Tips to Make Your Commercial Car Wrap Last
- Printing
- March 2, 2016
Commercial car wraps are a fast and effective way to make a lasting impression for your business whatever its size. To make your vehicle’s impression last as long as possible, provide proper care and maintenance to your car’s wrap. Your custom vehicle wrap can last anywhere from 5 to 7 years with proper maintenance. Taking good care of your wrap will maximize its useful lifetime. If you are looking for car wraps in Richmond, our professional team can install your wrap and instruct you on how to maintain it properly.
Care and Maintenance of Your Vinyl Vehicle Wrap
To take care of your wrapped vehicle, clean the exterior regularly. Just like with a painted finish, dirt left on the vehicle will degrade the coating over time so regular cleaning is essential. Inspect your vehicle frequently for particularly damaging grime such as bird droppings or tree sap. 3M advises that you protect your vehicle’s wrap by storing it indoors or under cover to avoid sun and other environmental damage. As the saying goes, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Some cleansers contain ingredients that can damage your commercial vehicle wrap’s finish. Don’t use cleansers containing harsh chemicals on your wrap and always rinse your vehicle with lots of water after washing. In particular, don’t expose your car’s wrap to cleansers that are oil based or contain acetones, citrus, thinners, M.E.K., or toluene. Never use brushes or cleansers containing abrasives on your car’s vinyl wrap. Avery Dennison’s Graphics Solutions further recommends that you always spot check any cleanser in an inconspicuous spot before using it on your entire vehicle.
Waxes too can contain harmful ingredients that can cause damage or stains. Avoid petroleum based waxes, waxes with abrasives, or colored waxes.
Apply a Gentle Touch
You may wash your vehicle using a touch less car wash, by hand, or with a power washer. However, if you do use a power washer you should keep the power and temperature settings low. This articleat Sign Digital Graphics offers some great tips for power washing truck fleets. Whatever method of washing you use, care should be taken not to snag the edges or angles of your vehicles wrap. Any peeling, snag, or tear should be repaired right away. Otherwise, the force of wind pressure will rip the tear even further the next time you drive your vehicle.
Matte and Textured Vehicle Wrap Care
If your vehicle’s commercial wrap is textured or has a matte finish, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning. Waxes may adhere to a matte or textured finish unevenly and alter its appearance. For a textured wrap, you need to not only avoid waxes and polishes but also cleaning agents that include these ingredients as an additive. Scratches and swirls on a matte finish are difficult to repair or remove, so always use premium microfiber cloths. When selecting a detergent or finishing product, use one made by 3M or other manufacturers designed specifically for the care of matte finishes.
If your vehicle is already wrapped, or you are thinking of joining the trend, these tips will help you get the most from your investment. We look forward to helping you too!
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