One of the best ways that you can advertise your business is through vehicle wraps. They’re affordable and they constantly advertise your business. Maintenance is very important though, and you should know how to properly maintain your vehicle wraps. Below are some maintenance tips that you can use for keeping your vehicle wraps looking great:
Tips for Maintaining Vehicle Wraps:
Wash the Vehicle Regularly
Washing your vehicles and any graphics that are on it by hand on a regular basis is one thing you should do when you’re maintaining your vehicle wraps. You should use clean water and some mild soaps to wash it by hand. It’s never a good idea to pressure wash it. Using high pressure on vehicle wraps can often cause it to come up around its edges, and can degrade or tear the lamination. That lamination is what protects the print from the elements and helps your vehicle wraps last longer.
Test the Solution
Before you wash your whole vehicle, use a tiny amount of your solution on a small section of your vehicle wraps before applying it to your whole vehicle. This will make sure that it’s not going to harm the graphics. Some of the products that are made for washing a vehicle often can lead to problems with your vinyl graphics. A good choice is a biodegradable car wash, since they aren’t as harmful to the earth chances are they won’t be acidic on your vinyl graphics.
Read the Labels
Make sure that you’re reading the warning labels on your products that you are using to see if there are any safety instructions or cautions about whether it’s safe to use on a wrap.
Begin at the Top
When you wash cars with vehicle wraps, start at the top and go towards the bottom using a soap and water blend. After this, use clear water and let the contaminants and dirt to run right off of your wrap. You can use Joy or Dawn dish soap and a microfiber sponge, too!
Let It Air Dry
The best way for your wrapped vehicle to dry is through drying in the sun. You can also use microfiber cloths with some soft pressure once you have washed it. Make sure you don’t scratch your vinyl or lift the edges.
Keep the Vehicle Covered
It’s a good idea to keep your wrapped vehicle under a canopy or in the shade during the day. It’s not always possible, since you want to show your vehicle off. But as time goes by your wrap is going to fade faster when it is exposed to the sun’s rays and the heat.
Common Mistakes of Maintaining Vehicle Wraps
- Allowing corrosive substances like fuels to remain on your wrap for a long time. Any spills that you find should be cleaned as quickly as possible using water and soap, a cleaner that is citrus based, or even rubbing alcohol.
- Using any kind of polish, wax, carbon fiber or matte on your vinyl graphics.
- Using a pressure washer or mechanical brush on your vinyl.
- Letting it sit dirty for a long amount of time.
- Keeping the vehicle in areas of direct sun for extended periods of time or repeatedly.
Longevity
When you follow the guidelines outlined in this article, it will make your wrap last longer. But just as it is with other signs and cars, they’re going to wear out as time passes. The great thing about vehicle wraps it that it will preserve the car’s original clear coat and paint and you can wrap it over again.
If you have a business, one of the best things that you can do is to wrap your vehicle so that you have a constant advertisement. When you use the tips above and avoid the mistakes, you’ll find that your vehicle wrap is lasting longer and paying for itself quickly.
Questions about Vehicle Wraps?
Spectrum Signworks has installed vehicle wraps for countless businesses in Southwest Florida, including Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero, Fort Myers, and Marco Island. If you’re interested in working with our world-class designers on Signs for your business, give us a call at 239-908-0505!
