DIY Detail Panel Prep

Panel Prep Spray

Panel Prep is designed to remove grease and compound off a panel before ceramic coating. This product is suitable for all types of surfaces including paint, plastic, and glass ensuring that all surfaces are clean and clear of contaminants before applying ceramic coating. The Panel Prep spray is easy to use and does not require any special tools or equipment. Panel Prep helps you prepare your car properly for ceramic coating application so it lasts longer and provides better protection against UV rays, scratches, bird droppings, tree sap and other environmental factors.

Why It Matters

Skipping this step or using the wrong product can result in poor coating adhesion, which leads to reduced durability and protection. Panel Prep gives you a clean slate, allowing your ceramic coating to fully bond and perform as intended.

When to Use Panel Prep

Use Panel Prep after polishing and before applying ceramic coatings. It ensures that no polish residue or oils remain on the surface, which could interfere with the bond between the coating and the vehicle’s surface.

Application Tips for Optimal Coating

• Step 1: Spray Panel Prep Spray on the contaminated surface of your car.
• Step 2: Wipe the surface with a clean microfiber towel until all of the spray and dirt is completely removed.
• Step 3: Your surface is clean and now ready for ceramic coating protection.

FAQ

Do I use Panel Prep before or after polishing?

Use Panel Prep after you finish polishing and before you apply any ceramic coating, spray coating, wax, or sealant. Its job is to remove polishing oils, fillers, and residue so your protection bonds directly to a truly clean surface.

Can Panel Prep strip old wax or sealant by itself?

Panel Prep will help remove light remaining waxes, silicone, and residue, but it is not a heavy-duty stripper on its own. Think of it as the final chemical cleaning step after proper washing, decontamination, and (if needed) polishing.

Is it safe on all exterior surfaces?

Yes. Panel Prep is safe on painted surfaces, clear coat, plastics, and glass. You can use it on body panels, gloss trim, headlights, and windows to ensure every area is coating-ready.

Can I use Panel Prep as a glass cleaner?

Yes. Because it removes oils and residues without leaving a film, it works extremely well on exterior and interior glass when used with a clean microfiber towel.

How much should I spray on each panel?

Work in small sections. Lightly mist Panel Prep onto the surface or onto your towel, spread it, and wipe until the residue is gone. You do not need to saturate the panel; just enough product to loosen and lift the oils is sufficient.

Do I need more than one towel?

For best results, use a two-towel method: one towel to wipe and lift the product and contamination, and a second clean towel to do a final, dry buff. This reduces streaking and ensures nothing is left behind before coating.

Can Panel Prep remove a ceramic coating?

No. A proper ceramic coating chemically and mechanically bonds to the clear coat and cannot be removed with a panel prep spray alone. You need mechanical abrasion (polishing) to remove or significantly reduce an existing coating.

Can I use Panel Prep between maintenance washes instead of a detail spray?

Panel Prep is formulated as a prep and degreasing step, not as a gloss enhancer or protective topper. For regular maintenance between washes or as a drying aid, reach for a dedicated quick detailer, waterless wash, or spray coating instead, and save Panel Prep for when you are about to apply protection.