Congratulations on your new vehivle wrap or decals! We want this product to last as long as possible for you, which means knowing how to look after it.
We recommend that a waterless cleaner or spray wax be applied immediately after installation (ensure the surface is completely spotless before doing so). This step will provide a protective layer and make it difficult for dirt, bird droppings, tree sap and other contaminates from damaging the wrap.
During the winter months it is important to allow the newly wrapped vehicle to dwell at room temperature for at least 24 hours before being moved back out into the cold environment.
Regular cleaning of the wrap is required to maintain the overall appearance of the wrap as well as help prolong the life of the wrap. Below is a list of recommendations for cleaning, although we recommend patch testing in an inconspicuous area first, so if there is an issue with any chemicals, it won’t affect the whole wrap.
- Spot clean droppings, bugs, tree sap, etc. immediately with Isopropyl Alcohol, and Croftgate’s Heavy Duty Surface Cleaner if it is a very difficult stain to remove
Wash the wrap every two weeks
- When hand washing, the first step is to pre-rinse the vehicle with clean water, to avoid scratching the surface
- Gently wash with a mild soapy water solution and a sponge. Avoid scratching the film surface with unnecessary scrubbing. Swirling motions may leave marks on the surface, so start at the top of the vehicle and work down
- Rinse the wrap thoroughly with clean water when finished
- Allow the wrap to dry naturally. To aviod water spotting, immediately use a silicone squeegee to remove water and then finish drying with a Chamois, micro-fiber towel, or soft non-abrasive towel. Start at the top of the vehicle and work down (no swirling motions)
- Be careful to not lift the film edges
- Detergent should be free from abrasive components, strong solvents and alcohols, and should have a pH balance between 5 and 9. Always test the detergent in an inconspicuous spot on the vehicle wrap before using
Automatic Car Wash
- A brushless automatic car wash with just spray is acceptable
- The automated brush wash is not recommended as the brushes may scratch the vinyl surface, catch and lift the edges of the vinyl wrap, reduce the gloss finish and/or create a failure point
- Skip the wax options at the car wash to avoid wax that that contains petroleum distillates which can damage the wrap
- Let the wrap dry naturally or dab dry with micro-fiber towel
High Pressure Hose/Cleaning
- The use of a pressure or power washer should only be used when all other cleaning methods have been used or tested and did not properly work
- NOTE: Pressure washing could have negative effects on the vehicle wrap including but not limited to edge-lifting and face degradation. We do not recommend using this for decals
- Keep water pressure below 1200 psi (8- bars or 84 kg/cm2)
- Keep water temperature below 180°F (80°C)
- Keep the nozzle at least 12 inches away from the edges
- Keep the nozzle perpendicular to the graphic. This will avoid lifting edges of the wrap
- Use a nozzle with a 40° angle wide spray pattern
Park the vehicle in shade, garage, or under cover whenever possible. The Queensland sun can be quite damaging to the vinyl over time, so be wary of this.
Vinyl films are not designed to be permanently submerged in water, fresh or salt. It is recommended that water craft graphics are cleaned with fresh water after each use.
Matte and satin products may show fingerprints, however they can be cleaned by saturating a clean, lint free towel with a 2:1 mixture of Isopropyl Alcohol and water or straight rubbing alcohol, and then wipe the film dry.
Matte, Satin or Textured Vinyl Cleaning/Care Products
- Warm water/gentle soap mixture washed with non-abrasive cloth
- 50/50 isopropyl alcohol/water mixture, wipe with non-abrasive cloth
- Simple Green
- Croftgate Wrap Care After Care JP
NOTE: Other products may be suitable. Make sure any product used does NOT contain Petroleum
Never use:
- Solvents
- Oil based cleaners
- Kitchen & Bathroom Cleaners Oven cleaner
- Orange Oil
- Engine Degreaser