Caring For Vinyl Car Graphics

Car graphics are made to last for a fairly long time. Quality vinyl car graphics generally last up to five years, allowing you to maximize your investment. Treat your car wraps like you would a custom paint job and do your part to extend the lifespan of your vinyl graphics and keep them looking new longer. The following are some simple tips that will help you maintain your car graphics.

Protection from the Elements

Prolonged exposure to the sun and atmospheric pollutants can degrade the graphics on your hood, roof, and trunk lid so park your car in a garage or in a shaded area during the day. If you do not have a garage, cover your vehicle using a cloth car cover at night. If you live in a metropolitan area, acidic pollution is a problem. Remove the graphics if you see any discoloration or if they start to turn brown, which is caused by acid. This will help prevent your paint job from getting stained.

Washing

Handwashing. The rule of thumb is simple: wash your car whenever it appears dirty. Dirt can damage the vinyl and can get underneath parts of the wrap that have begun to come off, causing the adhesive to lose its stickiness. Immediately wipe any spilled fuel. Allowing any contaminants to remain on the vinyl can make them more difficult to remove during cleaning.

Spray your car with water to get rid of the dirt and grit. Use a soft, clean cloth or sponge, and a liquid, non-abrasive detergent for cleaning. Spot clean stubborn dirt like bird droppings, bug splatter, and tree sap, soaking them with hot, soapy water to soften the contaminants. Rinse your vehicle thoroughly with clean water. Use a silicone squeegee to remove the water and finish drying the surface with a microfiber cloth.

Car Washes. Take your car to a brushless car wash. Do not go to automated brush-type car washes because they often use very hard bristles that could damage the vinyl and dull the film. Automated car washes can cause abrasions to the film and make the edges chip, lift, or peel.

Pressure Washing. While handwashing is best for cleaning car graphics, you can use pressure washing if you use a spray nozzle with a 40 degree wide angle spray pattern, keep the water pressure low, and make sure that the water temperature is below 80 degrees Celsius (180 degrees Fahrenheit). Never spray directly at the vehicle. Spray at least one meter away from and perpendicular to your car.

Polishing and Waxing

Use a high-quality car wax to polish standard graphic films and overlaminates. Before using any type of wax, test it first in an inconspicuous area of your vehicle. There are special polishing products available for cars wrapped in carbon fiber and brushed metal films. Do not polish or wax your car if it is wrapped in matte or textured films.

Repairing Peeling Vinyl

If you notice that part of your car graphics is coming off, repair it by rubbing the peeling area with a soft cloth, removing any dirt that may be present. You can also use a plastic scraper to press the peeling part down. Cut the parts that no longer have any adhesive to prevent the peeling area from getting bigger.