So you took the plunge and decided to get a car wrap for your vehicle. Now how do you make your vehicle wrap last last?
These kinds of things are worth talking about, and knowing what you’re getting even before you buy can help make the decision even easier. (Or maybe you’re still on the fence deciding whether it’s worth the investment or not. Trust us, it is. We talk about it more here and here.) But hands down, we know you want to take care of your investment in the best way possible. And looking great for the lifetime of your vinyl. Here are some tips and tricks to make your vehicle wrap last as long as possible:
1. Hand wash your vehicle.
Now before you get all bent out of shape about the length of time it will take to keep things in tip-top shape, think about how great a spotless vehicle looks. Your car is your brand ambassador, and the vinyl is its uniform. No one wants a stained or faded fleet. Suck it up, grab some mild detergent, and hand wash your vehicle with a nice soft sponge or rag.
What’s so bad about a carwash? Strong jets can cause the vinyl to lift at the seams. Brushes and bristles can scratch your vinyl. And colors can start to fade and dull with repeated exposure to harsh chemicals and abrasives. None of these things will help your vehicle wrap last, so avoid them at all cost.
2. Wash your vehicle wrap often.
Yes, we know we just told you that your vehicle should be hand-washed. And now we’re telling you to wash it often. If you’re in traffic a lot, consider washing your vehicle every 1-2 weeks. Trust us, you’ll get used to a beautiful, clean vehicle pretty quickly and you won’t want to wait a month to wash it.
3. Remove stains, insects, gasoline, and sap as soon as possible.
Life happens. We’ve all run into a swarm of insects that covers the front of our cars at some point or another. Or we’ve parked under a tree only to find our car with a few fresh droppings. Or worse, sap. Vinyl is made to withstand all these things but removing them sooner rather than later is a must to prolong the life of your vinyl. And we want to make your vehicle wrap last as long as possible, so here’s what to do.
Soak the affected area with warm, soapy water and gently rub it with a microfiber. For those extra stubborn spots, try some denatured alcohol, Simple Green, or Meguiar’s Gold Class™ Bug and Tar Remover. Avoid any solvents or oil-based products, as these can damage your vinyl. As with any substance on your car, be sure to rinse it thoroughly when you’re done.
4. When it comes to weather, pretend your vinyl is a factory paint job.
Will your vehicle vinyl fade or peel after a year in the sun? Definitely not, just like a factory paint job won’t fade or peel. But are pollutants and UV rays real? For sure. When you drive, your vehicle picks up everyday pollutants from rain, smog, road debris and other vehicles on the road. These pollutants become more harmful when baked in the sun for extended periods of time. They won’t make your vehicle wrap last. (The same is true for any vehicle paint job. Vinyl is just a bit more delicate than vehicle paint.)
5. Don’t wax your vinyl-wrapped vehicle.
Yes, we that realize to some of you this seems obvious. But to others it is not. Wax does help protect a vehicle against wear and tear, but it will degrade your vinyl and shorten the life of your wrap. Don’t wax it. Don’t polish it. Don’t add anything to the top of it other than a gentle soap and a soft microfiber or sponge.
Following these simple rules will keep your vehicle vinyl in great shape for years to come.
We want your repeat business, but only after your warranty is more than used up. We want to make your vehicle wrap last as long as possible!