Out of stock

Degreasing panel wipe for pre-protection prep

Car Chem Prep Panel Wipe

SKU CC2021PW500 Ask a question

Ask a question

We reply by email, usually the same working day.

Notify Me When Back in Stock

£7.99

Out of stock

Size 500ml

Ask when it is back

Car Chem Prep Panel Wipe £7.99
Click & Collect: Ilkeston · FreeMost eligible orders are ready within 5 minutes during opening times. Please wait for your collection-ready confirmation before travelling. Click & Collect: Ilkeston Not available for this option. Options that can be collected show it here. How it works

Car-Chem's Prep Panel Wipe is our new degreasing and preparatory surface cleanser.

  • Degreasing preparatory surface cleanser
  • Removes oils and silicones from paintwork
  • Leaves a streak-free, clean surface
  • Clears residue before last stage protection
  • Helps last stage protection bond better
  • Simple spray and wipe application
  • Doubles as a glass cleaner
  • Available in 500ml and 5L
Read the full description

Full Description

Car-Chem's Prep Panel Wipe is our new degreasing and preparatory surface cleanser.

Prep Panel Wipe is a special product that is designed to remove residue from your vehicle's surfaces in order to prepare the surface for last stage protection. Prep is great at removing oils and silicones to give a streak-free, clean surface perfect for last stage protection.

More in Panel Wipe & IPA.

Tracked UK delivery, or collect eligible orders from our Ilkeston store.

Secure checkout
  • Apple pay
  • Diners club
  • Discover
  • Google pay
  • Klarna
  • Maestro
  • Master
  • Paypal
  • Shopify pay
  • Unionpay
  • Visa

Key features

  • Panel Wipe
  • Removes Silicones
  • Streak-Free Finish
  • Doubles For Glass
  • 500ml And 5L

The Drivers HQ

Expert Notes

Car-Chem Prep Panel Wipe is the step between polishing and protection. Car-Chem describes it as a degreasing, preparatory surface cleanser that removes oils, silicones and final residue from paintwork, leaving a streak-free, clean surface so last stage protection can bond better. We use it after machine polishing and before a wax, sealant or ceramic coating, working one cool panel at a time: mist the panel and a lint-free microfibre cloth, then wipe until the solution has fully evaporated. It also doubles as a glass cleaner, so the 500ml is a handy bottle for a detailing bag, while the 5L suits regular users refilling their own spray bottles. Pair it with plenty of clean, lint-free microfibre cloths.

Perfect For / Suitable Surfaces

  • Exterior paintwork
  • Freshly polished panels
  • Panels before ceramic coating
  • Panels before wax or sealant
  • Windows and windscreens
  • Door mirror glass

Caution: Work on cool panels out of direct sun so it does not flash off before you wipe. Test on plastic trim and rubber seals before wider use.

Technical Specifications

Product Type
Panel Wipe
Brand
Car-Chem
Product Name
Prep Panel Wipe
Available Sizes
500ml, 5L
Primary Use
Surface Preparation Before Last Stage Protection
Removes
Oils, Silicones And Final Residue
Finish
Streak-Free, Clean Surface
Application Method
Spray On, Wipe With A Lint-Free Microfibre Cloth
Secondary Use
Glass Cleaning
Suitable For
Exterior Paintwork And Glass

How To Use

Application

  1. Wash, decontaminate and polish the vehicle so only light residue remains.
  2. Work on one cool panel at a time, out of direct sunlight.
  3. Spray Prep directly onto the paintwork and a small amount onto a clean, lint-free microfibre cloth.
  4. Wipe over the panel until the solution has completely evaporated.
  5. Check the surface under good light for streaks or missed residue.
  6. Apply your wax, sealant or coating to the prepared panel.

Aftercare

  1. Turn to a fresh side of the cloth as it loads with residue.
  2. Avoid touching prepared panels with bare hands before protection goes on.
  3. Use it on glass as a glass cleaner, wiping until clear.
  4. Wash used cloths separately and without fabric softener.
  5. Store the bottle closed and upright, away from heat and frost.

Top Tip: Keep a dedicated stack of lint-free microfibre cloths for panel prep so no polish residue returns to the paint.

Performance Benefits

  • Prepares paint for protection
  • Helps protection bond better
  • Lifts final residue from paint
  • Degreases before last stage
  • Leaves a contamination free finish
  • Suits exterior paint and glass

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Prep Panel Wipe used for?

Car-Chem Prep Panel Wipe is a degreasing, preparatory surface cleanser used before last stage protection. It removes residue so your wax, sealant or coating can bond better to the paint.

What does it remove?

Car-Chem says Prep removes oils, silicones and any final residue left on the paintwork. This leaves a streak-free, clean surface ready for protection.

When should I use it?

Use it after washing and polishing, immediately before applying last stage protection. Polishing oils left on the paint can stop a protection product bonding properly, so this step removes them.

How do I apply it?

Spray Prep onto the paintwork and a small amount onto a clean, lint-free microfibre cloth, then keep wiping until the solution has completely evaporated.

Can I use it on glass?

Yes, Car-Chem says Prep Panel Wipe doubles as a glass cleaner. Wipe it over the glass with a clean microfibre cloth until it has evaporated.

What sizes are available?

Car-Chem Prep Panel Wipe is available in 500ml and 5L. The 5L suits regular users refilling their own spray bottle.

Where can I buy Car-Chem Prep Panel Wipe?

You can order Car-Chem Prep Panel Wipe from The Drivers HQ with UK-wide delivery, or visit our walk-in store in Ilkeston, Derbyshire.

HQ Suggests Tips & Insights

  1. Use panel wipe only after all polishing is finished.
  2. Work one panel at a time on cool paint.
  3. Mist the cloth as well as the panel, as Car-Chem advises.
  4. Keep wiping until the solution has fully evaporated.
  5. Turn or change cloths as they collect residue.
  6. Apply protection soon after prepping each panel.
  7. Use it on exterior glass as a glass cleaner too.
  8. Available with UK-wide delivery from The Drivers HQ.

The Brand

Car-Chem

Car-Chem is a car care manufacturer with an on-site laboratory, a dedicated research chemist and a production facility in Nottingham. The company says it has researched, developed and produced car care since 2010, and that its products are trusted by professionals and enthusiasts in over 40 countries. In 2024 it was acquired by Leading Solvent Supplies, a UK chemical group, and alongside its own Car-Chem range it develops and produces private label products for other businesses.

The Drivers HQ stocks Car-Chem across the whole wash and protection routine, with several products in 500ml and 5L sizes. For washing there is Pre Soak+ Snow Foam, Citrus Clean, Total Clean Traffic Film Remover, 1900:1 Shampoo and Clean Wheels. Protection comes from Sapphire Ceramic Wax, Connoisseur Carnauba Wax and Hydro Quick Detailer, with Prep Panel Wipe to ready the paint. Inside there is Interior Clean Coat, Hide Leather Cream and Refresh Odour Eliminator, and for glass, Pre Icer and Screen Wash Water Resistant.

Car-Chem suits enthusiasts who want to build a complete kit from one maker, and detailers who get through a lot of product, since the 5L sizes are handy for refilling smaller bottles. A typical routine starts with snow foam and a citrus pre-wash to loosen dirt before a careful contact wash with shampoo, then the wheels. Panel wipe removes oils before a ceramic or carnauba wax goes on, and a quick detailer keeps the finish topped up between washes. Glass and interior products finish the car inside and out.

Buy Car-Chem from The Drivers HQ with UK-wide delivery, or visit our walk-in store in Ilkeston, Derbyshire, where Click & Collect is free. Whether you are restocking a favourite shampoo in a larger size, trying a ceramic wax or putting together a winter glass kit with Pre Icer and screen wash, you can combine Car-Chem products with the rest of your detailing and car care essentials in a single order.

Shop all Car-Chem
Car Chem 1900:1 Shampoo (500ml and 5L) - The Drivers HQ

Developed and Made in Nottingham

Car-Chem describes itself as a manufacturer and innovator in the automotive care industry, and says it has researched, developed and produced car care since 2010. Its on-site laboratory, dedicated research chemist and production facility are in Nottingham, and the company says it maintains quality control at every stage so that every product and its packaging comply with UK and international regulatory standards.

In 2024 Car-Chem was acquired by Leading Solvent Supplies, a UK chemical group. The company says the move gives it greater investment in research and development and more production capacity, while it keeps its own brand identity and expert team. Its products, it says, are still developed and produced by Car-Chem at its Nottingham facility.

Alongside its own range, Car-Chem develops and produces private label products for businesses from global corporations to specialised niche brands. The company says its formulations are trusted by professionals and enthusiasts in over 40 countries.

CARCHEM SAPPHIRE CERAMIC WAX - The Drivers HQ

From Snow Foam to Ceramic Wax

Car-Chem describes 1900:1 Shampoo as a highly concentrated shampoo that cuts through dirt, grime and road contaminants while preserving waxes, sealants and ceramic coatings, with lubricants that give a smooth glide and reduce the risk of swirls, scratches and marring. Before the contact wash, Pre Soak+ Snow Foam lifts dirt and grime from exterior surfaces without stripping sealant or wax, and Citrus Clean is a versatile cleaner for jobs inside and outside the car, diluted with water to suit the task.

Clean Wheels is an acid-based spray cleaner that the brand says is suitable for alloy, painted and plastic-trimmed wheels, lifting brake dust, grit and grease. When the paint is clean, Prep Panel Wipe removes oils and silicones to leave a streak-free surface ready for last stage protection.

For that protection, The Drivers HQ stocks Sapphire, an SiO2 based ceramic wax, and Connoisseur Carnauba Wax, which protects against contamination while adding to the natural gloss of the paint, with Hydro Quick Detailer adding a thin layer of hydrophobic sealant between washes. Pre Icer is a glass coating that helps stop ice settling on treated glass, Screen Wash Water Resistant is a screen wash additive that coats the windscreen with a hydrophobic barrier, Hide Leather Cream moisturises leather and Refresh Odour Eliminator targets bad smells at the source.

  • Product AdviceAsk for help choosing compatible products and equipment.
  • Trade MembershipTrade Members get 10% off every product except sale items.
  • Shop in StoreBrowse products and speak to the team in Ilkeston.

Best Paired With

Customer Reviews

No reviews yet. Tell other drivers what you think of it.

HQ Rewards members who bought it earn 10 points for an approved review, 20 with a photo or video, whatever the rating. Review policy

    Write a Review

    Your rating

    NOT SURE THIS IS THE RIGHT ONE?

    Ask Before You Buy

    Tell us about the vehicle, surface, equipment or result you are working with. Advice is available before you buy, not only after something has gone wrong.

    Get Product Advice Visit the Ilkeston Store