Is Car Washing Necessary Before Applying Car Film?
2 Answers
Washing the car is essential before applying film, whether for color change or installing a "paint protection film," to ensure the vehicle is clean and tidy for optimal results. Applying film directly on an unwashed car can lead to aesthetic and functional damage due to the presence of fine dust particles on the surface. Car film primarily serves as a heat insulation layer. The cost of color-changing car film is relatively low and does not alter the original car paint. With high UV radiation in summer, especially in southern regions, drivers are exposed to significant sun exposure. Therefore, most car owners opt for car film application. However, there is no standardized post-application criterion, and the quality of film application largely depends on the professionalism of the installer. Currently promoted dust-free film application is not entirely dust-free, as both the glass and car body remain damp during the process, making them prone to dust adhesion. During inspection, minor dust particles that do not significantly obstruct the driver's view are generally acceptable.
It's absolutely crucial to wash the car before applying the paint protection film. The film adheres directly to the car's paint surface, and if there's dust, grease, or tiny particles on it, the film won't stick properly, leading to bubbles or peeling. I remember when I helped my neighbor apply film last time—he skipped washing the car, and as soon as the film went on, it was full of bubbles. He had to peel it off and redo it, costing him a lot more money. My advice is to thoroughly wash the car with a pH-neutral car shampoo first, especially the areas where the film will be applied, then rinse with clean water, making sure no water spots remain. After drying, it's best to use a degreaser to remove any residual oils. The entire process must be done in a dust-free environment, avoiding windy days. In short, washing the car is the foundational step for film application—don't skip it, or you'll end up with poor results and rework.
