Wax before PPF
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Racer
Joined: Sep 2018
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Wax before PPF
I am having the front end PPF installed in a couple of days. Shoul I give it a quick polish and wax before I take it in to enhance the look? Or wil it even matter?
it is a 2018 CPO with 2K miles on it, I picked it up yesterday.
it is a 2018 CPO with 2K miles on it, I picked it up yesterday.
Banned
Joined: Feb 2012
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PPF installer should be doing a polish (stage 1,2 or 3 depending on condition of paint) on the car before applying the PPF. So no need to wax prior.
The reason for the polish is that you want your paint surface to be as perfect as possible before the PPF is applied.
The reason for the polish is that you want your paint surface to be as perfect as possible before the PPF is applied.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Mar 2014
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From: SW Florida
No matter how new the car the installer should do a complete detail or correction before PPF is applied. PPF is a window into what was done to the paint before application. The better the paint the better the final look.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2015
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Polish yes but too much wax is actually a problem preventing the film from adhering properly. I polished and waxed my M3 before applying the film and installer told me he had to remove the wax since film was not sticking. I suppose one layer is fine but I went a bit nuts with the wax putting down 3 layers.
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From: SW Florida
Correction is better than you layering wax on it. The installer will have to strip it anyway. The shine under the PPF comes from the PPF. A coating after PPF does both.
I coat my car PPF and painted área with Gyeon Can Coat. I can Coat 2 times a year and basically clean my car by just spraying it.
I coat my car PPF and painted área with Gyeon Can Coat. I can Coat 2 times a year and basically clean my car by just spraying it.
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Joined: Aug 2018
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From: Central New Jersey
If you picked a good installer then your installer knows best.
Btw..there should be nothing on the paint before PPF install, car is cleaned thoroughly, any paint correction is done prior to install and any polish or ceramic coating applied after.
Btw..there should be nothing on the paint before PPF install, car is cleaned thoroughly, any paint correction is done prior to install and any polish or ceramic coating applied after.
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I waxed mine only to potect the paint during driving before ppf. I couldnt wait a week with the car just sitting. However, like others have said, the wax needs to come off right before application otherwise the film may not adhere correctly. I used dawn soap followed by spray down with 50% isopropanol. If your installer preps the car you are all good, but make sure to ask in advance.
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Race Car
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Rather than trust anecdotal "it worked okay for me" kind of guidance, I'd suggest following the film makers' reommendations. Here is a quote from Xpel's FAQs:
Waxes, sealants and protectants are typically designed to reduce the surface energy of the paint, making them easier to clean etc. A reduction in surface energy will reduce the film’s ability to adhere to the paint and could cause long term adhesion issues. Because of this, we generally recommend removing these types of products before installation. If these types of coatings are to be used, we recommend applying them AFTER installation of our paint protection film.
Waxes, sealants and protectants are typically designed to reduce the surface energy of the paint, making them easier to clean etc. A reduction in surface energy will reduce the film’s ability to adhere to the paint and could cause long term adhesion issues. Because of this, we generally recommend removing these types of products before installation. If these types of coatings are to be used, we recommend applying them AFTER installation of our paint protection film.