DIY Paint Protection Film Maintenance: Pro Tips to Keep Your Car Looking New

Today we’re going to talk about DIY PPF maintenance. If you’re not smart about it, you can actually ruin your Paint Protection Film (PPF).

In this guide, we are going to give you a step-by-step breakdown on how to maintain your film at home on your car, truck, or SUV.

We can break down PPF maintenance into three main categories:

1. The Process
2. The Chemicals
3. The Tools

1. The Wash Process

A well-thought-out wash process is going to avoid introducing swirls and scratches to the paint. Most of the paint damage we see here at Immaculate Paint Protection comes from improper wash methods.

Warning: Don’t let just anybody wash your car, and do not take your car to the automatic car wash.

Hundreds of dirty vehicles have gone through those tunnels, leaving grit and grime on those big brushes. That puts your vehicle’s paint at risk of getting scratched by the debris from the truck that went in before you. (Touchless car washes are generally safe, however).

The Step-by-Step Workflow

• Step 1: Wheels & Tires. Wash these first since they are the dirtiest part of the vehicle.
• Step 2: Pre-Soak. We use a foam cannon to loosen bugs and road tar. Let it soak for a few minutes.
• Step 3: The Rinse. (Critical Step) We use a pressure washer at 1200–1600 PSI with a rubberized tip.

Pro Tip: Stay 6–8 inches away from the edges of the PPF. If you blast the pressure washer right on the seam, you can inject water under the film. It won’t ruin the film, but the water bubbles will look terrible.

• Step 4: Decontamination. We use an iron remover to dissolve brake dust and road fallout.
• Step 5: The Two-Bucket Wash. Use one bucket for soap and one for rinsing your mitt. Wash in straight lines (front to back, then up and down). Avoid circular motions to reduce swirl marks.
• Step 6: Dry. Use a high-quality microfiber drying towel or air cannon.

2. The Chemicals

A high-quality product always wins. I would prefer to pay for a high-quality product to save time and avoid aggravation.

At our shop, we are certified for Gyeon products because they simply work. Here is what we use:

• Bug Remover: We use Gyeon Bug & Grime. Tip: Get bugs off immediately. Their acidic guts can etch the self-healing clear coat of the film.
• Iron Remover: Used 1–2 times a year for deep cleaning.
• Tar Remover: We recommend Gyeon Tar because, unlike cheaper solvents, it doesn’t stain black plastic trim.
• Soaps: We use Gyeon Foam for the pre-soak and Gyeon Bathe for the bucket wash.

What NOT to use: I rarely advocate using a Clay Bar on PPF. We have seen instances where the clay mars the self-healing surface. Use chemical decontamination (Iron/Tar removers) instead.

3. The Tools

You can wash a vehicle with minimal tools, or you can spend the extra money if you enjoy the process. However, if you use cheap microfiber towels on the paint, throw them away after one use. Reusing dirty towels is the #1 cause of scratches.

Our Professional Tool List:

• Grit Guards: Essential for keeping dirt at the bottom of your bucket. We love the American-made ones from Ohio.
• Pressure Washer: Use 1600 PSI or lower with a wide fan tip (40 degrees).
• Step Stool: If you have a truck, get a platform. Tip: Wrap the edges of the stool in foam so you don’t scratch the truck if you bump it.
• Drying Towel: The Gyeon Silk Dryer is a customer favorite.

How Often Should You Wash?

The simple answer: Wash it when it’s dirty. Get the bugs and bird droppings off ASAP.

The rule of thumb:
• Daily Driver: 1–2 times a month.
• Garage Queen (Ferrari/Porsche): Every few months or 3–4 times a year.

Important Warranty Note: High-quality PPF (like SunTek) comes with a warranty against yellowing and failure. However, the warranty does not cover negligence. If you never wash the car and let acid rain eat the film, that is on you.

3 Bonus Tips for Success

1. Chase the Shade: Never wash in full sun. The soap will dry onto the hot paint before you can rinse it, leaving spots.
2. The “5-Second Rule” Does Not Apply: If you drop your wash mitt on the ground, stop. It has picked up rocks and dirt. Do not touch your car with it until it has been machine washed.
3. Kitchen Tools stay in the Kitchen: We have actually seen people use Brillo/scuff pads on cars. Please, never do this. It will destroy your paint instantly.