XPEL Ultimate Plus: The Gloss Paint Protection Film Explained

XPEL Ultimate Plus is XPEL’s clear gloss paint protection film: a self-healing urethane layer that absorbs stone chips, resists stains and yellowing, and keeps the factory shine. At Apex Detail Studio in Al Quoz, Dubai, we fit genuine Ultimate Plus with DAP precut patterns, full tuck-in edges and polishing first. Full-body PPF starts from AED 12,000 for sedans and AED 13,500 for SUVs and trucks (colour PPF from AED 15,000), depending on options, before 5% VAT.

What is XPEL Ultimate Plus?

XPEL Ultimate Plus is a clear, gloss-finish paint protection film made from thermoplastic urethane with a self-healing topcoat. It is fitted over the paint to absorb chips, scratches and stains while staying nearly invisible.

It is the film most of our clients choose, because it protects without changing how the car looks. On delivery day a new car’s paint is at its best, and Ultimate Plus is designed to keep it there: clear enough that the original colour and metallic flake show through, glossy enough that the paint often looks deeper than before, and tough enough to take the everyday damage of Dubai driving.

XPEL makes other films for other goals. Stealth is the satin version for a matte look, and Ultimate Fusion is a gloss film with a hydrophobic topcoat. Ultimate Plus is the core gloss product the rest are measured against. For the full XPEL range, see our XPEL PPF in Dubai page.

How clear is XPEL Ultimate Plus on paint?

Ultimate Plus is optically clear, so once fitted it is nearly invisible and the original paint shows through with added gloss and depth. With tucked edges, most people cannot tell the car is filmed.

Clarity matters most on dark colours and special paints. On black, deep blue and red, poor film can look hazy or show texture in direct sun. Ultimate Plus keeps the finish crisp. On metallic and pearl paints, the flake and colour shift stay visible. Because the film is clear, it works on any colour without changing it. That is why it is the default choice on new cars, luxury saloons and supercars where the paint is part of the appeal.

How does Ultimate Plus self-heal scratches?

Ultimate Plus has an elastic topcoat that flows back into shape when warmed, so light scratches and swirl marks disappear on their own in sunlight or with warm water.

Most marks on a car’s surface are shallow: wash swirls, light fingernail scratches around door handles, fine lines from a dusty cloth. On bare paint, these need machine polishing, which takes away clear coat. On Ultimate Plus, they sit in the topcoat and fade as it warms. In Dubai, where cars sit in strong sun for much of the year, this happens quickly and often without the owner noticing.

A deep cut that goes through the film will not heal. In that case the affected piece of film is replaced, which is far simpler than repairing paint.

What does XPEL Ultimate Plus protect against?

Ultimate Plus protects paint against rock chips, road debris, light scratches, swirl marks, bird droppings, tree sap, road tar and fading from UV. The film takes the damage so the paint underneath does not.

• Rock chips and debris: the urethane absorbs impacts at highway speed.
• Scratches and swirls: light marks heal in the topcoat with heat.
• Stains: the topcoat resists staining and discolouration from bird droppings, sap and road tar, which bake on quickly in summer heat above 45C.
• UV: the film helps shield the paint from fading, and is made to resist yellowing itself.
• Everyday wear: door edges, door cups and loading areas are protected from daily contact.

It does not make a car immune to a collision or a heavy impact, but it handles the everyday wear that spoils most paint in Dubai.

Why does Ultimate Plus suit Dubai’s climate?

Ultimate Plus suits Dubai because its topcoat is built to resist the stains, UV and yellowing that heat accelerates, and its self-healing works faster in warm weather. The film turns the climate from a problem into a help.

Summer temperatures above 45C, strong UV most of the year, wind-blown sand and humid mornings are hard on any exterior surface. Bird droppings and sap bake on within hours. Dust means frequent washing, and frequent washing means swirl marks. On bare paint, each of these slowly dulls the finish. On Ultimate Plus, stains sit on a resistant topcoat, wash marks heal in the afternoon sun, and the paint underneath stays protected from fading. Owners who park outside every day see the biggest difference.

How does Ultimate Plus compare with Stealth and Ultimate Fusion?

Ultimate Plus is the clear gloss film, Stealth is the satin version that gives a matte look, and Ultimate Fusion is a gloss film with a hydrophobic topcoat for easier washing. All three protect the paint in the same way.

Read more about the hydrophobic version in our XPEL Ultimate Fusion guide.

How do we install XPEL Ultimate Plus at Apex?

We install Ultimate Plus with DAP precut patterns and full tuck-in edges, after full polishing and paint correction, in the controlled bays of our Al Quoz studio. Only genuine XPEL film is used.

1. Prep: full wash, decontamination and inspection under light.
2. Polishing and correction: swirls and marks are removed so the film seals clean paint.
3. Patterns: XPEL’s Design Access Program (DAP) holds patterns for a very wide range of models, so each piece is plotted for the exact car and cut on the plotter, not on the paint.
4. Installation: our in-house team lays the film in controlled bays in our 20,000 sq ft studio.
5. Full tuck-in: edges are wrapped around panels wherever possible so they are hidden and less likely to lift.
6. Inspection and handover: every panel is checked and aftercare explained.

As an accredited XPEL installer, our technicians are trained on the film and register the manufacturer warranty.

Which cars have we protected with Ultimate Plus?

We fit Ultimate Plus on everything from supercars to motorcycles and daily cars, because it suits any colour and any shape. Three recent builds show the range.

• A Ferrari 488 in XPEL Ultimate Plus, where the film keeps the factory gloss on a mid-engine supercar.
• A 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse with full Ultimate Plus protection, shown in the video below.
• A Ducati Diavel V4, proving the film works on motorcycle tanks and fairings too.

Each build used the same principles: precut patterns, clean paint and tucked edges.

How do you care for XPEL Ultimate Plus?

Wait about seven days before the first wash, then wash every week or two with a pH-neutral shampoo, keep pressure-washer jets off the film edges and remove bird droppings promptly. Avoid harsh degreasers and abrasive polishes.

Light swirl marks heal in the sun, so the film often looks better after a warm day. A ceramic coating over the film adds water beading and makes washing easier. Ultimate Plus carries a manufacturer warranty against defects such as yellowing, cracking and peeling, and our team explains the terms and the care that keeps it valid at handover.

How much does XPEL Ultimate Plus cost in Dubai?

Full-body PPF at Apex starts from AED 12,000 for sedans and AED 13,500 for SUVs and trucks (colour PPF from AED 15,000), depending on options, before 5% VAT. For Ultimate Plus, the final quote depends on the car’s size, the coverage and any paint correction needed.

Front-end coverage costs less than full body. Larger cars and cars with complex aero take more film and time. See our paint protection film service page for what is included, or send your car details on WhatsApp for an exact quote.

Should you choose front-end or full-body Ultimate Plus?

Choose front-end Ultimate Plus if you mainly want to stop highway stone chips, and full-body Ultimate Plus if you want every panel protected from chips, scratches and stains with a uniform finish.

The front end means the bonnet, front bumper, headlights, front wings and mirrors, which take most debris. Partial coverage adds door edges, door cups and A-pillars. Full body covers every painted panel. Because Ultimate Plus is clear, partial coverage is possible without changing the look, which is not the case with satin film. Owners who keep their cars for years, drive long distances or own high-value cars usually choose full body.

Watch XPEL Ultimate Plus on real cars

These videos show full XPEL Ultimate Plus protection on a Lamborghini Huracan Spyder and a 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse.

Frequently asked questions

Is XPEL Ultimate Plus gloss or matte?

Gloss. It is a clear film that keeps or adds shine. XPEL’s satin film is called Stealth.

Does XPEL Ultimate Plus turn yellow?

It is made to resist yellowing and discolouration, and XPEL backs it with a manufacturer warranty against defects including yellowing.

Can you see XPEL Ultimate Plus on a car?

It is nearly invisible. With precut patterns and tucked edges, most people cannot tell the car is filmed.

Does Ultimate Plus work on any colour?

Yes. Because it is clear, it suits every paint colour, including metallic and pearl finishes.

Is Ultimate Plus the same as Ultimate Fusion?

No. Both are gloss films, but Ultimate Fusion adds a hydrophobic topcoat for water beading and easier washing.

Can ceramic coating go over XPEL Ultimate Plus?

Yes. A coating over the film adds water beading and makes cleaning easier.

Do you use genuine XPEL film?

Yes. We are an accredited XPEL installer and fit only genuine XPEL film.

Does XPEL Ultimate Plus stop stone chips?

Yes. The urethane absorbs the impact of stones and road debris before it reaches the paint, which is its main job on Dubai highways.