PPF Maintenance & Care
Paint Protection Film needs slightly different care from bare paint, and getting it right is most of what determines whether the film still looks invisible years later. For the first week after installation, do not wash the car while the adhesive cures and any installation moisture clears. After that, hand wash with a pH-neutral shampoo and a clean mitt, using two buckets, and dry with a soft microfibre or blower to avoid water spots — the biggest long-term enemy of film in hard-water areas. Avoid automatic brush car washes, abrasive polishes, cutting compounds and solvents. A hydrophobic film top coat, or a ceramic coating applied over the film, makes water sheet off and cuts down on water spotting and staining. This page covers the routine, plus how to treat matte film differently from gloss.
Last reviewed 1 September 2026 — pricing and availability move with the market; confirm with quotes.
The routine
pH-neutral shampoo, two-bucket method, soft mitt, rinse thoroughly, dry immediately with microfibre or a blower. Treat bird droppings and bug splatter quickly — they can etch the top coat if left in the sun.
Gloss vs matte film
Gloss film can take a film-safe spray sealant or a ceramic coating. Matte film needs matte-specific products only — no wax, no polish, no gloss coating, or you will create shiny patches.