Do You Need to Wash the Car Before Applying Film?
2 Answers
It is necessary to wash the car before applying film to ensure the vehicle is clean, and you should avoid washing the car for at least one week after the film is applied. The benefits and precautions of car film application are as follows: Precautions: After applying the film, wait for 3 days before washing the car to allow the film to adhere better to the car body. If the film is applied in winter, the car body takes longer to dry, so avoid rolling down the windows or washing the car for a week. If bubbles appear, repair them promptly to prevent creases, which can significantly affect the appearance. For the glass in areas where the driver needs visibility, ensure the light transmittance is at least 70%. Otherwise, the car may fail the annual inspection. Benefits of Car Film: Heat and Sun Protection. The film effectively blocks a large amount of heat generated by infrared rays. Safety and Explosion Prevention. The base layer of the film is made of polyester, which is highly resistant to tearing and puncturing. Combined with the adhesive layer, the film enhances the glass strength, preventing injuries from accidental glass breakage. Creating a Private Space. By choosing the right type of film, the interior of the car becomes difficult to see from the outside, while the driver can still see outside, ensuring privacy and safety.
I've had my car wrapped a few times before, and each time, a thorough car wash was absolutely necessary—otherwise, big trouble. I made a mistake once when I was in a hurry and didn't clean the car body properly. As a result, the film not only bubbled but also had a shortened lifespan, and I ended up spending extra money to have it fixed by professionals. The key to washing is removing all dust, stains, and grease. I use a mild car wash soap to scrub the entire surface, then blow-dry the seams with compressed air to ensure the paint is completely smooth. When the surface is clean before wrapping, the film adheres firmly and looks great, with no issues even after long-term use. Although washing takes some time, it prevents hassle later, protects the car body, and saves money. I also recommend regular cleaning for daily maintenance. Anyway, washing before wrapping is a basic step—never skip it to save time.
