Using these cleaning and maintenance tips will help maintain the premium look and longevity of your wrap.
Infrequent or improper maintenance can lead to premature degradation of graphics and lower the expected life of the film.
Cleaning Tips:
Waterless Wash – Preferred Method: If the vehicle is not overly dirty, this is the preferred method. Hand wash extremely dirty vehicles first and follow up with a waterless wash. Waterless wash products can help maintain the gloss level and performance of the film. Before using any new product on your wrap, be sure to test them in an inconspicuous area of the vehicle. We recommend using a standard cleaner available on amazon.
Afterward, use a silicon wax sealant to provide a protective layer on your wrap for easier cleaning of everyday dirt and stains.
Hand Wash – Ideal for a vehicle with dirt or other residue. Follow the below steps:
- Pre rinse: Using a hose, rinse the whole wrap with clean This helps remove the loose dirt particles and helps avoid scratching the graphics.
- Wash: Gently wash the vehicle with a mild soapy water solution using a soft cloth or a synthetic or natural Start from the top of the vehicle and work down.
Avoid abrading the surface with unnecessary scrubbing.
- Rinse: Rinse thoroughly with clean
- Dry: Let the wrap dry naturally. To avoid water spotting, use a silicone squeegee or chamois to remove water then finish drying with a micro-fiber or soft, non- abrasive towel.
NOTE! Avoid excessive spraying at the wrong angle as it may create failure points or result in the edges of wrap lifting.
An automatic car wash that uses brushes is not recommended. Brushes may scratch the wrap or catch the wrap’s edge and cause failure.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What detergent should I use for a hand wash? Use a mild car cleaning detergent and water mix that does not contain any strong soluble substances, alcohol or abrasive components. The detergent should have a pH balance between 5 and 9.
When should I clean my vehicle? The vehicle should not be cleaned within the first 48 hours of the wrap being applied. After this 2-day period, it is recommended
to wash your vehicle every 2-3 weeks.
Can I wax my vehicle? Yes, as long as the wax does not contain petroleum distillates, which is found in many paste waxes. Products that are a combination of a waterless wash and wax are great options as long as the vehicle doesn’t have a matte finish and isn’t excessively dirty. We recommend silicone based waxes such as Turtle Wax Ice. Test the wax on an inconspicuous part of the vehicle first.
What about difficult spots? Spot clean contaminants, such as bird droppings, bug splatter, tree sap, and similar contaminants as soon as possible to avoid film damage. Start by soaking for several minutes with hot, soapy water. Then rinse thoroughly. You can spot clean with isopropyl alcohol and a clean, non-abrasive rag. If a harsher chemical is needed, be sure to test first in an inconspicuous area.
What if my wrap has a matte finish? Use a waterless wash that is recommended for matte finishes. Mackee’s 37 Matte Finish Cleaner is recommended for all vinyl finishes. Waterless wash products containing wax can fill in the texture and cause shiny spots. A lighter matte finish will be prone to showing more dirt than other finishes. Use a 50/50 mix of isopropyl alcohol and water to spot clean matte finish films. If the alcohol and water mix does not remove dirt, you can try using a hot soapy water solution. You can also try an all-purpose cleaner purchased at your local hardware store.