Vehicle wraps should never be considered "set it and forget it" solutions: They require regular upkeep in order to look their best and last as long as possible. Just as important is taking good care when maintaining your car itself: By washing regularly and protecting against potential pollutants, you can help enhance protection while keeping the wrap looking its best on your car.
Have you considered how to keep the vinyl wrap of your vehicle looking as new as it did when first applied? Not just for aesthetic reasons—this investment in its future also protects and extends its life expectancy. The best vinyl wrap not only looks its best but also extends its lifespan. The right products and techniques must be utilised from start to finish to achieve optimal results.
Tadashi Kariya, president of Wrap Lab. JAPAN, suggests washing your wrap every two weeks using special PPF or vinyl car soap. He advises handwashing using warm water and a soft sponge rather than automated car washes, which may be too harsh on it. In order to preserve its lifespan for as long as possible and protect its aesthetic value from sunlight exposure or harsh chemicals, parking in shaded areas and applying ceramic coating can add further protection from UV rays, water damage, or oil—adding another level of protection wrap for cars, shielding it against damage that would otherwise take its course over time.
He emphasises the significance of taking swift and aggressive steps when responding to environmental hazards like bird droppings. Bird droppings could damage your wrap within 48 hours; pollutants could discolour it over time without proper cleaning procedures being implemented. You can ensure your wrap remains vivid for longer by being conscientious with cleaning procedures using high-quality cleaning solutions; vinyl wrap paint protection can extend its longevity while contributing to long-term sustainability of a wrap is another benefit to consider.
Staying true to these professional recommendations will not only extend the beauty of your vinyl wrap's beautiful appearance for many years to come but will also shield the paint of your car, increasing its lifespan and raising its value over time. To maintain its best look for longer, follow these seven essential steps!
By following these expert tips, your vinyl wrap will not only maintain its appealing aesthetic but also continue to protect the paint of your vehicle for many years to come—ultimately increasing its value and prolonging its longevity. Here are 7 essential tips to maintain your vinyl car wrap and keep it looking its best.
Table of Contents
- Wash Your Car Wrap Regularly
- Act Quickly When Dealing with Stains
- Be Careful with Pressure Washing
- Maintain Your Wrap from Environmental Harm
- Manage Fuel Spills and Contaminants Quickly
- Avoid Harsh Cleaning Products
- Store and Park Your Vehicle Wisely
1. Wash Your Car Wrap Regularly
To preserve its vinyl wrap in good condition, wash your vehicle at least weekly or more often when exposed to dirt, pollutants, or harsh weather. Hand washing is generally considered the safest approach using gentle automotive detergent such as:
To thoroughly deep clean, use a soft sponge or microfibre cloth, rinsing thoroughly in clean water to avoid water spots on the wrap surface. For best results, dry the surface using either silicone squeegeeing, chamoising, and finally microfibre drying to avoid water spots on its wrap surface. In order to minimise potential peeling or lifting at the edges, brushless washes with only water spray may be more appropriate - consider opting for them if possible!
2. Act Quickly when Dealing with Stains
Stains from bird droppings, insects and tree sap can damage a wrap if left untreated. To clean individual spots quickly and effectively follow these steps:
- For small stains, try using mild cleaner or isopropyl rubbing alcohol diluted in water as a solution.
- Rinse with cold water once cleaned up.
- To avoid permanent staining from tire dressings or oil-based products.
When dealing with stubborn stains, soak the area in warm, soapy water before testing any cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area to make sure it won't damage the wrap.
3. Be Careful with Pressure Washing
To help avoid damaging your wrap while pressure washing, follow these guidelines and be cautious:
- Keep pressure below 2,000 psi.
- Choose a spray nozzle with a 40-degree wide-angle spray pattern.
- Ensure minimum water temperatures do not reach more than 140°F (60°C).
- Maintain at least 12inches between the spray nozzle and wrap.
Pressure washing can be effective but must be conducted carefully to prevent peeling or ripping the vinyl surface.
4. Maintain Your Wrap from Environmental Harm
Environmental elements, like UV rays, extreme temperatures and acid rain, can degrade a vehicle wrap over time. Here's how you can protect it:
- Park under shaded areas or canopies as often as possible.
- Protect vinyl wraps against UV radiation by using car covers designed specifically to shield them.
- Apply special UV-resistant sealants in order to stop fading.
- Try not to park beneath trees that could produce sap, as this could drip down onto them or attract birds that cause leakage into vehicles.
Wrapford vinyl wrap features an innovative 6-layer structure to provide UV ray protection, helping preserve its colour and finish over time. However, taking steps to maintain and extend its life is essential.
5. Manage Fuel Spills and Contaminants Quickly
Fuel spills can wreak havoc with vinyl wraps if left to remain. At petrol stations, quickly wipe away spills with a wet paper towel before returning home and hand washing any affected areas thoroughly to eliminate residue build-up and ensure prompt action is taken against fuel poisoning that could weaken or even compromise them over time. Taking swift action against spilled petrol may save a vehicle's paintwork from irreparable damage! To help prevent such issues, applying a vinyl wrap protectant can provide added protection to the wrap, making it more resistant to contaminants.
6. Avoid Harsh Cleaning Products
Certain harsh cleaners could harm the vinyl wrap surface and should be strictly avoided; examples include:
- Solvent or oil-based cleaners
- Kitchen and bathroom cleaners
- Oven cleaners
- Orange oil or engine degreasers
Car wrapping experts recommend pH-neutral surfactant shampoos or solutions specifically made for automotive cleaning to minimise dirt from scratching vinyl during cleaning. Some even employ two-bucket washing to avoid scratching their vinyl during the removal process.
7. Store and Park Your Vehicle Wisely
Careful storage and parking of your wrap is of utmost importance in maintaining its appearance and prolonging its longevity:
- Under extreme weather conditions, opt for covered or indoor storage solutions when parking outdoors.
- Direct sunlight may fade or weaken wrap material over time; shaded parking spots should also be considered.
- Bird droppings or tree sap clean-up is necessary immediately if outdoor parking becomes unavoidable.
- Unfollowing these precautions could result in discolouration or early wear on your wrap, shortening its lifespan significantly.
- Using vinyl wrap care products regularly can provide extra protection and extend its durability.
Conclusion
Regular maintenance will extend both the longevity and visual attractiveness of vinyl car coverings. Utilizing appropriate vinyl wrap protectant, parking in shaded or protected locations, washing regularly and quickly removing stains as soon as they appear are all ways of keeping these beauties looking vibrant for longer.
Keep your vinyl wrap maintained regularly to extend its longevity while adding flair and value to your car.
