Looking After Your New Wrap
posted 22nd February 2024
How Do I Wash My Wrapped Vehicle?
Mastering Wrap Maintenance: A Complete Guide
Maintaining the vibrant appearance and longevity of your vehicle wrap requires proper care and attention. Discover the best practices for washing and preserving your wrap to keep it looking its best for years to come.
We highly recommend hand washing to maintain the original finish of your vehicle graphics.
By following the steps below, you can help ensure that your wrap and graphics will stay looking there best for the duration of their lifespan!
1. Soak the graphic with clean water, ideally using a trigger-type hose nozzle.
2. Prepare a mild liquid detergent and water solution.
3. Gently wash the graphic from top to bottom with a soft brush or sponge while avoiding excessive scrubbing to prevent damage.
4. Keep water flowing to wash away dirt particles after applying the cleaning solution.
5. Thoroughly rinse the entire graphic with clean water.
6. Allow the graphic to air dry naturally.
For optimal maintenance, wash your wrap at least once a week, or more frequently if exposed to dirt or pollutants. Use a gentle automotive detergent and a soft cloth or sponge, rinsing the vehicle with clear water after washing. Minimise water spotting by using a silicone squeegee or chamois to remove excess water, followed by drying with a clean microfiber cloth.
Jet Washing & Automatic Washers: Pros and Cons
While automated brushless car washes are an option for wrapped vehicles, hand washing remains the safest and most effective method. Brush car washes can damage the film, leading to peeling and lifted edges, so it's best to avoid them. If you do use them, always avoid hot wax gloss settings - a water-only spray wash would typically be the safest for most vehicle wraps.
Additionally, we advise against power or pressure washing, as it can cause damage to the graphics. Our PVC-based over-laminates effectively repel dirt, reducing the need for power washing.
We appreciate that due to time constraints, hand washing may not always be feasible.
If you have to pressure wash your vehicle wrap, you should follow the below guidelines to prevent damage:
- Use a spray nozzle with a 40° wide spray pattern.
- Ensure the spray nozzle includes a nozzle protector (tip guard) and use a pressure of 2000 psi or less.
- If the system is heated, limit the water temperature to 180°F (82°C) or less.
- Hold the nozzle at least 12 inches (300 mm) away from the graphic, perpendicular (90°+/- 10) to its surface.
- Avoid directing the water stream at a sharp angle to the edge of the graphic.
Additional Tips for Vehicle Wrap Care
Clean bird droppings and stubborn stains immediately. Letting them sit for too long can make them difficult to remove and may result in permanent damage to the wrap. Soak the affected area for a few minutes with warm, soapy water to loosen the contaminants. Rinse completely and dry with a microfiber cloth.
Wipe off fuel spills immediately, then hand wash the affected area at your soonest convenience. Letting the spill remain on the wrap for too long will degrade the vinyl. A quick wipe with a wet paper towel at a gas station will clean the fuel-affected area well enough until you can find a convenient time to do a more thorough job.
With proper care and maintenance, your vehicle wrap will continue to impress and protect for years to come.
A fully comprehensive guide to maintaining your wrap along with other useful documents can be found in the 'Downloads' section of our website, found here:
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