How to prepare a car for PPF film - part 2: cleaning and degreasing the paint before applying ADBL Protect Shield PPF
After the decontamination and washing stage covered in part one, we move on to the key phase of preparation - cleaning, polishing and degreasing the paint, which directly affect the quality and durability of the ADBL Protect Shield PPF application.
After the decontamination and washing stage covered in part one, we move on to the key phase of preparation - cleaning, polishing and degreasing the paint, which directly affect the quality and durability of the ADBL Protect Shield PPF application.
PREPARING THE PART
Every body panel requires an individual approach. Before you start polishing, protect the adjacent surfaces with masking tape and prepare suitable lighting and tools. Correct side lighting lets you catch micro-scratches and residue left over from the previous cleaning stages.
THOROUGH SURFACE CLEANING
After chemical and mechanical decontamination, the paint must be thoroughly cleaned to remove product films, lubricants and compound residue. Use ADBL Cleaner or IPA at the right concentration to achieve a completely bare surface. This ensures maximum adhesion of the film's glue and eliminates the risk of the edges lifting.
CLEANING GAPS AND RECESSES
Contamination from door recesses, seals and hinges is one of the main causes of application defects. Before you start polishing, thoroughly clean these areas with a detailing brush and ADBL APC. It is worth using compressed air to dry and flush out contamination from hard-to-reach spots.
FINISHING POLISH
This stage is not intended for full paint correction, only for smoothing it and removing micro-defects. Use a gentle finishing compound and a soft pad to achieve a perfectly smooth surface. Thanks to this the PPF film adheres evenly and does not create micro air pockets beneath the surface.
FINAL DEGREASING AND INSPECTION
After polishing, thoroughly remove any dust and compound residue. Then wipe the surface down with isopropyl alcohol (IPA) or ADBL Surface Cleaner. This is the stage where you carry out the final optical inspection using inspection lights - checking whether the surface is perfectly clean and ready for film application.
SUMMARY
Diligence in preparation is 80% of a successful protective film application. Every stage - from cleaning to degreasing - affects the final result and the durability of the protection. Thanks to ADBL Protect Shield PPF technology, the paint surface stays perfectly smooth, while the film retains its protective properties and gloss for many years.