Vehicle Wrap Aftercare And Maintenance

Professional vinyl wrapping can completely transform the look of a car or van. It is an attractive car signage solution for many businesses. And after spending so much money on the process, you naturally want your ride to retain its stunning new appearance for as long as possible. 

Wrapping a vehicle is a long-term commitment; without proper maintenance, the wrap will fade and peel off over time. However, with the right care, you can extend the life of the wrap to five years while keeping it in beautiful condition.

The finest of intentions will always fail if there isn't a solid plan in place. It can be difficult to know what to use, how to use it, and when to use it, especially when it comes to car washes and pressure washers. Don't worry though! Learn everything you need to know about maintaining your new car wrap with the help of our handy guide.

Handwash

Hand washing is the most effective method for maintaining a car wrap. The first step in hand cleaning a car is to give it a quick rinse with clean water to remove any loose dirt and debris. Wash the vehicle gently using a sponge and a sponge soaked in a mild soapy water solution, beginning at the roof and working your way down. 

Scrubbing the film too much could cause it to scratch. When you're done, give the wrap a good rinsing with clean water. Let the wrap dry naturally, or use a silicone squeegee to quickly remove excess water, followed by a final drying with a Chamois, microfiber towel, or soft, nonabrasive towel to avoid water staining.

Automatic Washes

Vehicles with vinyl exteriors are best kept away from car washes that use brushes, as these can cause permanent scratches and a dulling effect over time. The wrap can lift and tear apart because the brushes can reach under the edges. If you don't have time to hand wash your vehicle, most wraps should be fine in touchless car washes that solely use water spray.

Pressure Washers

Is it possible to pressure wash an automobile that has been wrapped? due to the widespread belief that technology can effectively clean without the time and effort required by handwashing.

The wrap can be harmed by pressure washing as well. Similarly, it is unnecessary because dirt and filth simply won't attach to a high-quality wrap that is shielded by PVC-based over-laminates and can be rinsed away with a simple hand wash. But if you're pressed for time and need to clean your car using a pressure washer, here are some rules to follow:

• The water pressure must be maintained at less than 2,000 psi (14MPa).
• Do not let the water get higher than 80-degrees Celsius (180 degrees Fahrenheit).
• It is recommended to make use of a spray nozzle that produces a wide, 40-degree spray pattern.
• Always maintain a distance of at least 1 foot (300 mm) and a 90-degree angle between the nozzle and the wrapping.

Removing Difficult Contaminants

Bird poop, dead bugs, tree sap, and tar can be removed by soaking them in hot, soapy water for several minutes. The car can then be cleaned by hand. Do not use harsh cleaning methods on the film, such as scrubbing or abrasive tools. You can use tar removers or citrus-based cleaners to spot-clean any really difficult spots. Denatured or isopropyl alcohol (IPA) can be used as an alternative. 

Apply the product to a small, hidden area first to make sure it works well before covering the entire car. If there is a fuel leak, wipe it up right away so that it doesn't degrade the vinyl or the adhesive, and then wash, rinse, and dry it.

Storage

Especially on horizontal surfaces like the hood, trunk lid, and roof, vinyl wrap films degrade over time when exposed to the sun and airborne pollutants, therefore it's best to keep your car in a garage or covered parking spot whenever possible to extend its life. 

Dew or rain may include acidic pollutants, therefore parking the automobile undercover is a good idea. This is a prevalent problem in many large cities. When you can't park your automobile in a garage at night, a simple fabric cover will do.

Additionally, you should aim to stay out from under trees as much as possible. Some trees have sap that can harm wrapping materials.

To Wax or Not To Wax

Waxing your vehicle by hand with a polymer-based wax is an option if your wrap has a gloss finish. An electric buff should never be used. To prolong the life of your wrap, wax your car at least once every three months.

It is suggested that a mixture of 2:1 isopropyl alcohol and water be used as a rapid detailer for wraps with a matte or satin finish.

Even though maintaining a vehicle wrap is simple, doing so correctly is essential for maximising the returns on your investment. Caring after your vehicle's exterior will pay off in the long run and keep people staring long after the "grand reveal."