- Mini-bus graphics & lettering by Spot-On Signs & Graphics
- Work trailers are a great place to put vehicle graphics.
Care for your vehicle graphics like you would any fine paint finish and use high quality products designed specifically for car care.
You’ve made an investment. Spot-On Signs & Graphics uses 3M™ products exclusively for vehicle lettering and graphics because we believe them to be the best on the market. You will extend the life of your vehicle graphics and keep them looking their best by following the cleaning and maintenance procedures recommended by 3M™ below.
Store Indoors or Under Cover Whenever Possible
Just like paint, vehicle graphics will degrade with prolonged exposure to sun and pollutants, particularly on horizontal surfaces like the hood, roof, or trunk lid. Storing the vehicle in a garage as much as possible will provide the most protection. During the day, whenever possible, keep the vehicle at least in the shade. At night protect the vehicle from dew or rain which may contain acidic pollutants (common in large metropolitan areas). If your vehicle graphics discolor or turn brown (which is caused by acidic pollutants), immediately remove the graphics to avoid staining the underlying paint. When a garage is not available consider a cloth car cover.
Wash Regularly!
Hand-washing is the preferred cleaning method for all types of vehicle graphics. Contaminates left on the graphics may be more difficult to remove over time. Rinse off as much dirt and grime as possible with a spray of water (see “Pressure Washing” below). Use a soft, clean cloth or sponge with non-abrasive detergents. 3M™ recommends 3M™ Car Wash Soap 39000 or Meguiar’s NXT Generation Car® Wash or Deep Crystal® Car Wash. Rinse thoroughly with clean water. To reduce spotting, use a silicone squeegee to remove water being careful of the edges of the graphic. Finish with a clean microfiber cloth.
Difficult Contaminants
Soften difficult contaminants like bug splatter, bird droppings, tree sap and similar contaminants by soaking them for several minutes with very hot, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and dry. For tougher spots, test one of these products in an inconspicuous area to ensure no damage to the graphics: Meguiar’s Gold Class™ Bug and Tar Remover or 3M™ Citrus Base Cleaner. Isopropyl alcohol (two parts to 1 part water) or denatured alcohol may also help. Spot clean the contaminants. Using abrasive tools or scrubbing will scratch the film. Wash with recommended detergents and rinse thoroughly. Fuel spills can degrade the vinyl and adhesives. Wipe off any spills immediately and wash, rinse, and dry as soon as possible.
Automated Car Washes
Brush-type car washes are not recommended for full-wraps or partial wraps. They will dull the graphic’s appearance and could abrade the film causing the edges to lift. Brushless car washes are acceptable.
Pressure washing
IMPORTANT! Holding the nozzle of a pressure washer at an angle to the graphic may lift the edges of the graphic. Although pressure washing runs more of a risk of lifting the edges of the vehicle graphics, it can be done under the following conditions: Keep the water pressure below 2000psi (14MPa), water temperature must be below 180°F (80°C), use a spray nozzle with a 40 degree wide angle spray pattern, and keep the nozzle at least 1 foot (300mm) away from and perpendicular (at 90 degrees) to the graphic.
Polish and Wax
Most standard graphic films and overlaminates used on full wraps and partial wraps can be polished or waxed with a high quality car wax. Polishing and waxing matte or textured films is not recommended. Carbon fiber and metal films in Scotchprint® Wrap Film Series 1080 can be polished with with 3M™ Tire Restorer or Meguiars® Natural Shine Protectant. Before use, test and approve in an inconspicuous area. Do not use any abrasive polishes or cutting compounds.
