Freshly Painted Car - Prep for Paint Protective Film?

[marker227]

Hey all,

I recently painted my whole car professionally. I've been allowing my car to cure in my driveway un-molested for about 45 days before driving it anywhere. The 45th day will be around the 1st week of February. In February, I'll be wrapping the entire bumper and a 36" section of the hood with a clear paint protector.

I'm wondering, is there any kind of prep I should do to my car before I send it to the shop?

As a side note, I accidentally caused micro-scratches to a portion of my hood when I was wiping down the car after a rainstorm. They are very small and only can be seen in the light. They are not in the paint.

I do own one of the Griots full detailing kits. I have a few Meguiars polish / shine products as well.

I'm a little new when it comes to detailing paint, but I'm confident I can do it with a little patience.

I'm looking for some advice on what I should do to clean up my car if it's needed.

Thanks!

[7PaintGuns]

Nope you should be fine. Clear bra?

[marker227]

Am I being too anal about cleaning up the scratches I made? I thought a person wants/needs to have the car in almost mint condition to apply a clear bra.

[irvsmith]

I don't think there is a too anal on this site. My understanding is you want it in as good a condition you can get because it will be under the bra and visible until you swap it out.

[marker227]

That's what my understanding was.

The installer assured me that I wouldn't see the micro-scratches under the film. I trust him and his shop. I still want to buff it out first though .

[LSNAutoDetailing]

That's what my understanding was.



The installer assured me that I wouldn't see the micro-scratches under the film. I trust him and his shop. I still want to buff it out first though .

You want it prepped as best as possible before applying PPF. If not,
You will see the defects even after the film goes down.

If they are light swirls, try a polish on a test spot. If that is good, finish off the rest of the area to be covered. I wouldn't do an LSP, the installer is going to use a mix of soap/water along with an IPA.

Are you doing 3M or Expel?

[FUNX650]

Am I being too anal about cleaning up the scratches I made? I thought a person wants/needs to have the car in almost mint condition to apply a clear bra.

See if using a very mild polish like Meguiar's M205
will remove those light scratches in the paint.

And:
Don't worry about using any "panel wipes"
or applying any type of LSPs:
The rest of the "paint prepping" for the
PPF will be taken care of by the installer.

Note:
IMHO...You should go ahead and get
the whole hood covered in the PPF.
Why?:
Guess where the first rock chip
is going to happen if you don't?


Bob

[marker227]

I believe the installer uses Expel. I don't know what LSP is. Sorry guys.

I already have Meguiars Ultimate Polish and Griots Machine Polish #3. Are any of these appropriate to use?

[FUNX650]

I believe the installer uses Expel. I don't know what LSP is. Sorry guys.

I already have Meguiars Ultimate Polish and Griots Machine Polish #3. Are any of these appropriate to use?

LSPs = Waxes, Sealants, Coatings
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/...hind-term.html


In the sense of being mild polishes:
Both Ultimate Polish and Griot's#3
can be considered "appropriate".

Now...
Whether either one will remove the
"inappropriate" light scratches will
be determined when you perform
"The Test Spot": http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/...test-spot.html


Bob

[marker227]

I see. Very good info. Thanks for that!

I forget the name of the type of solution, but I'm wondering if I need it. It's a product that takes off foreign debris / contaminants from a car. It's not for visible dirt. I've seen some people spray exotic cars before they vinyl wrap it. It looked similar to using a clay-bar, but this was a water based product from what I could tell. Does what I am describing make any sense?