Wraps Maintenance

By: Charity Jackson

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Tips to prolong the life of the wrap

Customers spend a lot of money to have their vehicles wrapped. Helping them maintain the appearance and increase the longevity of the wrap can be done with a simple care and maintenance instruction sheet. 

 

The care and maintenance guideline should go beyond just recommendations of regular hand washing and the avoidance of abrasive chemicals and brushes. Additional information on power washing, waxing and when it’s best to bring it back in for a professional go-over, should also be covered.

 

Helping your clients maintain the appearance and longevity of the wrap you sold them will make for happier clients in the long-term.

Car Wash

Usually one of the first post-wrap questions I get is, “Can I take it through the car wash?” The short answer is “yes,” but they probably shouldn’t. Hand washing is a much better choice. The customer just spent hundreds or thousands of dollars on their wrap; it’s in their best interest to protect that investment.

 

I reviewed the graphics instruction bulletins for 3M, Avery and Oracal to get an idea of what some manufacturers recommend. The instructions for hand washing were generally the same from all three.

 

• Customers should be instructed to wash their vehicle using a non-abrasive cleaner without strong solvents. Plenty of water should be used, washing the vehicle from the top down to wash any debris off the vehicle.

 

• Try to avoid brushes—whether in an automatic car wash or brushing by hand—as they can dull the finish of the laminate and can cause scratching. Brushes can also lift loose edges. Use a soft sponge or rag instead of a brush, and avoid excessive scrubbing. Take extra care on matte or textured finishes.

 

• Rinse off any residue thoroughly with clean water. Allow the vehicle to air dry or use a microfiber cloth to dry.

 

Manufacturer instructional bulletins provide great information on care and maintenance for specific brands of media.

Power Washing

We’ve wrapped a fleet of delivery box trucks a few times over the last 15 years or so. These trucks are pressure-washed every Thursday. For the company this is the most efficient way to keep their trucks clean.

 

While the finish to the graphics does dull a little over the years, pressure washing can be used, when hand washing isn’t an option. There are a few tips that your customers should keep in mind if pressure washing their vehicle.

 

• Avoid excessive pressure that can cause damage to the graphics. Excessive pressure on damaged graphics can allow water to get underneath the graphic causing lifting and curling. 

 

• Do not direct the spray at a sharp angle to the graphics.

 

• Avoid spraying directly on wrap seams.

 

• Trim back all lifted edges, and seal with an edge sealer or replace the section of graphics if necessary. (Lifted edges can tear further when the vehicle is driven).

 

The 3M, Avery and Oracal instruction bulletins each offered specific instructions on pressure washing. While there are some differences in the specifics, the information can be used as a general guideline. Consult the manufacturer bulletin for the particular material you are using.

 

• Water pressure—maximum 800 psi to 2000 psi

• Water temperature—maximum 72 to 180 degrees

• Spray nozzle spray pattern of 40 degrees

• Minimum distance of nozzle to the graphic—12 to 18 inches

• Spray angle—45 degrees, sweeping spray

• Never use a Turbo pressure nozzle

 

Top manufacturers agree that hand washing with plenty of water and a mild detergent is the best way to keep graphics clean.

Waxing or Polishing

I have had customers ask about polishing or waxing their vehicle wrap to help protect against airborne pollutants. This question took a little extra research on my part as I didn’t fully understand the difference between wax and polish. 

 

Both Oracal and Avery recommend avoiding Carnauba-based waxes, while silicone or Teflon-based polishes that are designed for vehicle graphics are fine. So what’s the difference?

 

• Carnauba-based waxes are popular on vehicles without graphics because they can be buffed to a high shine. This buffing process needs to be rigorous though and can cause damage to graphics.

 

• Waxes are also heat sensitive and can melt in the sun. The greasy results attract dirt and can cause black streaks. Heat also releases the stain in the wax, which can stain the graphics.

 

• The Teflon or silicone-based polish used should be specifically designed for use on vehicle wraps. Avery recommends CrystalTek’s Wrap Polish, which does not contain any wax. The polish is designed to protect new wraps against harsh elements and pollution. CrystalTek states the polish will not chip or turn yellow and is safe for use on many different finishes.

 

Visit their website (www.crystaltek.us.com) for more information on this product.

 

3M recommends not using any waxes or polishes on matte, textured or other unique finishes. Also, these films are harder to repair if they become scratched, so be aware of parking near shrubs, trees or other items that may scratch the finish.

 

Graphics can be polished using a polish intended for use specifically with vehicle graphics. Check product information; this wax notes that it is not compatible with use over decals. Graphics that are lifting need to be repaired or replaced for long-term durability. If pressure washing, be sure to avoid lifting graphics and seams.

Gunk Happens

You may be very diligent about washing your vehicle regularly, but gunk is bound to end up on your vehicle at some point. It’s important to remove the offending residue as soon as possible to avoid staining and other damage to your vehicle. 

 

• Whatever type of cleaner you use; be sure to test it in an inconspicuous place first. 

 

• For a gas spill be sure to wash off the residue as soon as possible with soapy water. 

 

• An isopropyl alcohol wipe down followed by a cleaning with a citrus-based cleaner will help remove oil, tar or asphalt that may build up on the graphics. Citrus-based cleaners are also effective in removing waxy marks on the graphics. 

 

• Check the manufacturer bulletin for the specific media you are using for additional chemical recommendations for cleaning. 

 

• Follow any chemical cleanings with a regular washing with water and a mild cleanser. 

 

• Rinse with clean water and dry with a lint-free or microfiber cloth.

 

Initial Maintenance

In addition to regular washings by the customer, I also recommend that the customer simply keeps an eye on their wrap—especially the first few days and weeks. Wrap maintenance starts with proper installation, but due to weather conditions or wrap installation obstacles on the vehicle there may be some bubbles or lifting that occurs within the first week or so.

 

This is the best time to catch these small problems—before they become big issues. If the customer does experience any issues, have them bring the vehicle by for a quick go-over. Add additional heat to any bubbles, removing them and following up with a good post-heat.

 

If graphics are lifting, be sure to trim them and apply an edge sealer. If they have already become dirty, take the time and effort to replace any failing sections. You want the customer to be happy long-term.

 

Be sure customers are aware of warranties on the graphics, typically three years on cast vinyl graphics and one year on perforated window films. Reviewing these when the vehicle is initially wrapped will help ease confusion in years to come.