Caring for your graphics

Immediately After Installation

Do not wash your vehicle right after the graphics are installed. Your new graphics will take 48 hours at a temperature of 70 degrees for the adhesive to reach its maximum bond with the paint. In cold climates it is recommended that the vehicle be left in a climate controlled facility overnight before exposing it to the elements.

Wash Regularly

It is important to keep your graphics clean. Regularly cleaned graphics will last longer and maintain your company’s image. The best cleaning method is to wash the vehicle by hand. The first step is to rinse off the loose dirt and grit with clean water so you don’t rub the grit across the graphic or any exposed paint. Then wash with a mild soap and water solution using a soft sponge and rinse thoroughly.

Hand washing is not always a practical solution and you can use pressure washers if the temperature of the water is kept below 180 degrees F, the water pressure is below 2000psi, and you keep the nozzle at least 12 inches away and perpendicular to the graphics. 

Automated car washes with brushes should not be used. The brushes will scratch and wear down the soft vinyl and may even lift the edges and tear the vinyl. Brushless style automated car washes are acceptable.

Window Pref

Hand wash window perf like regular vinyl but stay back 24” if you choose to  power wash it. Do not use wipers, ice scrapers and avoid rolling the side windows up and down because they will damage the vinyl.

The Life Span of Your Graphics

Typical lifespan of a high performance cast vehicle wrap is 4 to 5 years and window perf is 1 to 2 years. Computer cut high performance cast graphics last 7 to 9 years. Manufactures base these numbers on average sun exposure on a vertical surface. The vinyl won’t last as long in areas of the country with high UV rates or on horizontal surfaces like the hood, roof, and trunk of a vehicle. The best way to ensure your graphics last the maximum lifespan is by storing the vehicle out of the elements or using a car cover. The graphics will still need to be removed at the manufactures maximum lifespan because the adhesive and vinyl dry out making removal difficult and costly.

If your wrap film starts to discolor or turn brown (which is caused by acidic pollution), immediately have a professional remove the wrap film from the vehicle to avoid staining the underlying paint. If the horizontal graphics on your hood or roof start cracking contact a professional for removal as well.