Faris

Has anyone applied XPel headlight protection themselves? How easy is it, and does it affect the look and function of the lights?

What about the front bumper/hood protection? That seems more elaborate. Is it manageable? I would like to hear who has done it themselves (not hire it done) and how did it go.

Thanks
Faris

RENN 951

It's not hard, but I didn't come close to getting all the bubbles out initially. Fortunately, they just evaporate out after a couple of weeks. Doesn't affect the look or function of the lights in any way.

I ordered a second kit to put on our A6 after I liked how the S4 turned out.

ultrafreak

Both cases I did the front bumper kit (not the extended kit). The earlier version did not have the relief cuts and was easier to apply. Both were butt-puckering at times (accidently brush the garage floor and kiss $180 goodbye...).

Recommendations:
. sweep, then wash down your work area to reduce dust
. do it on a calm (not windy) day with moderate temps
. have clean hands
. use lots of slip on both your hands and the film
. try hard not to rework areas - it stretches the film and creates subtle wrinkles in the adhesive
. have a friend help when initially unrolling and applying the kit

Toughest parts: the areas around relief cuts, and potentially the very narrow strips around the lower grille. Even with great care it can be difficult to fit these well. Good news here is that with careful razor work you can splice out extra length and it doesn't show. I think I had one or two spots that required this.

Otherwise I'd recommend it. I'd say figure on two hours if things go well.

Xpel instructions are thorough and the quality of the kit is quite good.

-j

Flyboy

I concur. Headlights are not hard and do not interfere at all.

Steven Lin

Headlights: 3
Fenders: 1
Hood: 5
Bumper: 9

The bumper is by far the hardest. If I had to do it again, I heard that using a hair
drier improves malleability. I didn't use one and I couldn't get the piece to fit at all.
I eventually got it on but it looks like crap up close.