Sorry for posting in this section, but it seems like the section with the most clear-bra talk, considering a lot of the cars here are 100k+.

Anyways, I just picked up an E550 Coupe with a couple hundred miles at the dealer, so I am wondering, Would the shop remove the dealer installed wax, or should I do it myself?

Basically, I am wondering if there is any "Self prep. work".

Thanks, I appreciate it, especially if you are a professional..

-Alex<!-- google_ad_section_end --> <!-- / message -->

You should ask your installer, but I believe most reputable vendors will tell you to make sure it's not 'filthy'. Otherwise, they should do the prep work for it.

We do all of the prep work. Some will come in and say they did the prep work already but we will still do it. What happens if they lean upon you to do it and something wasn't done to the right standard? You will be unhappy and they will not be happy.

My installer asked me to minimize the amount of wax. His prep work included wiping the surface with distilled water, rubbing the surface with a diluted mixture of denatured alcohol, and wiping the surface again with distilled water prior to installing the clear bra.

But, to answer your question, my car was washed and had some wax on it when I took it to the installer. I just didn't layer it one prior.

I watched the installer do every step (6 hours worth of watching). It has been about 3 months now and the product looks great.

they will strip wax and clean it. make sure it's not filthy though. best to wash it before if it is pretty dirty

If possible, do a proper clay and polish prior. It's an extra insurance policy that the surface is prepped correctly. When we do our clear film install, we clay and machine polish any surface to make sure there are no swirls or scratches in the paint. Our installs always cost more, but we feel the value you get with these extra steps are worth the effort and expense. After all, as you mentioned, most cars getting this product are above the $100K category...what's a few more $$ to make sure the job is done right the first time.

+100 Moe said it perfectly.

Thanks for the info. everyone, rep. points to say Thanks.

So basically any good shop will do the correct prep. work, but I never thought of using a clay bar for a perfect job, I always learn something new here..

Thanks,
Alex

I agree with Moe, at the very least give it a good dawn wash to help diminish and strip the wax and I'd claybar it as well to remove any bonded contamination so the paint is perfectly smooth before the film is applied.

Josh

The installer will do all prep work necessary. You can also opt to have the paint corrected (if needed) prior to film application.