Vehicle Wraps Post-Care & Cleaning Tips
Tips on how to keep your vehicle wrap in good condition for longer.
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.
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.
Fleet graphics films can be easily cleaned using a pressure washer but can be damaged just as easily by improperly handling the water spray or incorrectly blending the cleaning solutions.
- Nozzle pressure should never exceed 1,300 PSI.
- Water temperature should never exceed 140°F (60°C).
- Nozzle tip should never be closer than five feet from the graphics.
- Angle of water spray should be no shallower than 60° from perpendicular. Keep the nozzle spray pattern perpendicular to the overlapping direction.
- Detergent solutions should always be blended with water at the correct ratio and pH (between 6 and 8). A more concentrated solution can damage both the adhesive and vinyl.
- A post-washing, fresh-water rinse will help maintain the life of the paint and vinyl.