Most people imagine a car’s vinyl wrap as a very durable material that is not easily scratched or damaged. The truth is, it can be quite fragile, and you must take care of it to ensure it lasts as long as possible.
Follow these ten simple steps on how to properly maintain your car’s vinyl wrap so its appearance stays pristine, and the material doesn’t start peeling off:
1. Keep it clean.
The first step to maintaining your car’s vinyl wrap is to keep it clean. This means regularly wiping it down with a damp cloth to remove dirt, dust, and other debris. If you allow dirt and grime to build upon the wrap, it will be more difficult to remove and may cause damage.
2. Avoid using solvents.
Another key part of vinyl wrap care is avoiding the use of solvents. These can damage the wrap and make it susceptible to fading and cracking. Instead, use a gentle soap and water mixture to clean it off.
3. Don’t park in the sun.
The sun’s UV rays are extremely damaging to vinyl wraps. Parking in the sun can quickly fade and distort your design. Try to ensure that the car is parked in a covered location when it isn’t being used. You should also keep it garaged or under a car cover while you’re not using it.
4. Avoid prolonged exposure to high heat, especially when wet.
Heat can cause significant damage to your wrap if left on for too long. This includes parking your vehicle in direct sunlight or leaving it out overnight during particularly warm summer months. It should go without saying that both of these are bad ideas regardless of whether or not the car has a vinyl wrap! For this reason, we suggest that you try to keep your car parked in the shade when possible.
5. Don’t use harsh chemicals.
As already stated, prolonged exposure to high heat can cause significant damage to your vinyl wrap. You should also avoid exposing it to household chemicals or other substances that could potentially discolor or damage the wrap coating.
This includes things like gasoline, brake fluid, and cleaners with strong chemical components (such as bleach). For best results, only use window cleaner on your vehicle’s window glass and nothing else!
6. Don’t peel it off by yourself if you don’t have experience doing so.
Removing a vinyl wrap from a car is a difficult process to undertake, especially if you don’t have any experience doing it. The risk of damaging the car is high and can be costly to repair (if possible at all). We always recommend taking your car to a professional vinyl wrap removal service that specializes in this task.
7. Don’t use a heat gun or hair dryer for the removing process.
To remove the old vinyl coating, you’ll often need to “heat peel” it with a heat gun or hair dryer before scraping off the residue. However, these things can damage the paint if used incorrectly, so we advise against using them unless absolutely necessary (i.e., when no other method will work). If you do try to use heat to remove the vinyl wrap, be sure to do so very slowly and carefully to avoid any damage.
8. Be gentle when cleaning the vinyl wrap.
When cleaning your vinyl wrap, be sure to use a soft cloth and avoid scrubbing or pressing too hard against the surface. This will help keep it looking new and shiny for years to come.
9. Use car wax to protect the vinyl wrap.
Applying a car wax every few months can provide an extra layer of protection for your vinyl wrap. It will help keep the wrap from fading and becoming brittle in harsh weather conditions. Just be sure to choose a wax that is specifically designed for cars with vinyl wraps, as some formulas may be too harsh for the wrap to handle.
10. Don’t apply vinyl wrap on top of existing vinyl wraps.
If you have already installed a vinyl wrap previously, you won’t want to try installing one over top of it unless it is made by the exact same manufacturer as the original. Some products are designed to be layered with other wraps while some aren’t, so always check before buying a second coating!
Conclusion
Maintaining your car’s vinyl wrap is not as difficult as you may think! By following these simple tips, you can keep your wrap looking great for years to come. And if you are ever unsure of how to care for your vinyl wrap, be sure to consult with a professional installer!
They will be able to give you all the advice and tips you need to make sure your wrap stays in top condition. Have you ever wrapped a car or have any tips to add? Let us know in the comments below!
