THE CORRECT WAY

The following practices will help maintain the life and quality of the vinyl film:

 

• Wash applied vinyl graphics with a blend of clean water and a mild care wash or detergent (i.e. Dawn®, Joy® or Ivory®).

• Test any cleaning solution on a small section of the vinyl graphic before using.

• Always read the warning labels on car care products for proper safety instructions.

• Once you’ve washed the vehicle with a soapy water blend, rinse with clean water.

• Either let the vehicle air dry or dry off with a microfiber cloth.

 

THE WRONG WAY

Indications of vinyl failure can include loss of gloss level, fading, em-brittling, cracking,

chipping or peeling around graphic edges. The following practices will result in deterioration of the vinyl film:

 

• Do not allow fuels to stay in contact with the vinyl for extended periods of time. Clean all spills as soon as possible

• Do not use automated car washes, truck washes using caustic cleaners or pressure washers to clean your vehicle

• Do not apply carnauba-based wax over vinyl graphics

• Do not apply any type of wax or polish to matte or carbon fiber-finished vinyls

• Do not use mechanical brush washing

 

Use of an automated car wash will void the warranty

PROPER CARE OF PERFORATED WINDOW GRAPHICS (VEHICLE)

It is relatively inexpensive to replace window graphics. Never compromise safety. Always ensure maximum visibility.

 

• Avoid using the rear windshield wiper and only use when absolutely  necessary, as it will scratch the laminate over time and reduce  visibility. It is best to clean any grime and sediment from your rear  window with a wet squeegee to avoid scratching

• Avoid using your rear defroster, use only when absolutely necessary  as it can potentially reduce the lifespan of the see through perforated  window film

• Avoid frequent rolling of windows with graphics in order to avoid scratching

• Do not use an ice scraper on any window that is covered with vinyl specially perforated

 

window film as it could scratch and damage the graphics

Keep in mind that these are simple guidelines for extending the life  of your window graphics. In matters of safety, common sense should  always prevail to ensure maximum visibility at all times

CONCERNS ABOUT PRESSURE WASHING VINYL VEHICLE GRAPHICS

Pressure washing should only be used when no other cleaning methods are available.

Keep the following in mind while performing this type of cleaning.

 

• Repeated pressure washing can cause the vinyl graphics to lift  around the edges and peel away from the vehicle, especially if the spray  is at a sharp angle to the vinyl edge.

• Over time, pressure washing can degrade the face film, causing the  graphic to lose its luster, fade, crack and even chip away from the  substrate.

 

TO PROLONG THE LIFE OF THE APPLIED VEHICLE GRAPHIC WHEN CHOOSING TO PRESSURE WASH

 

• Water temperature: 19°C- 25°C  (67°F-77°F)

• Spray nozzle opening: 40° wide pattern.

• Spray angle: 45°

• Angle of graphic: 90° (vertical)

• Distance from graphic: 18″

• Water pressure: ≤ 800 PSI

• Length of time: 30 seconds

 

Aim the spray pattern at a slight angle to the edge of the vinyl graphic.

HOW TO REMOVE DIFFICULT POLLUTANTS OR DEBRIS FROM VEHICLE GRAPHICS

 

• Spot clean the area with Isopropyl Alcohol and a microfiber rag.

• Moisten a rag with a citrus-based cleaner and naphtha. Wipe down the problem areas.

 

Immediately after using the citrus cleaner and naphtha, rinse the area with water and soap.

 

VEHICLE WRAPS 

Although a vehicle wrap is a great way to protect the paint job on your car, truck, SUV, or  company car, wraps aren’t meant to be installed on your vehicle and then  forgotten. Just as you care for the rest of your vehicle and any fine  paint finish, your vehicle graphics require regular cleaning and  maintenance. To help extend the life and good looks of your vehicle  wrap, wash your wrap regularly and keep your vehicle away from possible  pollutants whenever possible. This will help preserve the wrap and keep  any vibrant colors from fading prematurely. My Houston Pro uses  high quality 3M graphics for our vehicle wraps and recommends using  products designed specifically for car care to help keep your 3M vehicle  graphics looking their best.

How Often Should You Clean Your Vehicle Wrap?

As  with any vehicle, it’s best to wash your wrapped car whenever it  appears dirty, as any contaminants which are allowed to remain on the  graphic will probably be more difficult to remove the longer they sit.  For especially difficult items such as bird droppings, bug splatter,  tree sap, and road tar, try soaking them for several minutes with very  hot, soapy water. The application of some denatured alcohol may also  help loosen and remove these stubborn contaminants. If they remain,  special cleaning solutions may need to be applied prior to a full car  wash. Do not use rough scrubbing action or abrasive tools, as this will  damage the film. When finished removing any contaminants, be sure to  immediately wash and rinse off any product residue.

Hand washing  your vehicle is the preferred method of cleaning a car wrap. If using  this method, first rinse off as much dirt and grit as possible with a  spray of water before using a soft, clean cloth or sponge and a wet,  non-abrasive detergent to wash the vehicle. Be sure to rinse thoroughly  with clean water and reduce water spotting by using a silicone squeegee  to remove excess water immediately. Finish with a clean microfiber  cloth.

Wrapped vehicles can be run through a car wash, with a  touchless system being the best choice. Use of brush car washes may  cause damage to your vehicle graphic, including dulling, scratching, and  lifting the edges of the film.

It is also possible to pressure wash a vehicle with a graphic wrap. According to 3M’s vehicle care guidelines, pressure washing may be used under these conditions:

 

• Ensure the water pressure is kept below 1000 psi (14 MPa).

• Keep water temperature below 180 °F (80 °C).

• Use a spray nozzle with a 40-degree wide angle spray pattern.

• Keep the nozzle at least 1 foot (300 mm) away from and perpendicular (at 90 degrees) to the graphic.

• It is important to note that holding the nozzle of a pressure washer at an angle to graphic may lift the edges of the film.

 

Some other care tips to keep in mind when cleaning a vehicle with a car wrap include:

 

• Wipe off any fuel spills immediately to avoid degrading the vinyl and adhesive.

• Do  no use any abrasive polishes or cutting compounds (3M does not  recommend using wax or other similar coatings on vehicle graphics).

• If there is wax or wax residue on the surface, remove with an all-purpose cleaner.

• When using a cleaning solution, do not allow it to stand and soak; immediately rinse with clear water.

• Store  your wrapped vehicle indoors, in a shaded area, or under a cover  whenever possible to preserve and protect the graphics. If storage in a  garage is not available, consider using a cloth car cover at night to  protect against dew or rain which may contain acidic pollutants.

• Make a visual inspection once a month and make sure there is no lifting or dusting gathering any of the vinyl