The vinyl itself is not a very durable material, it generally can hold up for three years depending on how the vehicle is maintained. UV exposure, acid rain, bird droppings, bug splatters, typical contaminants, and road grime can age the vinyl wrap sooner than you’d think. Plus, excessive exposure to rain or water (even simple car washes) can penetrate the vinyl film top layer, and cause damage to the adhesive.
General Care:
Avoid cleaning or washing a vinyl wrap within the first 48 hours after application. Afterward, aim to clean it at least once a month, or more often depending on use and environment. Regular cleaning prevents dirt, grime, and contaminants from degrading the vinyl, especially when exposed to UV light and heat. Whenever possible, park in shaded or covered areas to protect the wrap.
Immediately spot-clean contaminants like bugs, bird droppings, tree sap, and tar to prevent stains or damage. **Important:** Hand washing with a dedicated car wash solution is the preferred method for vinyl wraps.
• It’s important that the detergent is specifically designed to be used for vehicles;
• Free from abrasive components;
• Does not contain any additional waxes or polishes;
• Ideally PH Balanced, thus not highly acidic or alkaline (pH level between 5 and 9);
• Free from damaging chemicals like Alcohol, Acids, Ammonia, Chlorine, Glycol Ethers, Harmful Detergents, Petroleum Distillates and Phosphates
• Do not use common home dishwashing detergents, or any soaps not designed for vehicle washing.
How to Wash a Vehicle with a Vinyl Wrap:
The preferred washing method is by hand using the following technique
• Start by rinsing the vehicle with clean water, removing any loose dirt or contaminants, thus avoiding scratching the warp
• Using the ‘two buckets’ method (one bucket filled with car wash and water solution and a second filled with clean water for rinsing), gently wipe the surface from front to back using a synthetic or natural sponge or mitt, starting from the top of the vehicle and working down.
• Always rinse the sponge in clean water before soaking it in the soapy water in between sections.
• When finished, it’s important to rinse the wrap thoroughly with clean water.
• Allow the water to dry naturally or dab dry with a Chamois or soft non-abrasive towel, being careful not to lift film edges
Avoid automatic brush car washes for vinyl wraps, as the brushes can catch wrap edges, reduce gloss, and cause surface scratches. If using an automatic wash, choose a brushless system to protect the wrap’s finish.
Pressure Washing a Vinyl Wrap?
You can safely use high-pressure cleaning equipment or power washers on vinyl wraps, as long as the pressure stays under 1200 psi (80 bars or 84 kg/cm²) and you use a wide-angle spray head (up to 90°). High water pressure or intense spray can damage wraps by forcing water underneath or puncturing the material. To prevent edge lifting, keep the nozzle at least 30 cm away from the wrap and hold it perpendicular (90°±10°) to the surface.
If using heated water, make sure the temperature does not exceed 158°F for safe cleaning.
Waxing and Polishing:
A major mistake in vinyl wrap care is using wax or polishing products meant for traditional car paint. Polishing, buffing, or waxing a vinyl wrap can lead to premature aging and scratching. Always avoid conventional car waxes or polishes designed for metal surfaces. Instead, opt for waxes and sealants specifically made for vinyl wraps to keep them looking their best.
Another thing to keep in mind is that polishing your vinyl wrap is not a one-time job. In order to keep your wrap looking its best, you’ll need to polish it regularly. This can be time-consuming, and it can also be expensive if you need to purchase new polishes and tools regularly.
In general, it’s a good idea to polish your vinyl wrap at least once a month. However, if you live in a dusty area or if you drive your car frequently, you may need to polish it more often.
For more information on vinyl wraps, check out our page here!