If you’re thinking about wrapping your car, there are many reasons it might be a good idea. You can get your car wrapped to make your car look unique, to protect the original paint from scratches, or just because it looks cool and you want one.

There is a series of steps to be followed to prep your vehicle for a wrap. Using the correct techniques can make the difference in having a paint protection film (PPF) installed on your car. If this is not done correctly, it can affect the durability and longevity of your wrap. In this guide, we’ll outline the steps involved in preparing your car for a wrap and what to expect during the process.

How to Prepare Car for a Wrap

Step 1: Wash the Vehicle with Filtered Water

Use water that has been filtered through a clean, non-porous material such as sand or gravel. Do not use salt water or distilled water because they can cause damage to the adhesive on the wrap.

Step 2: Clay the Vehicle

To prepare your car for a wrap, you’ll need to clay the vehicle to remove any residual items on the clear coat.

Apply the clay bar in small sections at a time and rub it over the surface of your car. You can use moderate pressure at first, but if you notice anything particularly stubborn, apply more pressure.

Step 3: Run the Vehicle through a Chemical Bath

Once you have cleaned and dried your vehicle, you will want to apply a chemical bath to the surface of the car. A chemical bath is a liquid solution (Car shampoo) that cleanses and prepares the surface for adhesion for vinyl wrap products.

Step 4: Apply Buffer and Polish on the Vehicle

A three-stage process is used with a buffer to remove scratches and polish the clear coat.

• Remove scratches with a fine-grit sandpaper.
• Use a polishing compound with a power drill and buffer pad to remove swirls and polish the clear coat.
• Apply wax or sealant to protect your car’s finish after polishing it.

Quick Tip: Upon application of the clear bra or wrap, ceramics are a good option to provide additional protection for PPF.

The most important aspect of wrapping a vehicle is the preparation it takes to get the vehicle ready for a wrap. What sets the pros apart from the amateurs is their knowledge and experience. Anyone can take measurements, purchase supplies, and perform surface prep. But not everyone can do it the right way.

Hiring skilled professionals is always a good idea. A Better Shine specializes in preparing cars before applying the wrap by doing car detailing and more. Reach us by email or phone for the best results.