So you have a brand new vehicle wrap. How can you protect your investment and make it to look great for years. The answer is all in maintaining the vehicle wrap correctly.
- Wash the Vehicle regularly.
Wash whenever the car appears dirty. By allowing dirt and contaminants to remain on the vehicle wrap for long periods of time will make them more difficult to remove during cleaning. Always rinse off as much dirt and grit as possible with a spray of water. Clean using a wet, non-abrasive detergent such as Meguiar's NXT Generation® Car Wash and a soft, clean cloth or sponge. After washing with the car wash rinse thoroughly with clean water. To reduce water spotting, immediately use a silicone squeegee to remove water and finish with a clean microfiber cloth. - Can we use Automated Car Washes on a vehicle wrap?
Yes but we recommend brush-less car washes because brush-type car washes can abrade the film and cause edges to lift or chip, as well as dulling the film's appearance. - Can we use a pressure washer to wash a Vehicle Wrap?
Hand washing is the preferred cleaning method of vehicle wraps, pressure washing may be used under these conditions. Always ensure the water pressure is kept below 2000 psi (14 MPa). Keep water temperature below 80°C (180°F). 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.
Please note: Do not point the pressure tip directly at the seams. Direct pressure along the seam for prolonged periods may lift the seam. - How can I remove difficult contaminants?
Soften difficult contaminants such as bug splatter, bird droppings, tree sap and similar contaminants by soaking them for several minutes with very hot, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and dry. If further cleaning is needed, test one of these products in an inconspicuous area to ensure no damage to the wrap film: Meguiar's Gold Class™ Bug and Tar Remover or 3M™ Citrus Base Cleaner. Isopropyl alcohol (IPA) (two parts IPA to 1 part water) or denatured alcohol may also help. Spot clean the contaminants. Do not use rough scrubbing or abrasive tools, which will scratch the film. Wash and rinse off all residue immediately. - How to clean a fuel spill:
Wipe off immediately to avoid degrading the vinyl and adhesive. Then wash, rinse and dry as in Item 1 as soon as possible. - What is the best way to store a wrapped vehicle?
Wrap films (just like paint) are degraded by prolonged exposure to sun and atmospheric pollutants, particularly on the horizontal surfaces such as hood, trunk lid and roof. Whenever possible, store in a garage or at least in a shaded area during the day. At night, protect the car from dew or rain, which may contain acidic pollutants (a common problem in many large metropolitan areas). When a garage is not available, consider using a cloth car cover at night. If your wrap film starts to discolor or turn brown (which is caused by acidic pollution), immediately have a professional remove the wrap film from the vehicle to avoid staining the underlying paint.
Car Wraps, Van Wraps, Truck Wraps, Bus Wraps, Trailer Wraps, Boat Wraps and Plane Wraps can look great for long time with the proper care and maintenance.
For expert vehicle wraps that last for years contact Abstract Image Group today.
