5 Top Tips For Looking After Your Vinyl Car Wrap

When it comes to protecting your car from the elements, there is nothing quite like a vinyl car wrap.

Wrapping a vehicle with vinyl is a great way to protect your vehicle. Not only does it provide a protective layer, it's also stylish and enables you ro customise your car with an almost endless variety of different colours and designs. But as with any new pride and joy, once your car has been wrapped, you're going to want to ensure you take the right steps to maintain it and keep it looking in tip-top condition just as you would with a non-wrapped vehicle.

Thankfully maintaining a vinyl wrap is simple and easy of you follow a few simple rules. Read on for our 5 top tips for looking after your vinyl car wrap…

Avoid Using A Scraper

Living in the UK we tend to get some horribly cold winters. It may sound obvious, but an absolute no-no for vehicle wraps is using a scraper. Obviously, you can use one for getting the snow and ice off your windscreen, but do not use one on your wrap. It will without a doubt scratch your wrap and cause damage. We would recommend using either a soft brush, cloth, waterproof glove or a hose with lukewarm water. Or better still, show it some love and keep it tucked up nice and warm in the garage and save yourself all that work.

Ford Focus ST: Wide mouth grill detail in Gloss Black Mazda MX-5: Avery Dennison Satin Black roof and wing mirrors.

Remove Salt From The Wrap

Another issue we all face when it comes to vehicle wraps is the salt on the roads. Much like with paintwork, road salt can cause damage to the wrap if allowed to build up over time. If you use your car regularly, washing it once a week will help keep the salt from building up and damaging your wrap. This is most important during the winter months.

Keep Your Vehicle Clean

We understand life is busy and cars get dirty, but make sure to keep an eye out for anything that might need a spot clean. Look out for residue caused by birds, tree sap, bugs or anything else that might stain or leave a mark. In fact, bird deposits do most of their damage to car paintwork within the first 48 hours. Thankfully, cars which have been wrapped have an extra layer of protection which helps protect the underlying paintworl. However, it's still important to keep your vinyl wrap clean as will reduce the risk of stains. Simply soak the area with hot, non-abrasive soapy water, and then wipe over with a soft cloth or sponge. There are also dedicated vinyl cleaners and brushes available on the market.

Do Not Use A Pressure Washer!

One of the things we we are often asked is whether or not you can pressure wash a wrapped car. Whilst using a pressure washer is not something we recommend, if you do choose to use one, make sure to turn down the pressure and take a good step away from the wrap.

We would also recommend you do not go through any machine car wash. These are known to scratch up both paint and wrap, leaving unsightly swirls in the finish. They can also use harsh chemicals.

Hand washing with warm water and sponge is the best way to ensure your wrap stays in the best condition. 

Remember to dry your car straight after washing as this helps to remove any limescale, etc which can dull a finish over time.

Get Any Damage Fixed ASAP

Should you get a rip, cut or tear in your vinyl you should consider getting it fixed as soon as possible. With most problems on a car, if you leave it, it can get worse and eventually cost more money than if you just fixed it when you noticed it. New damages are more likely fixable if you get it looked at as soon as you notice it. Panel by panel replacements are much cheaper than getting a full new wrap fitted further down the line.

If you have had your car wrapped with us here at Complete Graphics, we will have on record which vinyl you chose for your wrap and will be able to check stock in order to replace a panel of wrap if that is all that is needed.

Complete Graphics, Car Wrapping Experts

Whether you’ve just had a car wrap installed or are looking to refresh your current one, we have given you five tips to help you maintain the life of your vehicle wraps. These simple steps will keep your investment in good condition and preserve its value for years to come.

If you want more advice about how best to care for your vehicle wrap, we offer free consultations at Complete Graphics where our experts can answer any questions that may be on your mind. Call us today!