8 Tips for Taking Care of Your Car Wrap
Keeping your vinyl looking fresh can be difficult. It’s not something you can apply and leave alone. With the proper care, your car wrap can look as good as the day it was put on for years before needing to be re-wrapped.1. Clean it regularly1. Clean it Regularly
If your freshly wrapped vehicle is looking dirty -- clean it! Allowing dirt and grime to stay on your car can make it harder to clean later and can harm the wrap.
2. Hand-Wash First
When looking to clean off your car your first choice should be to hand wash it. It is the gentlest method to avoid damaging the wrap. When using this method, you must first spray water to rinse off as much dirt and grime as possible. Next, use a sponge or clean cloth paired with a non-abrasive detergent and then with clean water, rinse thoroughly. You can use a silicone squeegee to avoid water spotting and remove excess water immediately. Use a clean microfiber cloth to dry your car to finish.
The next option to best take care of your car wrap is to take it through a touchless carwash system. The brushes of car wash's can cause your vinyl wrapping to lift on the edges as well as scratch and dull the finish.
4. Pressure Washing
Pressure washing is an option for cleaning your vehicle. However, the following conditions should be considered before cleaning so you do not harm your car wrap:
? Ensure the water pressure is kept below 2000 psi (14 MPa).? Keep water temperature below 180 °F (80 °C).? Use a spray nozzle with a 40-degree wide-angle spray pattern.? Keep the nozzle at least 1 foot (300 mm) away from and perpendicular (at 90 degrees) to the graphic.
Sap, wax, bug splatter, and bird droppings can be difficult to get rid of and harm your car wrap if left alone. By soaking them in hot soapy water for several minutes and following up with a thorough clean water rinse, you can remove those difficult contaminants. Be sure to dry completely to avoid water spotting. If the trouble area remains, repeat the process or seek out a wrap safe all-purpose cleaner.
6. Fuel Spills and Abrasive Cleaners
Be sure to immediately clear away any fuel spills. It will prevent the wrap from degrading. Avoiding abrasive cleaners and cutting solutions that can damage the vinyl and adhesive is also a good rule of thumb to make your car wrap last longer.
7. Cleaning Solution Can’t Be Left to Soak
Rinsing cleaning solutions, even safe all-purpose ones, immediately after use can prevent them from damaging the vinyl as well.
8. Store Properly
How you store your wrapped vehicle can play a big part in making it last. Finding covered, shaded areas or storing your car indoors can preserve it. If garage storage isn’t an option, car covers are the next best thing to prevent rain and dew from damaging your vinyl and adhesive.
Following these eight tips can help you prevent your crap wrap from looking dull and peeling up. By giving your vehicle regular washes, clearing away contaminants, and proper storage you can keep your car looking fresh. If you’re looking for an array of vinyl colors, vinyl remover or tools of the trade check out our WAR section today.
