Getting your car decked up with vinyl wrap is a great feeling when you see it all shiny and looking if it has just rolled out of the dealership. However, you can only enjoy its good looks and longevity if you take care of your vinyl wrap the right way. Once you have enhanced your vehicle looks with a vinyl wrap and protected the paint underneath, it is time to think about cleaning, and maintaining it. Waxman of Tristate Car Detailing Center helps you look after your vinyl-wrapped vehicle most efficiently. They not only guide you regarding the cleaning methods but ensure you maintain a scratch-free car wrap finish for years.
Car wraps have become highly popular in the past few years. Not only do they give you a chance to completely change the appearance of your vehicle, but they also provide ample, long-term protection to the car paint and preserve its overall appearance. The stylish yet protective layers can prevent many of the blemishes and chips that result from daily driving and exposure to elements.
What Is a Car Wrap?
A car wrap is a large vinyl decal, custom cut to cover various parts of a vehicle, including the hood, fenders, side panels, door, and roof. Car wrapping is a modern way to customize your vehicle. The wrap is draped over the car part and then welded to the surface with a special solvent and a heat gun. A car wrap is like clothing for your car that can be changed periodically.
How to Care For Your Vinyl Wrap?
Vehicle wraps are not meant to be installed and forgotten. Like the rest of your vehicle, wraps also require maintenance and cleaning. Caring the right way for your vinyl car wrap will allow it to last much longer than it otherwise would. A little care and caution can add a few more years to your vehicle’s wrap and appearance. For longer-lasting, vibrant colors, wash your wrap regularly and keep your vehicle away from possible pollutants. It will help protect your vinyl wrap.
Guide to Maintaining Your Vehicle’s Vinyl Wrap
Where you live can affect how much need to care for a wrapped vehicle. High temperatures and baking sun can break down the wrap over time, while cold weather also presents some challenges as salt used on the roads can be hard on vinyl. If you don’t live in a harsh environment and the wrap has been applied by trained professionals, it can last for four to five years.
Here are some important questions you must keep in mind and ask the installer when you take your vehicle for vinyl wrapping:
- How often should I wash my vehicle wrap
- What should I use for spot cleaning?
- Can I pressure wash my vehicle wrap?
- How do I clean bird droppings, insects, tree sap, or other stains
- What is the right way to clean gas or fuel spills?
- Can I leave my car outdoors for a long time?
- What to do if my vehicle wrap starts turning brown or rust
- What products should I use for cleaning the vinyl wrap
- What products should be avoided on vinyl wrap?
Like any other product, vinyl wrap has a life, and its longevity depends on how well it is being cared for. The proper care of a wrap film comes down to how it is cleaned. Choosing the best cleaning methods and combining them with a dedicated cleaning schedule will ensure that your car wrap lasts for years. They will not only save money but time too.
How Often Should I Wash My Vehicle Wrap?
If your vehicle is exposed to a lot of dirt or pollutants, washing your car wrap once a week or more is necessary. Make sure to find good quality car wash soap, cleaning agents as well and soft washcloths that are gentle on the wrap. Rinse the vehicle with clear water once you are done with washing. You can keep water spotting minimal by using a silicone squeegee to remove water and drying with a clean microfiber cloth.
Can I Take My Wrapped Vehicle to a Drive-Through Car Wash?
If a drive-through only uses water spray and no brushes, it is a good option. Most automated car washes use harsh brushes, which can be too rough and lead to degradation and peeling of the wrap. Hand washing is more thorough and safer.
Related: Carbon Window Tint vs Ceramic Tint
What to Do for Spot Cleaning?
Use isopropyl rubbing alcohol to spot clean isolated stains. Rinse the area with cool water after cleaning. Do not use tire dressing to spot clean as it may splash on the wrap and lead to more stains. Avoid wiping the wrap when it is hot. It can cause wrinkles and distort the material.
Can I Pressure Wash My Vehicle Wrap?
You can pressure wash your vehicle wrap below 2,000 psi. Use a spray nozzle with a 40-degree wide-angle spray pattern and keep the water temperature below 140 degrees F. The spray nozzle should be at least 12 inches away from the car edges.
How Can I Clean Bird Droppings, Insects, Tree Sap, or Difficult Stains?
It is essential to clean bird droppings and difficult stains as soon as you see them. Ignoring them for long not only makes it tough to remove them, but it can permanently damage the wrap. Soak the affected area with warm soapy water for a few minutes to loosen the contaminants. Rinse well and dry with a microfiber cloth. You can also use a good quality cleaning agent or two parts isopropyl alcohol to one-part water. Check these solutions on a smaller area before applying them to the wrap to prevent damage. Do not use solvents or oil-based cleaning products.
How to Handle Gas or Fuel Spills?
Wipe away the spills immediately and then hand wash the affected area for a more thorough job. Letting the spill stay on the wrap will damage it.
Can I Park My Vehicle Outdoors for a Longer Time?
Leaving your car under the sun can degrade the wrap on the roof, trunk lid, and hood, as these parts are most exposed to the sun and other outdoor elements, including rain, smog, debris, and road pollutants from passing cars. Intense UV exposure can harm the vinyl wrap more than you know. Park your car in a garage, or under some shelter to protect it from direct exposure to sun and harsh elements. Look for shady parking areas if you have to park outside for longer.
Why Is My Vinyl Wrap Turning Brown or Rust-Colored?
Vinyl wrap can turn brown due to prolonged exposure to acid from pollutants in the air. It is the result of neglect and a sign that you have failed to take good care of your wrap. If you notice brown, discolored, or rust-colored areas on your wrap, it is best to remove the film from your vehicle to prevent damage to the paint beneath it and apply a fresh wrap.
Related: Powder Coating Wheels Pros and Cons
Products You Should Avoid When Cleaning Your Wrap
Never use any of the following cleaning products on your wrap:
- Solvents
- Oil-based cleaners
- Kitchen and bathroom Cleaners
- Oven cleaner
- Orange oil
- Engine degreaser
Avoid using automatic or drive-through car washes, as the rigid, hard brushes can damage the vinyl. Even if you are using a jet wash, keep the spray nozzle a safe distance away from the vinyl surface so the water pressure does not harm the vinyl.
Experts also suggest the following to keep your car wrap safe and increase its lifespan:
- Clean bird droppings and dead insects on the vinyl surface as soon as you see them as they can damage the vinyl wrap if left unattended for a longer time.
- Avoid leaving your vehicle in the scorching sun, as heat and sunlight can warp the vinyl, affecting your vehicle’s appearance
- Never apply car wrap to damaged paint, as it will never work out or hide the defects you are trying to cover up and lead to further complications.
You can look forward to personalizing and customizing your vehicle and protecting its paintwork with a vinyl wrap that transforms it with exciting colors and designs. If you are interested in vinyl wrapping your car, knowing how to care for it will help you do it right and achieve the desired results. Visit Waxman of Tristate Car Detailing Center to find out more about caring for and maintaining your vehicle vinyl wraps. The expert detailers help you understand how washing a car wrap correctly increases its durability and longevity and how you can enjoy the pristine condition of your vehicle for years.
