do you guys polish PPF?

[cerbomark]

do you polish PPF and what do you use? Light machine polish too?

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[MarkM]

Don’t polish it, I do use wax on it though

 

[Coastal-Mach]

@cerbomark ,
My PPF is ceramic coated, I took @DFB5.0 advice on cleaning, and no polishing is required. Hope this helps.

 

[skinnyb]

I have never tried it, but I wouldn't advise it. Its basically rubber/vinyl. I would be afraid it would tear or bunch up...

 

[Justpassingas]

My car is PPFed and ceramic coated, the only thing I’ve used is Turtlewax ceramic spray.

 

[cstunkard]

My entire car is PPFed and at the recommendation of the company that installed the PPF I use Meguiar's M2716 Pro Hybrid Ceramic Sealant. Works great and is quite easy to use.

 

[Roadsign]

Depends on the ppf. They are made from urethane, the ones that are top coated/clear coated can be polished just like you would polish paint BUT you'll have to be careful. If it has a clear it's only like 1-2mil. Ask the installer or film company what they recommend is probably best.

 

[WayneK]

I had a bird poop stain on 3M that was installed 6 months ago. I used Griots Complete Polish with their microfiber polishing pad. No issues and stain is gone.

 

[GTP]

I had a bird poop stain on 3M that was installed 6 months ago. I used Griots Complete Polish with their microfiber polishing pad. No issues and stain is gone.

I also had some sort of stain that refused to "clean" off. Showed it to a PPF shop, and he came out with a portable polisher and took care of it.

So I think in extenuating circumstances it is okay to polish carefully.

 

[CobaltFilly]

What I come across in my auto detailing business is usually a lot of the more "cheaper" PPFs like 3M that feel more gummy than plasticy to me. I am no expert on ppf types or installation. I avoid clay bar or polisher on these PPFs. I wash thoroughly then stick to good old fashioned P&S Beadmaker and a microfiber with elbow grease...99% of the time I am able to carefully work out any bugs, road grime, rubber marks, etc...

If the PPF has deep scratches, replace it...or better yet get rid of it

 

[DrZed]

Xpel said not to use most wax as it has Naphtha in it.
I need to talk to Xpel about how to get rid of some "ghosting" from not getting bug guts off in time.

 

[Skye]

I've read that PPF can be polished, but it's not something I'd attempt. Even some of the heartiest of PPF is comprised of multiple, unique layers with a total thickness of .254 mm, or less.

https://gleamworksdetailing.ca/how-thick-is-ppf/

https://www.globalplasticsheeting.com/mil-thickness-compared-to-mm-millimeter-and-inches

If considering polishing, I'd discuss with an installer that regularly works with the mateirals.

For care, I use three products.

For routine washes, Gyeon Bath.

https://gyeonusa.com/products/q-m-bathe

Two to three times a year, I use Gyeon's PPF wash, a light decon soap made for PPF.

https://gyeonusa.com/products/q2m-ppf-wash?_pos=2&_sid=664596682&_ss=r

Two to three times a year, I use Gyeon's PPF maintain, a sealer for PPF.

https://gyeonusa.com/products/q2m-ppf-maintain-redefined?_pos=1&_sid=664596682&_ss=r

All three products are easy to use and show excellent. My PPF looks as good as the day it was installed.

 

[AZ_Ryan]

As mentioned, it depends on the PPF. But, yes, you can use a mild polish on most PPF to remove minor defects. I did it on mine.

 

[TonyNJ]

Mark, you have 3M on your quarters and deck lid. I'm not sure what brand is on the front of the car. I don't think it's 3M though. Frank will know.

And don't listen to CoballsFilthy. 3M is the best PPF on the market. They invented it then leased the technology to everyone else. The other companies like Expel have lots of patterns and got into the mattes and colors. But 3M is definitely the best or equal to the best quality.

 

[IPOGT]

@cerbomark ,
My PPF is ceramic coated, I took @DFB5.0 advice on cleaning, and no polishing is required. Hope this helps.

Excuse me in advance, but the concept of polishing paint protection film, somehow, to me, seems really weird.

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