Pre-PPF Routine Help

[Game]

Hey guys,

On the verge of picking up my brand new car hopefully sometime in Spring and its re-invigorated my detailing hobby. This will be my first new car and I work at the dealer so I'll be the first one to put his hands on the car.

Anyways, I've done some reading and watched a ton of videos and I'm getting a mixed bag when it comes to polishing prior to PPF. Some are...others are claiming/proving that the film hides the fine scratches and marring. What is your experience?

As for the process:
Wash with CarPro Descale for decontamination (Or just use CarPro Reset and perhaps add IronX?)
TRC clay sponge as I'm washing for lubrication
IF a polish would help, I'm thinking either Sonax Perfect Finish or CarPro Reflect. Still debating on pads as well.

Any suggestions would be appreciated!

 

[chefwong]

If there is a major swirl, defect or just wanna bring out the extra pop before the film goes on, go ahead. Sounds Like you plan to DIY prep some before you bring it in for PPF ?
But to answer your question, the film does -mask- the marring. A easy example would be a mildly scratched up Phone screen. Buy of those protectors and slap it on....
Looks a zillion times better

 

[vobro]

What happens if when the ppf is installed and you do indeed see the swirls? You’ll be looking at the imperfections for the rest of the cars life

 

[Game]

If there is a major swirl, defect or just wanna bring out the extra pop before the film goes on, go ahead. Sounds Like you plan to DIY prep some before you bring it in for PPF ?
But to answer your question, the film does -mask- the marring. A easy example would be a mildly scratched up Phone screen. Buy of those protectors and slap it on....
Looks a zillion times better

Yes, definitely DIY the prep.

What happens if when the ppf is installed and you do indeed see the swirls? You’ll be looking at the imperfections for the rest of the cars life

Hey I’m in Lockport, small world!

That is 100% a valid concern and why I made this thread.

 

[joebruin77]

Four years ago, I had PPF installed on my 2018 Tesla Model 3 a couple days after I took delivery. The installer told me that the adhesive and film would fill in and mask the minor swirls. It did improve the light swirls, but in bright sunlight I can still see them. So if I were you, I would inspect the paint. Unless the paint is pristine and with zero swirls or marks, I would definitely recommend doing a light polishing before having the PPF applied.

 

[Game]

Four years ago, I had PPF installed on my 2018 Tesla Model 3 a couple days after I took delivery. The installer told me that the adhesive and film would fill in and mask the minor swirls. It did improve the light swirls, but in bright sunlight I can still see them. So if I were you, I would inspect the paint. Unless the paint is pristine and with zero swirls or marks, I would definitely recommend doing a light polishing before having the PPF applied.

Thank you. Exactly what I was looking for. BMW runs their cars through an automatic car wash once they hit port and now don’t even send their cars with any plastic wrapping on the exterior so there are always swirls.

 

[vobro]

Yes, definitely DIY the prep.



Hey I’m in Lockport, small world!


That is 100% a valid concern and why I made this thread.

I thought that was JCC in your avatar

 

[Game]

Which polishes would you guys recommend on a brand new car?

Debating between Sonax PF, CarPro Reflect (or Essence), Koch Chemie Micro cut.

 

[dgage]

Which polishes would you guys recommend on a brand new car?

Debating between Sonax PF, CarPro Reflect (or Essence), Koch Chemie Micro cut.

I’m not familiar with Koch Chemie but you wouldn’t go wrong with any of those.

 

[joebruin77]

Debating between Sonax PF, CarPro Reflect (or Essence), Koch Chemie Micro cut.

I remember Mike G made a comment once about Sonax PF causing some marring and excessive dusting.

Also, since you are preparing the car for PPF, I would avoid any polish that leaves behind a layer of SiO2. I think CarPro Essence leaves behind some SiO2, so I would go with Reflect over Essence, since I don't think Reflect leaves behind any SiO2. But I don't trust my memory on this, so double check my facts are correct.

 

[Game]

I remember Mike G made a comment once about Sonax PF causing some marring and excessive dusting.

Also, since you are preparing the car for PPF, I would avoid any polish that leaves behind a layer of SiO2. I think CarPro Essence leaves behind some SiO2, so I would go with Reflect over Essence, since I don't think Reflect leaves behind any SiO2. But I don't trust my memory on this, so double check my facts are correct.

Yep, you're 100% right. Essence is designed almost as a primer for their ceramic line. I'm most likely going with Reflect.


Would washing a new car with a slightly more acidic car wash make more sense than a Ph neutral wash?

 

[Game]

Wanted to bump this guy up rather than making a new thread.

For a car’s first foam wash, would an acidic car soap be recommended or should I stick to Reset?