Real-World XPEL Ceramic Coating Cleaning Test
See how XPEL Ceramic Coating turned a filthy, bug-covered truck into a spotless shine in just 32 minutes — with plenty of family help.
After several weeks of driving — including a 500 mile trip to Conconully with 18-plus miles over gravel roads — our truck looked like it had been through everything the road could throw at it. It was covered in baked-on bugs, globs of road grime, and a heavy layer of dirt.
To make the wash even more fun, the wash crew consisted of two adults, one very excited 6-year-old who was determined to ‘help’, and a confused 3-year-old who wasn't sure why everyone was getting wet.
XPEL Ceramic Coating Made Washing Easy & Fast
Despite the dirt, the XPEL Ceramic Coating made cleanup remarkably easy. Most of the dirt released quickly during the rinse phase. The bugs that normally require significant scrubbing softened and washed away with minimal effort. The road grime that had accumulated along the rocker panels and lower doors also came off far easier than expected.
Using a foam cannon and a quality wash soap, the truck quickly returned to a deep, glossy finish.
From setup to final dry-down, the entire wash took just 32 minutes. Considering the amount of contamination on the vehicle — and the additional "help" from a pair of kiddos — that time would have been difficult to achieve on an uncoated vehicle.
XPEL PPF Protected Against Major Rock Chips
With nearly 10,000 miles in less than six months, our 2026 GMC Sierra 2500 Denali Ultimate has been ‘well-loved.’
Prior to having XPEL PPF and XPEL ceramic coating installed, we made one trip to Sisters, Oregon. The trip resulted in nearly a dozen major rock chips in our front bumper that required the entire bumper to be dismantled and professionally repainted.
Since then, our trips have included:
- Multiple drives to Eastern Washington
- One additional trip to Sisters, Oregon
- Endless back-country jaunts from Ravensdale though Cumberland to Enumclaw
- One trek to Conconully
We drive on the highway. We drive on dirt roads. We drive over gravel and past construction sites. We haul trailers and side by sides. We end up behind semis and cattle cars.
And despite all the wear and tear we put on our truck — after a wash it looks nearly flawless thanks to the combination of XPEL PPF and XPEL Ceramic Coating. What’s more, washing was pretty darn easy. Instead of fighting stuck-on bugs, scrubbing road film, and spending hours washing, the contaminants were released quickly and without damaging the paint. The PPF protected the paint. And, the ceramic coating didn't just help the truck look cleaner — it dramatically reduced the effort required to get it there.
Make Cleaning a Breeze
After investing in XPEL Paint Protection Film and XPEL ceramic coating, proper maintenance helps maximize performance and appearance. Learn how to safely wash your vehicle, use XPEL Foam Soap, protect your warranty, and keep your paint looking cleaner for longer with our complete care and maintenance guide.
XPEL PPF and XPEL Ceramic Coating Care & Maintenance Guide
Chrome Delete + XPEL PPF Film + Ceramic Coating
This is part of a full series following a full chrome delete on a GMC Sierra 2500 Denali Ultimate and how it stands up to the wear and tear of hard driving thanks to XPEL PPF and XPEL ceramic coating. As we continue, we’ll reveal how the paint stands up to the wear and tear of thousands of miles, working with Benchmark, and more.
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