The Dos And Don'ts Of Cleaning A Vinyl Wrapped Vehicle

Vinyl wrapping is a great way to market and advertise your business or even show your love for your favorite sports team. However, this is only the case if your wrap looks great. Knowing the dos and don'ts of washing a vinyl wrapped vehicle is a great way to ensure your wrap looks its best.

Thoroughly Dry Your Vehicle

Make it a point to thoroughly dry your vehicle after exposure to moisture. The problem with this is that water, from the tap or the rain, often has some trace of minerals, such as iron or calcium. With a vinyl wrapped vehicle, prolonged exposure to these minerals can cause the adhesive used to bond the vinyl to weaken.

This can lead to air bubbles along the surface. This can also wear down your clear coat, which can expose the vinyl wrap to damage. Make it a point to thoroughly dry your vehicle whenever it gets wet. For the best result, use a microfiber cloth because of its greater water absorbing qualities and softer texture. Don't take your vehicle through a high-powered air blower.

Choose Wash Products Carefully

Cleaning your vinyl wrapped vehicle is best accomplished with a mixture of water and mild detergent. However, it's still important to proceed with caution as some vehicle cleaners can be damaging to the vinyl. Even if you do find a cleaner that states it's safe for use on vinyl, it's still important to test the cleaner before applying it all over.

Find a small, inconspicuous place to apply the cleaner and wait a few days to see if it produces a negative effect. You also want to avoid using a polish or wax over the vinyl as the chemicals inside these products can cause the vinyl to deteriorate.

Regulate Water Pressure

For the most part, it's best to avoid automatic car washes. Automatic car washes are often equipped with high-pressure water hoses that can damage the adhesive under the vinyl and cause air bubbles and peeling along the wrap surface.

Washing centers that offer hand washing are generally safer. If you plan to wash your wrapped vehicle on your own, make sure the water pressure is below 1200 psi for the best results. As an added tip, if you fail to regulate water pressure and your wrap sustains damage, your warranty could be voided.

The more effort you put into washing your vinyl wrapped vehicle correctly, the longer the vinyl lasts and, more importantly, the better it will look. For more tips, contact companies like Kwik Signs. 


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