Can you wax a car with paint protection film?

Joanna • April 18, 2022

 

Paint protection film (PPF) provides unparalleled protection for your car, preventing chips and other damage and keeping your paintwork in pristine condition. However, many vehicle owners wonder if they can – and should – continue with regular waxing after their PPF has been installed. Can you wax a car with paint protection film?

 

 

The answer is that you absolutely can wax your PPF-protected car, but you don’t really need to for the most part. Your car will require far less waxing than it ordinarily would without a PPF. Having said that, it isn’t really necessary or even advisable to wax over a PPF. Wax can build up along the edges of the film, which can become unsightly over time. It is a better choice to apply either a ceramic coating or a sealant over the PPF, which will usually prevent the need for waxing entirely. It’s best to follow the film manufacturer’s guidance here.

 

We proudly use the industry’s best PPF from XPEL. Regarding wax, XPEL states:

“While you can wax the film, be sure the product you are using doesn’t contain Naphtha or Kerosene in concentrations over 5%, and avoid waxes that contain dyes. For best results, we recommend using our XPEL Flawless Finish Paint Protection Film Sealant or XPEL Ceramic Boost. This product has been specially formulated for use with polyurethane paint protection films to provide the maximum protection and gloss, while containing no ingredients that would cause discoloration over time.”

What Waxes Can I use?

If you do decide to wax your car when you already have a PPF, it is very important to use the right waxes. Technically, it is possible to wax a car that has been coated with PPF, provided you use a wax that does not contain kerosene or naphtha in more than 5% concentration. You should also avoid waxes that contain dyes.

Can you Machine Polish a car with PPF Installed?

Opinions seem to be divided on this matter. For the most part, it is better not to attempt to polish your PPF-coated car. First, you cannot polish PPF in the same way that you polish paintwork and clear coat, so it is a pointless exercise. Secondly, you will probably damage your PPF in the attempt. That being said, it is technically possible to polish over PPF, and it may be necessary when the coat gets older and starts to lose some of its shine. If you do decide to polish, be extra careful and remember to use the least abrasive pad and polish combination. If your PPF does get to the point that you are considering polishing it, it may actually be time to replace it. As indicated above, it’s best to use XPEL Flawless Finish Paint Protection Film Sealant. 

How To Clean a Car with Paint Protection Film Installed

You should exercise extra special care when cleaning your PPF-coated car. Look for a specialty car shampoo that is specially formulated for use on clear bra. The detergent should be applied using a microfiber mitt. Never attempt to wipe off any dirt with a dry cloth, as this could damage the coating. If you are going to use a power washer, steer clear of the edges of the film. It is also best to avoid commercial car washes. 

 

Now that you know more about whether to wax a car with paint protection film, treat your vehicle to the appearance and protection service it deserves. Pro Auto Spa is a family-owned auto appearance business in Colorado Springs. We offer 7,000 square feet of state-of-the-art car detailing facilities, covering the full range of auto appearance services from ceramic coating to PPF and more. Contact us for more information or come and visit our workshop on Tejon Street downtown.

 

By Joanna Smith April 2, 2025
At Pro Auto Spa, we get a lot of questions about the difference between ceramic coatings and paint protection film (PPF). There is a lot of misinformation out there, and we want to clear things up so you can make the best decision for your vehicle. Both ceramic coatings and PPF are excellent ways to protect your car’s paint, but they serve different purposes. Let’s break it down. What is a Ceramic Coating? A ceramic coating is a liquid polymer applied to a vehicle’s paint that chemically bonds with the surface, creating a hydrophobic (water-repellent) layer. Once cured, it enhances the paint’s gloss, makes cleaning easier, and provides some resistance to UV rays, chemical contaminants, and minor abrasions. Benefits of Ceramic Coating: • Gloss and Depth: Enhances the shine and depth of your paint. • Hydrophobic Properties: Water, dirt, and grime bead off easily. • UV and Chemical Protection: Helps prevent oxidation and fading. • Ease of Maintenance: Cleaning your car is easier and faster. What a Ceramic Coating Does NOT Do: • Prevent rock chips and deep scratches. • Act as a physical barrier against damage. • Eliminate the need for washing (your car still gets dirty) What is Paint Protection Film (PPF)? Paint Protection Film (PPF) is a self-healing polyurethane film applied to your car’s exterior to protect against physical damage. It acts as a sacrificial layer, absorbing impact from rock chips, scratches, road debris, and other hazards. Benefits of PPF: • Rock Chip Protection: Shields your paint from road debris and impacts. • Self-healing Properties: Minor scratches disappear with heat. • UV Protection: Prevents paint from fading over time. • Stain Resistance: Guards against bug splatter, bird droppings, and other contaminants. • Ceramic Infused: Makes cleaning easier. • There are now many options besides clear including different colors and designs for PPF. What PPF Does NOT Do: • Provide the same level of gloss as a ceramic coating. • Make washing unnecessary (dirt still accumulates). • Prevent dents and dings. • Last forever (depending on the use and abuse of your vehicle) Which One is Right for You? It depends on what you are looking for: • If you want easier maintenance, deep gloss, and chemical resistance then go with a ceramic coating. • If you want maximum protection against rock chips, scratches, and road debris then PPF is the better choice. • For the Ultimate Protection, apply both! Many of our clients choose PPF for high-impact areas (like the front end, hood, fenders, and mirrors) and add a ceramic coating on top for extra gloss and easy cleaning. Final Thoughts At Pro Auto Spa, we specialize in both Ceramic Coatings and PPF applications, and we always take time to educate our customers. If you are unsure about what’s best for your car, bring it in, and we’ll walk you through your options based on your driving habits, budget, and protection goals.
By Joanna Smith April 2, 2025
Imagine this: You’re driving home after a long day when you hear the dreaded sound – ping, ping, PING! Hail is hammering down on your car like a drum solo in a rock concert. Fast forward to the next morning, and your once-sleek ride now looks like it was parked on the driving range for a month. You file an insurance claim, and they send you a list of “preferred” body shops. Great, right? Not so fast. Here’s the biggest misconception about insurance claims: You don’t have to use the shop your insurance company recommends. That’s right – you have the power to choose where your car gets repaired. The Six-Month Nightmare That Could Have Been Avoided Just this week, a woman walked into Pro Auto Spa, frustrated and exhausted. She had been waiting SIX months for a big-name national body shop to fix her hail damage. Six months of driving a dented car. Six months of calling, waiting, and getting the same answer: “We’ll get to it soon.” Guess what? She didn’t have to wait at all. She didn’t even realize she had a choice. When she found out that Pro Auto Spa could fix her hail damage immediately, she was shocked and relieved. Why Do Insurance Companies Push Certain Shops? Insurance companies steer customers toward “preferred” shops because they have agreements in place – not necessarily because those shops are the best or fastest. These agreements often mean the shop is working under strict cost limitations that may not prioritize speed or quality. Meanwhile, independent shops (like Pro Auto Spa) focus on getting your car back to you quickly and looking flawless – not on cutting corners to meet an insurance company’s bottom line. Why Choose Pro Auto Spa for Hail Damage Repair? • No long wait times – We can get your car in now instead of months from now. • Expert repair work – Our team specializes in paintless dent repair (PDR), which is the best method for fixing hail damage without harming your car’s original paint. • We work with all insurance companies – Just because we’re not on their “preferred” list doesn’t mean we can’t handle your claim. We absolutely can, and we make the process easy. Don’t Let Insurance Dictate Your Choice If your car has hail damage, don’t sit around waiting for a body shop to finally call you back. You have a choice. Come to Pro Auto Spa where we’ll fix your car quickly and professionally – no endless waiting required. Your car deserves better than a six-month delay. And so do you. Contact us today and get your car back to looking its best!
By Joanna Smith April 2, 2025
Your car is more than just a vehicle – it’s a statement, an investment, and for some of us, a second love. But let’s be real: Colorado roads don’t care. From rock chips to road debris and unexpected surprises, your paint job is under constant attack. That’s where Paint Protection Film (PPF) come in – a virtually invisible shield that keeps your car looking flawless. At Pro Auto Spa, we offer several PPF packages designed to fit your needs and budget. Whether you’re looking for just the essentials or full-body armor, we’ve got you covered (literally). Let’s break it down! 1. Partial Front End Package – Starting at $1,195 • Perfect for daily drivers who want solid front-end protection without breaking the bank. This package covers: • Front bumper • Partial hood • Partial fenders • Headlights • Fog lights • Side mirrors If you’re tired of seeing rock chips and road rash appear overnight, this is the entry-level protection you need. Ideal for those who want to safeguard high-impact areas while keeping costs low. 2. Full Front End Package – Starting at $2,195 • For those who want to go the extra mile in protecting their vehicle’s most vulnerable areas. This package includes: • Full front bumper • Full hood • Full fenders • Headlights • Fog lights • Side Mirrors Think of this as the “no compromise" approach to front-end protection. If you want to keep that showroom shine without the stress of chips and scratches, this is the sweet spot. 3. Full body Protection – Starting at $6,000 • For the ultimate car enthusiast who refuses for anything less than perfection. This is the gold standard of PPF coverage, offering protection for every painted surface of your vehicle. Say goodbye to rock chips, scratches, and swirling from car washes. Your car will stay looking brand new for years to come. Perfect for: • Exotic cars and super cars • High-end luxury vehicles • Anyone who wants total peace of mind When you choose full-body protection, you’re making an investment in the long-term beauty and value of your car. And let’s be honest – there’s something incredibly satisfying about knowing your entire vehicle is wrapped in an invisible force field. 4. A La Carte – Custom Pricing Not seeing exactly what you need? No worries! We offer custom PPF solutions tailored to your specific needs. Whether it’s door edges, door cups, rocker panels, headlights, or any other area that takes a beating, we can protect it. Just let us know what you’re looking for, and we’ll put together the perfect package for you. Why Choose Pro Auto Spa? • Certified PPF installers with years of experience • Only the highest quality, self-healing film • Precision application for a seamless, invisible finish • Customer service that goes above and beyond Your car deserves the best. Whether you’re looking for entry-level protection or full-body peace of mind, we’ve got the perfect PPF package for you.
By Joanna Smith April 2, 2025
We’ve all seen this on a video. Some guy comes out of the grocery store and notices a big dent in the side of his car. He drives to the gas station, blows pressurized air into his tailpipe – and BOOM! – the dent magically disappears. If only it were that easy! At Pro Auto Spa, we often have customers come in, point at a dent, and say, “Can’t you just pop it out?” Well, we hate to be the bearers of bad news, but dents don’t work like those expandable sponge dinosaurs you put in water. There’s a real science behind Paintless Dent Repair (PDR), and today, we’re going to break it down. Why Dents Don’t Just “Pop” Back Out Your car’s body isn’t made of rubber – it’s made of steel or aluminum, and metal doesn’t just snap back into place. When a dent happens, the metal stretches, bends, and sometimes even warps. That means fixing it takes more than just pushing from behind – it requires precision, patience, the proper tools, and the right techniques. Common Myths About Dents Can’t you just use a plunger or suction cup? We appreciate the DIY spirit, but unless you want your car looking like it lost a battle to a toilet, we don’t recommend it. Plungers can actually make dents worse by pulling unevenly or damaging the paint. If I park in the sun, the heat will make the dent pop out. Nice try, but unless you’re driving a car made of memory foam, that dent isn’t going anywhere. Heat can help make metal more pliable, but it won’t reverse the damage on its own. If I push the dent from the inside, it’ll go back to normal. While enthusiasm is great, this is more likely to create a lumpy mess than a smooth repair. Believe us, we’ve seen it more than we’d like to recall throughout the years. Besides, cars have reinforcement beams, sound-deadening materials, laminated glass, and many other obstacles, making this a bad idea. Don’t be a DIYer when it comes to PDR. The Right Way to Fix a Dent: Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) At Pro Auto Spa, we use Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) to restore dents to their original contour without repainting or body fillers. This process is superior than traditional body work and requires: Specialized Tools – We use precision tools and other equipment to gently massage and move the metal back into place. A Trained Eye – Every dent is different requiring a skilled technician to analyze the depth, size, and accessibility to determine the best approach. Patience and Skill – PDR isn’t about brute force. It is a very delicate process that requires years of experience. Why Choose PDR? Maintains your original paint. No need for fillers or repainting. Faster repair than traditional body work. No diminished value to your vehicle. Moral of the Story: Bring It to the Pros If your car has a dent just bring it to us or your trusted PDR shop. We’ll assess the damage and let you know if PDR is the right solution. Whether it’s a rogue shopping cart, a high-flying baseball, an aggressive parking lot ding, or a deer running into the side of your car, we’ve got you covered. Got a dent that needs fixing? Give us a call or stop by Pro Auto Spa – we promise we won’t use a plunger.
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