XPEL Ultimate Plus vs XPEL Stealth: Which PPF Should You Choose?

Choose XPEL ULTIMATE PLUS if your car has gloss paint and you want it to keep looking glossy. Choose XPEL STEALTH if your car has factory matte or satin paint, or if you want to turn a gloss car into a satin finish. Both are self-healing urethane films with a 10-year XPEL manufacturer warranty when professionally installed, so the decision is mainly about appearance. Full PPF starts from AED 12,000 for sedans and AED 13,500 for SUVs and trucks, and colour PPF from AED 15,000, depending on options, before 5% VAT.

Most owners who come to our Al Quoz studio for XPEL film have already decided on full protection. The question they ask next is which finish. XPEL makes several films, but the two we fit most often are ULTIMATE PLUS, the clear gloss film, and STEALTH, the satin film.

In Dubai, matte specs are common, and so are gloss cars whose owners want a satin look without a wrap. This guide compares the two films on appearance, protection, care and cost.

What is the difference between XPEL ULTIMATE PLUS and STEALTH?

The main difference is the finish. ULTIMATE PLUS has a high-gloss top coat that is designed to be close to invisible on gloss paint. STEALTH has a satin top coat that softens reflections, so it suits matte paint or changes the look of gloss paint.

Underneath, both are self-healing XPEL urethane films designed to absorb stone chips, light scratches and swirl marks.

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Which film should I choose for gloss paint?

For gloss paint, ULTIMATE PLUS is the default choice. It keeps the depth and reflections of the original paint, and on a well-prepared car it is very hard to see once installed. If the paint has swirls or wash marks, we correct them first so they are not sealed under a glossy film.

Choose STEALTH on a gloss car only if you actually want the car to look satin. It is a real change of appearance, not a subtle one. Metallic and pearl colours often suit satin well, so we always show a sample on the car first.

If you want maximum impact resistance on a gloss car, XPEL ULTIMATE PLUS 10 is a thicker version of the gloss film.

Which film should I choose for factory matte paint?

For factory matte or satin paint, STEALTH is the right film in almost every case. Matte paint cannot be polished without becoming patchy and shiny, so any scratch or chip is very hard to repair invisibly. STEALTH protects the paint while keeping a satin appearance close to the factory look.

Putting gloss film on a matte car is possible, but it turns the car glossy, which most owners of matte specs do not want. Our guide on protecting factory matte paint with XPEL STEALTH covers matte care in more depth, and our matte paint repair guide explains why repairs on these finishes are so difficult.

Do ULTIMATE PLUS and STEALTH protect the paint equally?

For everyday protection, yes. Both are designed to take stone chips, sand, light scratches and contamination before they reach the paint, and light swirls fade with heat.

Neither film is armour: a large stone, kerb strike or collision can still damage film and panel, although a damaged panel can be re-filmed without touching the paint. Read what PPF does and does not protect against for the full picture.

How do you look after XPEL STEALTH compared with ULTIMATE PLUS?

Care is similar, with one important difference: STEALTH must keep its satin finish, so it should never be polished, waxed or treated with gloss-enhancing products.

• Both films: hand wash with clean mitts and a pH-neutral shampoo, rinse sand off before touching the surface, and keep pressure-washer nozzles away from film edges.
• ULTIMATE PLUS: can be topped with a compatible ceramic coating over PPF for extra gloss and easier washing.
• STEALTH: use matte-safe shampoos and sealants only. A matte-specific coating can help with cleaning without adding shine.
• Both: remove bird droppings and bug residue promptly, especially in summer heat.

How much do ULTIMATE PLUS and STEALTH cost in Dubai?

Full PPF starts from AED 12,000 for sedans and AED 13,500 for SUVs and trucks, and colour PPF from AED 15,000, depending on options, before 5% VAT.

Full PPF starts from AED 12,000 for sedans and AED 13,500 for SUVs and trucks, and colour PPF from AED 15,000, depending on options, before 5% VAT. Our 2026 PPF price guide has the full breakdown, and is XPEL PPF worth it? looks at the value question in detail.

How does Apex Detail Studio help you choose and install the right film?

As an XPEL accredited installer, we follow the same process for ULTIMATE PLUS and STEALTH at our 20,000 sq ft studio.

1. Inspection. We check the paint finish, colour, existing defects and any previous repairs under studio lighting.
2. Sample. For anyone undecided, we apply a STEALTH sample to a panel so you can see the satin effect in daylight.
3. Preparation. Wash, decontamination and paint correction where needed. Matte paint is cleaned without polishing.
4. Patterns. Vehicle-specific digital patterns are adjusted in software and plotter-cut.
5. Installation. Film is laid panel by panel, with edges wrapped where it is safe to do so.
6. Final check and warranty. Every panel, edge and corner is inspected, and you receive the warranty details and aftercare advice.

A standard full-body installation generally takes two to three days. See our installation process and XPEL PPF guide for more detail.

Frequently asked questions

Is XPEL STEALTH as protective as ULTIMATE PLUS?

For everyday stone chips, light scratches and contamination, both films are designed to protect the paint in the same way. The difference is the finish: ULTIMATE PLUS is gloss and STEALTH is satin. Neither film can stop large impacts or collision damage.

Can I put XPEL STEALTH on a gloss car?

Yes. STEALTH turns gloss paint into a satin look, which works especially well on metallic and pearl colours. It is a visible change, so we recommend seeing a sample on your car before deciding.

Should I use ULTIMATE PLUS on factory matte paint?

Usually not. Gloss film makes matte paint look glossy, which defeats the point of a matte spec. STEALTH protects matte paint while keeping a satin appearance close to the factory finish.

How much more does XPEL STEALTH cost?

Full PPF starts from AED 12,000 for sedans and AED 13,500 for SUVs and trucks, and colour PPF from AED 15,000, depending on options, before 5% VAT.

Do both films have the same warranty?

XPEL ULTIMATE PLUS and STEALTH both carry a 10-year XPEL manufacturer warranty against yellowing, cracking, blistering and delamination when professionally installed. You need the warranty card and receipt, and rock damage or improper care is not covered. Confirm the terms for your exact product.

Can I polish or wax XPEL STEALTH?

No. Polishing or waxing can leave the satin finish shiny and patchy, so use matte-safe products only.