Wash wrapped vehicles as often as you would normally hand wash a painted vehicle.
Do’s :
- Wash vehicle in the shade or avoid washing vehicle while the body is hot or under direct sunlight.
- It is best to wash wrapped vehicles once every 2 weeks to maintain surface cleanliness as one would on a painted vehicle.
- Rinse dirt off vehicle with room temperature water using standard low pressure garden hose nozzle as seen in Figure 1.
- Dilute mild car wash detergent (non abrasive, silicone emulsion free) in cold water based on manufacturer’s recommended ratio.
- Using soft sponge or non abrasive cloth, hand wash wrapped vehicle with car wash solution.
- Rinse soapy water off with water and dry using synthetic shammy or low microfiber fabric.
- Gentle wiping of sensitive areas such as door handles, moldings, mirrors and seams is highly recommended.
- When possible, store vehicle in garage or shaded area to reduce extended outdoor exposure.
- Pressure washing is not the best practice for long term vehicle wrap vinyl life but may be used following these rules of thumb as listed on TIP #25:
- Nozzle pressure should not exceed 1300 PSI.
- Water temperature should not exceed 140°F or 60°C.
- Nozzle tip should not be closer than 5’ from wrap film.
- Angle of water spray should be no shallower than 60 degrees from perpendicular.
- Post washing, fresh water rinse will help maintain the life of wrap film
Dont’s:
- Wash using hot water.
- Petroleum based, acidic or strong cleaning agent.
- Automatic or mechanical car washes with harsh rotated brushes.
- Abrasive products that would scratch paint or vinyl surface.
- High pressure (higher than 1300 PSI) jet spray