Wash It Gently and Leave the Edges Alone
Care for paint protection film the way you would care for good paint: hand wash with a pH-neutral soap, rinse often, dry with a clean microfibre towel, and keep pressure washers and harsh brushes away from the film edges. The exact rules for your film come from its maker, so ask us at pickup.
Film is tough on its face and more vulnerable at its edges. Edge damage usually starts with a jet of water held too close or a dirty brush catching an edge.
A Safe Wash, Step by Step
Rinse before you touch it
Start with a thorough rinse from the top down. You want the loose grit and road salt off before a mitt ever touches the surface. Grit dragged across film is how fine marks start, on film just as on paint.
Use two buckets and clean mitts
One bucket of soapy water, one of clean rinse water. Rinse the mitt after every panel so you are not carrying dirt from the rocker panels back up to the hood. Use a soap made for cars, not dish soap.
Dry it, do not air dry it
Hard water left to dry leaves mineral spots on film the same way it does on glass. Blot or drag a clean microfibre towel across each panel. A leaf blower is a good way to clear water out of mirror caps and badges.
The Things That Hurt Film
Pressure washer jets at the edges
A pressure washer is fine at a sensible distance with a wide fan tip. The risk is aiming a narrow jet straight at the leading edge of the hood or the edge of a fender piece. Water forced under an edge can lift it. Keep the spray moving and at an angle to the edges.
Bird droppings and bug splatter left to bake
Droppings and bug remains are acidic. On a hot day they can mark film if they sit. Soften them with water or a quick detailer and lift them off. Do not scrub them dry.
Strong solvents and abrasive polish
Harsh solvents, tar removers not meant for film, and cutting compounds can haze or damage the top layer. If you are not sure a product is safe for film, leave it off and ask.
Ice scrapers and snow brushes
In winter, the hood and bumper film can take a beating from a hard snow brush. Push snow off with a soft brush or foam head and let the defroster deal with ice on the glass.
Common Questions
Can I use a pressure washer on PPF?
Yes, with care. Keep the nozzle well back from the paint, use a wide fan tip rather than a pencil jet, and never point the spray straight at a film edge. The film maker's care instructions are the final word on distance and pressure.
Can I take a car with PPF through an automatic car wash?
Brush washes are hard on any finish, film included. A touchless wash is gentler if you are stuck, but a hand wash with clean mitts is the safest choice for film and paint alike.
Can I wax or coat over the film?
Many films can be topped with a coating or sealant made for film, but some products are not suitable. Check the maker's guidance for your film, and ask us before you put anything new on it.
What if I see a lifted edge or a bubble?
Do not pick at it or try to press it down with a fingernail. Keep water and wax away from the spot and call us at 365-336-3767 so we can take a look.
Related Pages
Questions About Your Film? Ask Us.
Prefer to talk it through? Call 365-336-3767, Monday to Friday, 9:30 am to 4 pm. Work is by appointment.
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