wrap care tips

Have you recently had a vehicle wrap installed on your vehicle for business or personal use? You may be asking yourself this question: How do I keep it clean? 

Care for your vehicle wrap & graphics like you would any fine paint finish!

By following these proper care and maintenance tips for vehicle wraps,  you can keep your vehicle (and your investment) looking its best for many years to come!

Similar to automotive paint, the vehicle wrap film will lose its luster if exposed to dirt, grime or other environmental contaminants for too long.  Even UV light and excessive heat can lessen the lifespan and the look  of your wrap. Washing your vehicle on a regular basis, and spot cleaning when dirty areas pop up, will help prolong the number of years you will get to enjoy your wrap.

Waterless Wash - Preferred Method

If the vehicle is not overly dirty, this is the preferred method.  

Hand Washing is Best when necessary

We know this may not always be possible, but using a little “elbow grease”  is the recommended option for preserving your wrap. 

• Rinse your vehicle with clean water to wash away any loose dirt. A garden hose with a nozzle attached works perfectly. 
• Mix a solution of clean water and a mild detergent. The detergent you choose should be non-abrasive, have a pH balance between 3 and 11, and  be free of solvents or alcohols. If you have any questions about the type of detergent to use, please don’t hesitate to contact one of our experienced wrap installers. Test your solution in an inconspicuous spot on the vehicle wrap prior to washing the entire vehicle. 
• Gently wash your vehicle from the top to bottom. You can use a soft sponge or cloth. By starting at the top, all of the dirty water will drip toward the ground. Avoid excessive scrubbing. 
• Rinse thoroughly with clean water using the garden hose with the nozzle attached. 
• Allow your vehicle to air dry if possible. If you are worried about water spotting, use a microfiber cloth to gently dry the wrap.  
• Always inspect the vehicle after washing.

Automatic Car Washes

We only recommend touchless or brushless automatic car washes. Using a car wash with automated brushes is not recommended because they can scratch the surface, catch and lift edges and corners, and dull the finish of the wrap. TIP: If you do use an automatic car wash, be sure to skip the wax option to avoid harsh and damaging products. Allow the vehicle to dry naturally or gently use a microfiber cloth. 

Power/Pressure Washing

If you don’t need it, don’t do it. Please use caution when cleaning with a pressure washer.

• Repeated pressure washing can cause the edges of the wrap to lift and peel.
• Over time, pressure washing can cause the wrap to dull, fade, crack and possibly even chip away from the vehicle.
• If you need to use a pressure washer, use cold or tepid water, use a spray  nozzle with a 40 degree wide spray spatter, hold the nozzle 12-15″ from  the wrap, use the lowest water pressure possible (800-1200 psi is  recommended), and keep the nozzle perpendicular to the wrap. 

Environmental Factors 

Be careful where you drive, park, and store your vehicle.

• Try to park your car in the shade and indirect from the sun, in a garage or under cover whenever possible.
• Try to avoid aggressive driving over gravel whenever possible to prevent stones and pebbles from kicking up and damaging the wrap.
• Avoid parking around trees, shrubs and low-hanging branches, which can scratch and damage the wrap.
• Birds, bugs and trees can and will leave their marks on your vehicle and contaminate the wrap. If that happens, remove the contaminant as soon as possible to avoid staining and permanent damage. Soften the contaminant(s) by soaking them for several minutes in hot, soapy water. Rinse and allow it to dry naturally. You can also spot clean with a microfiber cloth and a mixture of isopropyl alcohol and water. If that doesn’t work, give us a call for recommendations. 

FAQ

When should I clean my vehicle? The vehicle should not be cleaned within the first 7 days of the wrap being applied. After this 7-day period, it is recommended to wash your vehicle every 2 weeks (or sooner if the vehicle is overly dirty). 

What if my wrap has a matte finish? Use a waterless wash.