Koch Chemie PPS Panel Preparation Spray

When we first stocked the Koch Chemie PPS Panel Preparation Spray, we expected a solid product. After putting it through its paces in the shop and on our own vehicles, we can confirm it’s become one of those "quietly essential" tools in our detailing arsenal.

If you are stepping into the world of paint correction or just trying to achieve a flawless finish before applying a ceramic coating, surface prep is non-negotiable. We’ve seen plenty of jobs ruined by invisible residues left behind after polishing. That’s where this spray shines.

Let’s be clear: this isn’t a quick detailer or a show-and-shine spray. It is a dedicated panel prep designed to decontaminate the surface. The formulation is a volatile solvent blend designed to flash off quickly, removing polishing oils, waxes, and silicones without leaving a film behind.

When we talk about "cutting" through oils, we mean it literally. The chemistries at Koch Chemie are top-tier, and this mix is aggressive enough to strip back the gloss-enhancing fillers found in some carnauba waxes and synthetic sealants. This is crucial if you are looking to inspect the paintwork properly. You need to see the true condition of the clear coat—haziness, holograms, or swirls—without any interference from previous products.

Our workflow usually starts after the heavy cutting or compounding stage. We use a dual-action polisher with a finishing pad, but the PPS spray is the final step before we break out the IPA (Isopropyl Alcohol) or move straight to coating application.

Here is our preferred method:

1. Mist lightly: We spray 2 to 3 mists onto a clean, soft microfibre towel (we prefer plush suede or diamond weave). Do not oversaturate the panel.

2. Wipe down: Gently wipe the panel in a crisscross pattern. You’ll feel the difference immediately. The surface goes from slightly tacky to perfectly slick and dry.

3. Inspect: This is the moment of truth. Under good lighting, the paint looks stark and raw. If you missed a spot during your paint correction, the PPS will reveal it.

We’ve used it on everything from daily drivers to high-end exotics. It performs consistently on modern clear coats, single-stage paints, and even delicate gel coats on marine vessels. It’s versatile enough to be a go-to for general purpose cleaning, but specialised enough to be a staple in professional paint correction.

From an engineering standpoint, the flash-off time is impressive. Unlike some cheaper panel wipes that feel greasy or require endless buffing to remove, the PPS evaporates rapidly. This is vital when you are working in a warm garage; you don't want a product drying on the surface before you’ve removed it.

It also plays nicely with modern coatings. We’ve found that using this spray immediately before applying a ceramic coating ensures maximum bonding. By removing the oils, the coating can bond directly to the SiO2 substrate of the paint, rather than adhering to a layer of polishing residue. In our testing, this results in better hydrophobic properties and longevity.

Is it necessary for a simple wash and wax? Probably not. But if you are serious about paint correction, ceramic coating installation, or even just diagnosing paint defects, the Koch Chemie PPS Panel Preparation Spray is a high-performance chemical tool that does exactly what it claims. It strips, it cleans, and it prepares—leaving you with a blank canvas to work with.