A Guide to Vehicle Wrap Aftercare and Maintenance

If you’ve invested in a vinyl wrap for your car, you want it to stay looking pristine for as long as possible. However, this can’t be done without a little work. Like any other part of your car, a vehicle wrap requires careful cleaning and maintenance to remain in top form.

Doing so will help the vinyl stay in place, keep its colour and look as good as new for up to five years if you play your cards right. Here are the best ways to care for and maintain your vehicle wrap for the best, longest-lasting results possible.

Hand Washing

One of the most important steps to maintaining your vehicle wrap or car signage is to keep it clean by hand washing it regularly. Use a solution of water and a non-abrasive detergent along with a clean, soft sponge to gently wash away dirt and grime. Afterward, rinse your car with water and use a silicone squeegee and microfiber cloth to avoid any water spots. Here are the tips for washing your car.

High-pressure Hoses

High-pressure hoses can be used to clean vinyl wraps, but with certain limitations. Make sure to keep a distance of at least 300mm from your car and the hose, and hold it at an angle of 90 degrees to the surface. If you hold the nozzle directly on the wrap or on one of its seams you could risk tearing or ripping it up, so always proceed with caution.

Also, avoid using a high-pressure hose near the edges of a glass window that’s been wrapped in perforated vinyl as this will likely blow it off or permanently damage it.

Drive-through Car Washes

If you wish to take your car through an automatic drive-through wash, make sure it’s one that uses water spray and no brushes. This is because the brushes and bristles used will easily damage your vinyl wrap, causing it to lift and peel. Most spray-only washes should be fine for your vehicle wrap, but we recommend checking with an employee of the automatic wash first to be safe.

Storage

Too much exposure to the sun and other outdoor elements such as rain, pollutants and debris can eat away at your vinyl wrap, specifically on the horizontal parts of your car such as the hood, roof and trunk lid. That’s why you should always keep your vinyl-wrapped car in a garage or undercover whenever possible, protecting it from all these potential hazards. If you must park your car outdoors for an extended period, look for somewhere extra shady.

Waxing

Waxing is an important part of vinyl upkeep, helping it maintain its aesthetic appeal. However, the type of finish your vinyl wrap has will impact what type of treatment it can handle. If you have a glossy finish on your wrap, then you should use a polymer-based wax and always avoid using an electric buff.

If you have a matte or satin finish, you can use an isopropyl alcohol and water mixture as a detailer. Matte wraps can be harder to maintain as they’re more susceptible to oil and dirt, so ask your wrap provider what products they recommend using.

Products to Avoid

Finally, when cleaning or caring for your vehicle wrap, always avoid the following products:

• Oil-based cleaners
• Orange oil
• Oven cleaner
• Solvents
• Engine degreasers
• Kitchen and bathroom cleaning products