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Dr. Beasley's Prep Wash 12 oz bottle
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Dr. Beasley's Prep Wash 12 oz bottle

Prep Wash

$19.99

From: $19.99

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Dr. Beasley’s Prep Wash is a waterless wash solution designed to clean paint surfaces for polishing and reveal any defects in the finish.

  • REVEALS DEFECTS IN PAINT: Clears away light surface dirt and old product residue that can hide swirls and scratches
  • PREPS PAINT FOR POLISHING: Removes contamination that can interfere with polishing
  • REDUCES TOWEL FRICTION: Lubricates the paint surface to limit the appearance of swirl marks
  • LEAVES NO WAX OR SILICONE: Cleans without adding gloss enhancers or protection that inhibit ceramic coating bonds
  • PERFECT FOR COLLECTOR CARS: No rinsing avoids trapping moisture in cracks and crevices on classic cars and Special Interest Vehicles
Product Description

Reveals Defects Before Polishing

Removes light surface dirt and old product residue that can hide swirls and scratches, giving you a clearer view of the paint prior to polishing.

Reduces Friction While Cleaning

Lubricates the paint as you clean, helping the microfiber towel glide easily to avoid adding more scratches before polishing.

Leaves No Wax or Silicone Behind

Cleans without adding gloss enhancers or protection that would need to be removed before applying a ceramic coating.

Cleans Without Rinsing

Working on a "special interest vehicle"? Prep Wash keeps water out of hard-to-dry seams and crevices on classic, restored and collector cars.

Featured Review

It cleans, lubricates for clay, and leaves behind a squeaky clean surface…

Mike H.Read All Reviews

Mike’s Advice

Pro-Tip: Baggie Test After Prep Washing!

After cleaning and drying the paint, slip your hand into a clean, thin sandwich bag and lightly feel the surface. The plastic helps you feel bonded contamination your bare fingers can’t perceive. If the paint feels rough or bumpy, decontaminate before polishing.

Mike Phillips
Chief Education Officer, Dr. Beasley’s

Product Comparison

Compare Prep Wash, Waterless Wash and Premium Body Wash
Compare by Prep Wash Waterless Wash Premium Body Wash
Best For Pre-Polish Cleaning Light Washing Regular Washing
How to Use Spray and wipe Spray and wipe Dilute, wash and rinse
Rinse Required? No No Yes
Cleaning Strength

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Directions
Time
15–30 minutes for cleaning
Difficulty
Easy
Surface
Gloss finish automotive paint

Supplies Needed

  • Prep Wash
  • Several clean microfiber towels
  • Inspection light
  • Clean, thin sandwich bag for checking bonded contamination
  • Clay bar or clay mitt, if needed
Before You Start

Use the waterless method only on light contamination. If the car has grit, mud or a layer of road grime, rinse and hand wash it first. Inspect your towels for embedded debris before use.

  1. Spray a small section

    Spray Prep Wash evenly over the area for full coverage.

  2. Wipe gently

    Fold a clean microfiber towel into quarters. Gently wipe the section in straight passes, turning to a clean side as it picks up dirt.

  3. Remove the remaining solution

    Flip to a clean, dry side or use a fresh towel to pick up any remaining solution. Change towels when the clean sides are used up.

  4. Repeat around the vehicle

    Clean one small section at a time. Keep dirty towels separate from your clean supply.

  5. Check for bonded contamination

    Once the paint is clean and dry, place your hand inside a clean, thin sandwich bag and lightly feel the surface. If it feels rough or bumpy, decontaminate before polishing. Prep Wash can also be used as lubrication with a clay bar or clay mitt. Use plenty of product and wipe away the loosened residue.

  6. Inspect before polishing

    Use an inspection light to check for swirls and scratches. Perform a test spot to choose your pad and polish before correcting the rest of the vehicle.

Videos
Dr. Beasley's Prep Wash | Product Overview
FAQ

How is Prep Wash different from Waterless Wash and regular car wash soap?

Prep Wash cleans lightly soiled paint before polishing and helps reveal defects. Waterless Wash is for light maintenance cleaning between washes. Premium Body Wash is a traditional car wash soap that requires dilution, hand washing and rinsing.

Can I use Prep Wash as a clay lubricant?

Yes. Remove loose dirt first, then use plenty of Prep Wash to lubricate your clay bar or clay mitt. Work a small section at a time, following the clay manufacturer’s directions. After claying each section, wipe away the remaining lubricant and residue with a clean microfiber towel.

Is Prep Wash a drying aid?

No. Prep Wash is a cleaner for preparing paint before polishing. For added towel lubrication while drying a freshly washed vehicle, use Paint Hero.

Should I dilute Prep Wash?

No. We recommend using Prep Wash undiluted for both cleaning and clay lubrication. Adding water reduces the concentration of its cleaning and lubricating ingredients, which can reduce performance.

Can I use Prep Wash on glass, chrome, mirrors and emblems?

Yes. Prep Wash is suitable for cleaning glass, chrome, mirrors and emblems. Use clean microfiber towels and switch to a fresh side frequently as you pick up dirt.

Do I use Prep Wash before or after polishing?

Use Prep Wash before polishing to remove light surface contamination and inspect the paint. Do not assume it replaces a post-polish panel wipe. After polishing, follow your polish and ceramic coating’s surface preparation instructions.

Does Prep Wash add gloss or protection?

Prep Wash is intended to clean paint and expose defects, rather than add gloss or protective coverage. It does not replace a wax, sealant or ceramic coating.

Can Prep Wash replace washing on a heavily dirty car?

No. Use the spray-and-wipe method only on light contamination. If the vehicle has grit, mud or a layer of road grime, rinse and hand wash it first. Do not scrub heavy dirt off with a towel.

Will Prep Wash remove old wax or sealant?

Prep Wash can help clean surface residue, but do not rely on it to completely strip an existing wax or sealant. If you are preparing for a ceramic coating, complete the required preparation steps rather than assuming Prep Wash alone leaves the paint ready to coat.

Specs
SKU w13d
Product type Waterless prep cleaner
Dilution Ready to use; do not dilute
Physical state Liquid
Product color Orange
Scent Orange blossom
pH 5.5
Shelf life, unopened 5 years
Shelf life, opened 2 years
Country of origin USA
Safety Data Sheet View SDS

Customer Reviews