Koch-Chemie - Panel Preparation Spray PPS

Surface preparation is one of the most important stages of paint correction and ceramic coating application, yet it's also one of the easiest to overlook. Even after carefully machine polishing a vehicle, the paintwork can retain polishing oils, lubricants and other residues that temporarily conceal defects or interfere with the bonding of subsequent protection products.

Koch-Chemie Panel Preparation Spray, commonly known as PPS, has been developed specifically to address this problem. It's an alcohol-based, ready-to-use cleaner designed to remove polishing oils, waxes and residues, leaving the surface clean and allowing you to inspect the true condition of the paintwork.

One of the most useful applications is during machine polishing. Many compounds and finishing polishes contain lubricants that help the abrasives work effectively and reduce friction during polishing. However, these oils can also temporarily fill fine defects, making it difficult to determine whether scratches and holograms have actually been removed. A thorough wipe-down with PPS removes these residues, allowing you to inspect the paintwork properly under suitable lighting.

The second major application is preparing paintwork before applying a ceramic coating or paint sealant. For reactive protection products, surface cleanliness plays an important role in achieving consistent bonding. Any remaining oils, waxes or polishing residues can create an unwanted barrier between the paintwork and the protective product, potentially compromising its performance and durability.

What we particularly like about PPS is that it has been formulated specifically for this task rather than simply relying on a generic solvent or homemade isopropyl alcohol mixture. Koch-Chemie uses a carefully balanced alcohol-based formulation designed to remove residues effectively while maintaining good compatibility with suitable automotive surfaces.

It's also worth understanding what PPS doesn't do. This isn't a conventional pre-wash, tar remover or fallout remover, and it won't replace proper chemical and mechanical decontamination. Instead, it's the final chemical cleaning stage after washing, decontamination and paint correction, removing the remaining residues that could otherwise affect the finished result.

The ready-to-use formulation is another advantage. There's no need to experiment with dilution ratios or prepare a separate solution. Simply apply the product neat and wipe away with a clean, dry microfibre towel. It can be used on solvent-resistant paintwork, plastics and metals, although material compatibility should always be checked first.

For us, Koch-Chemie PPS is one of those products that doesn't necessarily make a vehicle look dramatically different on its own, but plays an important role in achieving a better final result. Whether you're checking the effectiveness of your polishing work or preparing for a ceramic coating, having a reliable panel wipe makes the process more consistent and gives you greater confidence in the surface you're working with.