Vinyl Wrap aftercare
Vehicle Wraps aren’t meant to be installed and forgotten. Like the rest of your vehicle, your vehicle wrap requires regular cleaning and maintenance. For longer-lasting, vibrant color, wash your wrap on a regular basis and keep your vehicle away from possible pollutants.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I WASH MY VEHICLE WRAP?
Wash your wrap once a week or more often if your vehicle is exposed to a lot of dirt or pollutants. You should hand wash it using any good, quality brand of PH neutral automotive soap. Always use a quality automotive sponge, wash mitt, or clean, soft cloth to wash your wrap. Rinse vehicle with clean water after washing. Minimize water spotting by using a clean microfiber drying towel.
CAN I TAKE MY WRAPPED VEHICLE INTO A DRIVE-THROUGH CAR WASH?
You can bring your wrapped vehicle to an automated BRUSHLESS car wash, though hand washing is safer and more thorough. Brush car washes may be too rough on the film, degrading it and causing peeling and lifted edges. Brushless car washes still pose a slight risk to vinyl as well due to the high pressure water nozzles which is why hand washing is always the recommended way to go.
CAN I PRESSURE WASH MY VEHICLE WRAP?
If you want to pressure wash your wrap keep it below 2,000 psi. Use a spray nozzle with a 25-40 degree wide angle spray pattern. Keep the spray nozzle at least 12 inches away from the car edges.
HOW DO I CLEAN BIRD DROPPINGS, INSECTS, TREE SAP OR OTHER DIFFICULT STAINS?
Clean bird droppings and difficult stains immediately. Letting them sit for too long will make them harder to remove and may permanently damage the wrap. Soak the affected area for a few minutes with warm, soapy water to loosen the contaminants. Gently agitate and don’t scrub the affected area. Rinse completely and dry with a microfiber cloth. Always test any new solutions on a small area that’s not easily noticeable to ensure the cleaner will not harm the wrap. Do not use strong solvents or oil based cleaning products!
CAN I WAX MY VEHICLE?
Wax is a compound that you are actually rubbing into the pores of the vinyl which can’t escape. Therefore, it embeds into the film and can increase the breakdown rate of the film. Due to this reason, we do not recommend using wax on vinyl wraps. However, you can use liquid sealant products that create a barrier over the surface of the film, that help protect and prolong the life of your wrap.
WHAT SHOULD I DO ABOUT GAS OR FUEL SPILLS?
Wipe off fuel spills immediately, then handwash the affected area. Letting the spill stay the wrap too long will degrade the vinyl. A quick wipe with a wet paper towel at a gas station will clean the fuel affected area decently enough until you can get home to do a more thorough job.
CAN I PARK MY VEHICLE OUTDOORS FOR LONG PERIODS?
Excessive amounts of time under the sun or other outdoor elements (rain, smog, debris, and road pollutants from passing cars) can degrade the wrap on the roof, trunk lid and hood. These horizontal areas are a magnet for pollutants, which are intensified by UV ray exposure. Try your best to park your car in a garage or under a canopy or shelter. If you must park it outside for prolonged periods, look for shady parking areas (not under trees).
MY VEHICLE WRAP IS TURNING BROWN OR RUST COLORED. WHAT SHOULD I DO?
Wraps turn brown due to prolonged exposure to pollutants in the air or acidic compounds. This is typically a result of neglect and failure to follow the above-mentioned procedures. If you notice brown, discolored, or rust-colored areas on your wrap, it is best to remove the film from your vehicle to prevent damage to the paint beneath it and reapply fresh wrap. Often times it is only necessary to replace the affected panel.