If your car is protected with Paint Protection Film (PPF) - whether it’s XPEL, Suntek, or another brand - you’ve already made a great investment in keeping your paintwork safe from stone chips, bug splatter and UV damage.
But to keep that glossy (or satin/matte) finish looking its best, PPF needs to be cleaned and maintained a little differently from paint.
The following also applies if you have vinyl wrapped your car with materials from Hexis, 3M, Avery Dennison, Metamark or another brand. This is because vinyl shares similar characteristics to PPF film.
At Clean + Shiny, we stock a range of PPF care products, including GYEON Q²M PPF Wash. This is one of the best dedicated PPF snow foams and shampoos available.
Here’s how to get the most out of your PPF or vinyl wrap and keep it looking flawless.
1. Start with a Safe PPF Pre-Wash
Just like paintwork, PPF and vinyl benefits from a contactless pre-wash.
Using a ready-to-use alkaline cleaner, such as Labocosmetica Limpia, will dissolve initial dirt and road grime, whilst being PPF and vinyl safe. Spray, allow to dwell, rinse.
You can also dilute and apply Labocosmetica Libera for really stubborn dirt and finish this process with Labocosmetica Renova, an acidic pre-wash designed to target other contaminants, such as limescale.
Afterwards, you'll be safe to use a pH-neutral snow foam, such as Labocosmetica NEVE. This will loosen any remaining mild contaminants before touching the surface.
Apply your PPF snow foam through a foam lance and allow it to dwell for a few minutes before rinsing. Avoid blasting high-pressure water directly at panel edges, as PPF edges can lift if hit too aggressively, especially on older installations.
Using a chemical-based, pre-wash process prevents dragging grit across the your PPF or vinyl wrap, which can cause swirl marks or light scratches within the material.
2. Wash with a Dedicated PPF Shampoo
Once the heavy grime is gone, move on to your contact wash. This is where a specialist shampoo like GYEON Q²M PPF Wash really shines.
Unlike regular car shampoo, PPFWash is designed specifically for Paint Protection Film and vinyl wraps, including self-healing films like XPEL and Suntek.
It also has a mild iron fallout infusion which decontaminates your PPF and vinyl... or even your ceramic coated or un-coated paintwork. It's a really diverse product.
PPF Wash helps to maintain your PPF or vinyl's protective topcoat. It also lightly boosts gloss and slickness, making it easier to dry and less likely to attract dust.
GYEON Q²M PPF Wash can be applied through a foam lance and it can be used in your bucket.
Use the two-bucket method; one for your shampoo solution and one for rinsing your wash mitt. Wash in straight lines from top to bottom. Always use a soft microfibre wash mitt to minimise friction, never use a brush or anything abrasive.
💦 If you're confident that your PPF or vinyl wrap isn't contaminated, or you're just doing a weekly maintenance wash, we'd recommend Labocosmetica Semper shampoo for glossy PPF and vinyl wraps, or Labocosmetica Satino for satin/matte effect finishes. Both products are pH neutral, creating a slick and safe washing experience.
3. Safely Remove Tar Spots from PPF & Vinyl
Even though PPF and vinyl is softer than your paint's clear coat, you can still use most tar removers - as long as it's done safely.
We would advise to not spray any tar removal chemicals onto your PPF or vinyl. Instead, apply some to a soft microfibre towel, dab the area to be treated and wipe away the tar and any residue.
After you've finished, it's a good idea to re-wash those areas with your shampoo and microfibre wash mitt. This will neutralise any tar remover residue that may be left over and it will leave you with a clean finish.
3. Dry Gently to Avoid Water Spots
Uncoated PPF or vinyl isn’t as hydrophobic as ceramic-coated paint, so water can cling more easily. Always dry the car straight after rinsing using a soft microfibre drying towel such as The Rag Company's Liquid8r or SLIM DRYER.
Pat or glide the towel over the surface instead of rubbing to prevent marring.
We would also invest in a forced-air car dryer (blower) to push water out of nooks and crannies to prevent water drips after drying.
Another alternative is to rinse with Spotless Water, there are filling stations located throughout the UK. This is purified water that contains no lime or other additives found in mains tap water. Used in-house here at Clean + Shiny.
4. Add Protection for Extra Gloss and Hydrophobicity
For extra gloss and easier maintenance, apply a PPF-safe sealant or coating.
Many SiO₂ spray sealants and ceramic quick detailers are safe on PPF, helping repel dirt, water and UV damage. This layer makes your next wash quicker and keeps the PPF or vinyl film cleaner for longer. P&S Triple S is a dedicated PPF and vinyl quick detailer that is worth a look!
We stock dedicated coatings for PPF, such as Gtechniq HALO, Carbon Collective NERO, GYEON Q2 PPF EVO and the NEW Labocosmetica ARMORIUS Gloss Coating.
If you have a Satin or Matte PPF or Vinyl Wrap installed, we would highly recommend Labocosmetica ARMORIUS Matte Coating.
Final Thoughts
Paint Protection Film and vinyl wraps are some of the best ways to preserve your car’s finish, but they need the right products and methods to maintain their appearance.
With a correct pre-wash, gentle PPF snow foam, a dedicated shampoo as well as proper drying and protection, your PPF or vinyl wrap will stay looking new for longer.
👉🏻 Explore our full range of PPF and vinyl wrap care products at Clean + Shiny and give your car’s PPF or vinyl wrap the care it deserves.
And, as always, if you need any further help or advice, feel free to contact us.
The Clean + Shiny Team.