Vinyl Wrap Maintenance: 6 Tips for Preserving Your Car Wrap |
Posted: September 26, 2022 |
Wrapped cars steal the scene everywhere they go. It’s no wonder vinyl Wraps Graphics have become one of the most popular ways to style vehicles. Not only do they look amazing, but they also protect your car’s paint job from nicks, scratches, and sun damage. But to keep that showroom shine for as long as possible, regular vinyl wrap maintenance is a must. After all, vinyl car wraps are an investment, and you want to get the most out of them. Here are our top vinyl wrap maintenance tips to keep your car looking its best: Tip # 1. Keep it clean.This one should be a no-brainer, but it’s worth repeating. Keeping your vinyl wrap clean is the key to preserving its lifespan and keeping it looking good as new. Wash your car regularly, using a mild soap and water solution. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the vinyl. When washing by hand, be sure to use a soft microfiber cloth to avoid scratching. And when drying your car, use a soft towel or chamois to avoid leaving water spots. Check out Everything to Know About Caring for a Vinyl-Wrapped Carfor more info. How often should you wash a vinyl-wrapped car?Typically, you should wash your vinyl-wrapped car once a week. But if you live in a dusty or dirty area, you may need to wash it more often. For general vinyl wrap maintenance, washing once a week should suffice. What products can you use to clean a vinyl car wrap?When it comes to vinyl car wrap cleaning products, less is more. A mild soap and water solution will do the trick in most cases. If you need a little extra power, you can use a vinyl-safe cleaning product like 3M General Purpose Adhesive Cleaner. Tip # 2. Protect it from the elements.Vinyl car wraps are designed to withstand the elements, but they can’t stand up to everything. To prolong the life of your vinyl wrap, take measures to protect it from the sun, wind, and rain. In the sun, vinyl car wraps can fade and become brittle. To protect your vinyl from UV damage, park in the shade whenever possible. And if you’re going to be out in the sun for an extended period, cover your car with a vinyl car wrap cover or tarp. It's also important to protect your vinyl wrap from wind and rain. When driving, keep your windows up to avoid exposing your vinyl to the elements. And if you know a storm is coming, park your car in a garage or covered area to avoid direct contact with the rain. Tip # 3. Treat it gently.Your vinyl car wrap can withstand a lot, but it’s not indestructible. To keep your vinyl looking its best, handle it with care. Here are some things you should watch out for: Abrasive materials:Avoid contact with abrasive materials like sand, gravel, or concrete. If you must drive on rough roads, be sure to wash your car as soon as possible to remove any debris. Sharp objects:Vinyl can be easily punctured by sharp objects like keys or nails. So be careful when handling objects around your car. If you must lean on your car, use a soft cloth to avoid scratching the vinyl. Heat:Excessive heat can cause vinyl to warp or discolor. So avoid parking in direct sunlight for extended periods. And if you must drive in hot weather, keep your windows up to protect the vinyl from the heat. Tip # 4. Watch out for common vinyl car wrap problems.
Even with regular vinyl wrap maintenance, problems can occur. To keep your vinyl looking its best, be on the lookout for these common issues: Warping:Whenever vinyl is exposed to excessive heat for long periods, it can warp. If you happen to see any warping, gently smooth it out with your hands. If the vinyl is too hot to touch, wait for it to cool down before trying to fix it. That said, if the warping covers a large area or is severe, it’s best to leave it alone and take your car to a vinyl wrap specialist. Discoloration:Exposure to UV light can also cause vinyl car wraps to fade or discolor over time. To prevent this, park in the shade whenever possible. And if you must be out in the sun for an extended period, cover your car with a vinyl car wrap cover or tarp. If you do notice any discoloration, you can try using a vinyl-safe cleaning product like 3M General Purpose Adhesive Cleaner. But if the problem persists, take your car to a vinyl wrap specialist. Cracking:Cracked vinyl is usually a sign of wear and tear. But in some cases, it can also be caused by exposure to extreme temperatures. Most of the time, cracked vinyl is not a serious issue and can be fixed with vinyl wrap repair tape. If the cracks are severe, however, it’s best to take your car to a vinyl wrap specialist. They will be able to assess the damage and determine if the vinyl needs to be replaced. Bubbling:Bubbles can form when vinyl is exposed to heat or if there’s a problem with the adhesive. If you see any bubbles, gently press them down with your fingers. If the bubbles only seem to get bigger, take your car to a vinyl wrap specialist. Read on What is a car decal? Everything you need to know for more on car wraps and decals. Tip # 5. Always use vinyl-safe products.When it comes to vinyl car wrap maintenance, the products you use are just as important as the way you use them. That’s why it’s important to only use vinyl-safe cleaners, polishes, and waxes on your car. 3M General Purpose Adhesive Cleaner is a great vinyl-safe cleaner that can be used on vinyl car wraps. For polishing and waxing, we recommend using products from Meguiar’s Ultimate Line. Of course, you could always ask your vinyl wrap specialist or installer for recommendations on the best vinyl-safe products for your particular car. Tip # 6. Get professional help when needed.Even with regular vinyl car wrap maintenance, there will come a time when you need to get professional help. Whether it’s for a vinyl repair or replacement, the professionals at your local vinyl wrap shop will be able to help. Don't remove it on your own.While it's tempting to remove the vinyl car wrap on your own, it's best to leave it to the professionals. They have the experience and knowledge to remove vinyl car wraps without damaging them. Plus, they'll be able to properly dispose of the vinyl car wrap so that it doesn't end up in a landfill. Many people who choose to DIY their vinyl car wraps end up making costly mistakes. So if you're not confident in your abilities, it's best to leave it to the professionals. ConclusionVinyl wraps are a great way to protect your car's paint job and keep it looking new for years to come. But like anything else, vinyl car wraps need to be properly maintained. By following the vinyl wrap maintenance tips in this article, you can extend the life of your vinyl car wrap and keep it looking its best. And if you ever have any problems with your vinyl car wrap, be sure to take it to Gilroy Blackout. They'll be able to help you fix the problem and keep your car looking great.
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