I was surprised when someone suggested salt and road 'splatter' from winter storms can have a detrimental effect on my vehicle's paint job. Suddenly, the long lines at car washes after a winter storm made sense. What about when your vehicle has graphics, vinyl letters or is wrapped? Wrapped vehicles require special care to assure they last. You also want to make sure you're getting the most branding bang for your buck. Here are a few tips:
1. Car/Truck Wash - You can take your vehicle through a car/truck wash without any concerns. We have not found any car/truck wash that will hurt the vehicle graphics.
2. Pressure Wash - When we install graphics on a vehicle we always install the panels from the back to front, and over lap each panel by 5". This installation procedure helps prevent the vinyl from peeling back when driving fast and if our vehicle brushes against branches etc. As a result you must always pressure wash your vehicle from front to back, and always keep the wand at an angle to the vehicle (do not point the wand straight at the graphics). Never get closer than 20" with the wand or you risk blowing holes in the vinyl. Any auto wash soap will work fine on the vehicle. For
tough stains and dirt please us a brush.
DO NOT PRESSURE WASH YOUR WINDOW Perferation or you will rip it apart.
3. Wax - We highly recommend you wax your vehicle once a year (or more) to maintain the high shine and the life of the vehicle graphics. The best wax is a liquid. This makes it easier to apply. In most cases wax will take out the stains you might get in the graphics.
4. Snow Removal - Only use a soft brush, never use a scraper as this could damage the film. If you wax the film (the solid film not the window perferation). the snow should just come off with little effort. During the winter never scrape the windows. It is always best to use a soft brush on the windows ot remove the snow. Use a soft brush with soap and water to wash the window film.
6. Window Wipers - DO NOT EVER USE THE REAR WINDOW WIPERS ON THE WINDOW FILM, if you do this it will void the warranty and damage the film.
Finally, should your vehicle suffer the consequences of snow wear and tear, don't panic. Typically, nicks, scratches or imperfections can be repaired by your installer. For more major damage, panels of the wrap can be replaced. This is very common in vehicle accidents where a wrap is involved.
Greetings!