ADBL Surface Cleaner | PPF Pre-Install Cleaner and Degreaser

ADBL Surface Cleaner is a pre-install cleaner and degreaser for preparing paint before you apply paint protection film (PPF), colour change wrap film or window tint. It removes grease, tar and old adhesive residue and leaves a clean, streak-free surface for the film to bond to. Most film failures, such as lifting edges, bubbles and contamination trapped under the film, start with poor prep. This is the step that prevents them.

It also works as a cleaner for matte paint and matte film, removing dirt without polishing or changing the finish.

What it removes

• Greasy deposits and oily residue
• Tar
• Old adhesive residue, including from previous film or badges
• Dirt from matte paint and matte film

Suitable for

• Surface prep before PPF installation
• Surface prep before colour change wrap
• Surface prep before window tint
• Regular cleaning of matte paint and matte film

Surface Cleaner vs an IPA wipe
Many installers use isopropyl alcohol (IPA) as their final wipe. IPA is good at stripping light oils, but it struggles with tar and adhesive residue. Surface Cleaner is made to handle those heavier contaminants while still leaving a streak-free, residue-free surface for film. It is also safe on matte finishes, which strong solvent wipes are not always.

Where it fits in the ADBL film range
Surface Cleaner preps the panel. ADBL PRO Slip is the slip solution for laying the film. ADBL PPF Gel is for complex shapes where you need more working time. Used together, they cover the full install from prep to finish.

• Product type: Pre-install surface cleaner and degreaser
• Suitable for: Prep before PPF, colour change wrap and window tint; cleaning matte paint and matte film
• Removes: Grease, tar, old adhesive residue
• Finish: Streak-free, no deposits
• Sizes: 500 mL, 1 L

Preparation

1. Wash the vehicle, then chemically and mechanically decontaminate the panels being covered. Use an iron remover and tar remover, followed by clay.

Cleaning
2. Apply Surface Cleaner to a clean microfibre cloth. Do not spray it directly onto the panel.
3. Wipe over the whole area where the film will go.
4. Pay extra attention to the edges, gaps and seams of each panel. This is where the film edges sit, and where contamination causes lifting.

Before installing
5. Spray the panel with your slip solution, such as ADBL PRO Slip, to lift any remaining dust. Remove it with a silicone squeegee. You can skip this step when applying liquid film.

Best practice tips

• Test on an inconspicuous area first, particularly on resprayed panels, fresh paint or matte finishes.
• Use a separate, clean microfibre for prep. A cloth that has touched wax, sealant or detail spray will put contamination straight back onto the panel.
• Flip and refold the cloth often. Once it picks up grease or adhesive, it starts spreading it around instead of removing it.
• Do edges last with a fresh face of the cloth. They hold the most contamination and matter most for adhesion.

Safety
Use in a well-ventilated area. Keep out of reach of children.