearance while retaining full protection from stone chips and road damage.
What is XPEL Colour PPF?
XPEL Colour PPF combines paint protection film and colour change in one product.
It allows you to:
- Change the colour of your vehicle
- Add gloss, satin, or metallic finishes
- Retain the thickness and self-healing protection of PPF
Unlike traditional vinyl wraps, Colour PPF provides genuine impact protection, not just cosmetic styling.
Can you apply ceramic coating on top of XPEL PPF?
Yes.
In fact, XPEL Fusion Plus Ceramic Coating is specifically designed to be applied over XPEL PPF.
Fusion Plus:
- Enhances gloss and slickness
- Increases hydrophobic performance
- Makes maintenance easier
- Is approved by XPEL for use on their film
Importantly, using XPEL Fusion Plus on XPEL PPF maintains the manufacturer warranty.
Applying non-approved ceramic coatings over full-body PPF may risk affecting the film warranty. For that reason, when coating PPF, we recommend Fusion Plus.
If only the front end of the vehicle is being protected or certain parts of the car with XPEL PPF:
- We recommend XPEL Fusion Plus on the PPF sections
- The remainder of the vehicle (non-PPF areas) can be protected with any high-quality ceramic coating
This allows flexibility while still protecting your warranty on the film itself.
FULL FRONT END OPTION

FRONT END OPTION - From £1200
- Full Bonnet, wings and front bumper
- Headlights and wing mirrors
Price dependent on type of car.
Please request a quote for a specific price
FULL CAR OPTION

FULL CAR OPTION - From £4,000
- Most, if not all exposed paint surfaces of the car.
Please request a quote for you specific model of car for a custom price.
All cars are different sizes, different features, different level of paint quality and some are more labour intensive so each full car request will have a custom quote produced.
Call Us At
07377359719
Our service area
Fully mobile or at our Service Centre : Unit 3 Centre Court, Little Tennis Street, Nottingham, NG2 4EL.
Working hours
Monday – Friday 10am-5pm
Saturday – Contact Us
Sunday – Contact us