Clear protectant film for bumpers and protectant coatings

[rags]

I got my Prius one week ago. What a great car!!!

I bought off the web the urethane clear film (i.e., "clear bra") to protect the bumpers, etc. I will be applying it. I noticed on some other websites that depending on the region of the U.S., a Prius may be delivered with various protectant coatings (wax, etc.) on the paint. The film installation instructions say that if there is wax or another type of coating on the paint, then it needs to be removed before applying the film.

Water beads up on the paint of my vehicle suggesting some type of protectant may have been applied. So, I am wondering if anyone knows if a Pirus when delivered to the U.S. PNW has wax or some other protectant coating on it that needs to be removed?


Thank you for your help.

[Tom_06]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(rags @ Apr 15 2006, 01:03 PM) [snapback]240194[/snapback]</div>

I got my Prius one week ago. What a great car!!!

I bought off the web the urethane clear film (i.e., "clear bra") to protect the bumpers, etc. I will be applying it. I noticed on some other websites that depending on the region of the U.S., a Prius may be delivered with various protectant coatings (wax, etc.) on the paint. The film installation instructions say that if there is wax or another type of coating on the paint, then it needs to be removed before applying the film.

Water beads up on the paint of my vehicle suggesting some type of protectant may have been applied. So, I am wondering if anyone knows if a Pirus when delivered to the U.S. PNW has wax or some other protectant coating on it that needs to be removed?
Thank you for your help.
[/b]

New paint has water bead up on it as if it were waxed. According to the pre-delivery checklist, waxing is not a standard part of dealer prep. Your best bet is to ask your dealer if they waxed it (maybe one of those spray-on waxes in a car wash).

In any case, it would be best to wash that area of the car with a high-alkaline dishwashing deterget like Dawn before putting any clear film on the paint. That will remove any wax. Any reputable installer will de-wax and clean the surface before installing. Then after the clear film is on and set up (may take a few days - check instructions), put a good coat of wax or something like Zaino on the car stem to stern.

- Tom

[rags]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tom_06 @ Apr 15 2006, 10:34 AM) [snapback]240208[/snapback]</div>

New paint has water bead up on it as if it were waxed. According to the pre-delivery checklist, waxing is not a standard part of dealer prep. Your best bet is to ask your dealer if they waxed it (maybe one of those spray-on waxes in a car wash).

In any case, it would be best to wash that area of the car with a high-alkaline dishwashing deterget like Dawn before putting any clear film on the paint. That will remove any wax. Any reputable installer will de-wax and clean the surface before installing. Then after the clear film is on and set up (may take a few days - check instructions), put a good coat of wax or something like Zaino on the car stem to stern.

- Tom
[/b]

Thanks much Tom.

The dealer did send the car over to be washed as I waited for them to finish preping it. So, it is a good guess that the beads are from a spray-on wax from a car wash. I forgot this detail.

Thanks also for the additional instructions for after the film is applied.

-rags