Your vehicle has a new look. Here's how you maintain it.

 

Using these cleaning and maintenance tips will help maintain the premium look and longevity of your vehicle wrap and/or graphics.

 

Infrequent or improper maintenance can lead to premature degradation of graphics and lower the expected life of the film.

 

Cleaning Tips:

Waterless Wash

Preferred Method: If the vehicle is not overly dirty, this is the preferred method. Hand wash extremely dirty vehicles first and follow up with a waterless wash. Waterless wash products can help maintain the gloss level and performance of the film. Before using any new product on your wrap, be sure to test them in an inconspicuous area of the vehicle. Afterward, use our sealant to provide a protective layer on your wrap for easier cleaning of everyday dirt and stains.

 

Hand Wash – Ideal for a vehicle with dirt or other residue.

Follow the below steps:

1. Pre rinse: Using a hose, rinse the whole wrap with clean water. This helps remove the loose dirt particles and helps avoid scratching the graphics.
2. Wash: Gently wash the vehicle with a mild soapy water solution using a soft cloth or a synthetic or natural sponge. Start from the top of the vehicle and work down. Avoid abrading the surface with unnecessary scrubbing.
3. Rinse: Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
4. Dry: Let the wrap dry naturally. To avoid water spotting, use a silicone squeegee to remove water then finish drying with a micro-fiber or soft, nonabrasive towel.

 

NOTE! Excessive spraying at the wrong angle may create failure points and result in the wrap lifting at edges. An automatic car wash that uses brushes is not recommended. Brushes may scratch the wrap or catch the wrap’s edge and create a failure point.

 

Concerns about pressure washing vinyl vehicle graphics

Pressure washing should only be used when no other cleaning methods are available.  Repeated pressure washing can cause the vinyl graphics to lift around the edges and peel away from the vehicle, especially if the spray is at a sharp angle to the vinyl edge. Over time, repeated pressure washing can degrade the face film, causing the graphic to lose its luster, fade, crack and even chip away from the substrate.

 

To prolong the life of the applied vehicle graphic when choosing to pressure wash, consider the following (based on vertical application):

 

• Water Temperature: 67°F-77°F
• Spray nozzle opening: 40° wide pattern.
• Spray angle: 45°
• Angle of graphic: 90° (vertical)
• Distance from graphic: 15”
• Water pressure: ≤800 PSI
• Length of time: 30 sec.

 

Aim the spray pattern at a slight angle to the edge of the vinyl graphic. (See Diagram 1B) Under no circumstances should a turbo pressure nozzle be used

 

Frequently Asked Questions about maintaining:

 

What detergent should I use for a hand wash?

Use a mild car cleaning detergent and water mix that does not contain any strong soluble substances, alcohol or abrasive components. The detergent should have a pH balance between 5 and 9.

 

When should I clean my vehicle?

The vehicle should not be cleaned within the first 48 hours of the wrap being applied. After this 2-day period, it is recommended to wash your vehicle every 2 weeks.

 

Can I wax my vehicle?

Yes, as long as the wax does not contain petroleum distillates, which is found in many paste waxes. Products that are a combination of a

waterless wash and wax are great options as long as the vehicle doesn’t have a matte finish and isn’t excessively dirty. Test the wax on an inconspicuous part of the vehicle first.

 

What about difficult spots?

Spot clean contaminants, such as bird droppings, bug splatter, tree sap, and similar contaminants as soon as possible to avoid film damage. Start by soaking for several minutes with hot, soapy water. Then rinse thoroughly. You can spot clean with isopropyl alcohol and a clean, non-abrasive rag. If a harsher chemical is needed, be sure to test first in an inconspicuous area.

 

What if my wrap has a matte finish?

Use a waterless wash that is recommended for matte finishes. Waterless wash products containing wax can fill in the texture and cause shiny spots. A lighter matte finish will be prone to showing more dirt than other finishes. Use a 50/50 mix of isopropyl alcohol and water to spot clean matte finish films. If the alcohol and water mix does not remove dirt,you can try using a hot soapy water solution. You can also try an all-purpose cleaner purchased at your local hardware store.