
Paint Protection Film (PPF) Care & Aftercare Instructions
Congratulations on protecting your investment with professionally installed Paint Protection Film (PPF). Whether your vehicle is protected with Gloss, Matte, Colored, Printed Paint Protection Film, or a combination of these products, your new film provides an advanced sacrificial layer designed to preserve your vehicle's finish while enhancing its appearance.
Paint Protection Film helps defend against rock chips, road debris, bug acids, bird droppings, tree sap, UV exposure, environmental contaminants, light scratches, and everyday wear. Many premium films also feature self-healing technology that helps minimize the appearance of fine surface scratches when exposed to heat.
While PPF is one of the most advanced forms of paint protection available, proper maintenance is essential to maximize its appearance, performance, and longevity. By following the care recommendations outlined in this guide, you'll help ensure your investment continues to perform as intended for years to come.
Gloss | Matte | Color | Printed PPF Care Guide
FIRST 48–72 HOURS
During installation, a slip solution is used to properly position the film. Although your vehicle may appear finished immediately, the adhesive continues curing over the next several days.
During this period:
• Do NOT wash the vehicle.
• Avoid pressure washers.
• Do not wax or apply detailing products.
• Avoid driving through automatic car washes.
• If possible, avoid heavy rain.
• Do not pick at edges or corners.
• Small bubbles, moisture pockets, or slight haze are completely normal and will disappear as the film cures.
FIRST 30 DAYS
The adhesive continues strengthening during the first month.
Please avoid:
• High-pressure water directly on film edges.
• Automatic brush car washes.
• Aggressive chemical cleaners.
• Polishing compounds.
• Abrasive brushes or scrub pads.
If bird droppings, bug splatter, tree sap, or road tar land on the film, remove them as soon as possible using warm water and a soft microfiber towel.
ROUTINE WASHING
For best results, wash every 2–3 weeks.
Recommended washing procedure:
• Rinse the vehicle thoroughly.
• Use a pH-neutral automotive shampoo.
• Wash using the Two-Bucket Method.
• Use only premium microfiber wash mitts.
• Dry with clean microfiber drying towels or filtered air.
• Never allow soap to dry on the vehicle.
PRESSURE WASHING
Pressure washers may be used after the curing period if used properly.
Maintain:
• Minimum 24-inch distance from the film.
• Maximum pressure of approximately 1,500 PSI.
• Never spray directly at film edges or seams.
• Spray at a shallow angle rather than directly perpendicular to the edge.
Improper pressure washing can lift film edges and is not considered a warranty defect.
AUTOMATIC CAR WASHES
We strongly recommend:
✔ Touchless Automatic Car Washes
Avoid:
✘ Brush-Type Automatic Car Washes
Brushes can scratch the film, dull the finish, contaminate matte films, and prematurely wear edge sealing.
BUGS, SAP & BIRD DROPPINGS
Organic contaminants are acidic.
Remove them as soon as practical.
Allowing contaminants to remain on the surface for extended periods may permanently stain or etch the film.
Use:
• Warm water
• PPF-safe bug remover
• Clean microfiber towel
Never scrape contaminants with fingernails, plastic scrapers, razor blades, or sharp objects.
GLOSS PPF CARE
Gloss Paint Protection Film is engineered to closely replicate the appearance of factory clear coat while providing exceptional protection.
You may:
✔ Hand wash.
✔ Use ceramic detail sprays specifically designed for Paint Protection Film.
✔ Apply PPF-safe ceramic coatings.
✔ Professionally polish minor surface imperfections only if approved by your installer.
MATTE PPF CARE
Matte and Satin Paint Protection Films require specialized maintenance to preserve their unique appearance.
DO NOT:
✘ Polish.
✘ Compound.
✘ Wax with gloss-enhancing products.
✘ Use shine enhancers.
✘ Buff the surface.
These products can permanently alter the satin finish and cannot be reversed.
Only use products specifically labeled safe for Matte or Satin Paint Protection Film.
COLORED & PRINTED PPF CARE
Colored and Printed Paint Protection Film combines premium protection with a custom appearance while preserving your vehicle's finish. Proper maintenance is essential to maximize the longevity, appearance, and performance of your film.
To preserve color consistency and finish:
• Wash regularly using a pH-neutral automotive shampoo.
• Remove bird droppings, bug splatter, tree sap, road salt, and other contaminants as soon as possible.
• Always use clean microfiber wash mitts and drying towels.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to harsh chemicals, petroleum-based cleaners, or abrasive compounds.
• Never use acetone, lacquer thinner, gasoline, adhesive removers, or solvents on the film.
• Do not polish or compound the film unless specifically approved by the film manufacturer.
• Maintain at least a 24-inch distance when using a pressure washer, and never spray directly at film edges or seams.
PRINTED PPF
Printed Paint Protection Film features custom high-resolution graphics encapsulated beneath a durable protective topcoat. Although the printed design is protected from normal environmental exposure, proper care is essential to preserve its appearance.
For Printed PPF:
✔ Hand washing is recommended whenever possible.
✔ Touchless automatic car washes are acceptable after the curing period.
✔ Use only PPF-safe detailing products.
✔ Inspect edges periodically, especially around complex curves, body lines, and high-impact areas.
Avoid:
✘ Brush-type automatic car washes.
✘ Abrasive polishes or compounds.
✘ Harsh degreasers or petroleum-based chemicals.
✘ Steam cleaning directly on film edges.
✘ High-pressure washing directly at seams, edges, or corners.
Deep cuts, punctures, severe abrasions, or rock impacts that penetrate the protective surface may also damage the printed design beneath the film and require replacement of the affected section.
Because Printed Paint Protection Film is custom manufactured, replacement panels may exhibit slight variations from the original installation due to normal environmental aging, UV exposure, and production tolerances.
SELF-HEALING TECHNOLOGY
Many premium Paint Protection Films feature self-healing top coats.
Fine swirl marks and light surface scratches often disappear with:
• Warm sunlight.
• Warm water.
• Gentle heat.
Deep cuts or rock chip damage that penetrates the film cannot self-heal and may require replacement of the affected panel.
WINTER CARE
Colorado winters can expose your vehicle to road salt, magnesium chloride, sand, and de-icing chemicals.
To help preserve your film:
• Rinse your vehicle regularly during winter months.
• Remove salt buildup as soon as practical.
• Never chip or scrape ice from the film with hard tools.
• Allow ice to melt naturally whenever possible.
WHAT TO AVOID
Do NOT use:
• Abrasive compounds.
• Cutting polishes (unless professionally approved).
• Acetone.
• Lacquer thinner.
• Mineral spirits.
• Gasoline.
• Adhesive removers not designed for PPF.
• Steel wool.
• Magic Erasers.
• Abrasive scrub pads.
These products may permanently damage the film and void applicable warranty coverage.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
Your Paint Protection Film is backed by the manufacturer's material warranty and Luxury Autowerks' workmanship warranty as outlined in your original service documentation.
Warranty coverage does not include damage resulting from:
• Vehicle collisions.
• Rock impacts that penetrate the film.
• Improper washing techniques.
• Brush-type automatic car washes.
• Pressure washing too close to film edges.
• Chemical misuse.
• Improper maintenance.
• Customer-installed products.
• Intentional damage, abuse, or neglect.
PROFESSIONAL MAINTENANCE
To keep your Paint Protection Film performing at its highest level, we recommend a professional inspection every 12 months.4
During your maintenance visit we can:
• Inspect all film edges and seams.
• Remove embedded contaminants.
• Perform a professional decontamination wash.
• Apply a ceramic topper if applicable.
• Evaluate self-healing performance.
• Inspect for impact damage or lifting.
• Ensure your film continues performing as intended.
QUESTIONS?
If you notice lifting edges, unusual discoloration, excessive staining, impact damage, or have any questions regarding the care of your Paint Protection Film, please contact Luxury Autowerks before attempting any repairs or using aftermarket products. We are the pros at protecting Colorado's vehicles.

