Wax before PPF
10-13-2018, 03:10 PM
#1
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.
10-13-2018, 03:18 PM
#2
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.
10-13-2018, 03:20 PM
#3
Rennlist Member
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.
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tx-911 (06-29-2022)
10-13-2018, 05:37 PM
#4
Three Wheelin'
I had a full paint correction, Suntek PPF, and then Ceramic Pro Gold done to my 911 and Macan. That way the paint is as close to perfect before anything is done.
10-13-2018, 07:19 PM
#5
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.
10-13-2018, 08:28 PM
#6
Rennlist Member
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.
10-14-2018, 06:49 AM
#7
Rennlist Member
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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10-14-2018, 07:57 AM
#8
Rennlist Member
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.
10-14-2018, 08:43 AM
#9
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10-14-2018, 08:47 PM
#10
10-14-2018, 10:49 PM
#11
Rennlist Member
Any good PPF installer is going to first strip it with an alcohol/water blend. So don't bother waxing because it's always going to be stripped before PPF installation.
10-15-2018, 11:05 AM
#12
Wax the car so you know where any imperfections or chips are before taking it for PPF. Having wax down makes removal later on much easier. I have never had issues with film sticking to a waxed surface.
10-15-2018, 11:15 AM
#13
Rennlist Member
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.