How to Keep Your Trendy Car Wrap in Great Condition
One method that can be used to protect your vehicle’s original paint job, while adding a touch of individuality, is to have your car ‘wrapped’. Wrapping entails using an adhesive vinyl sheet to cover the car’s bodywork, allowing you to have whatever images, ‘wallpaper’, and graphics you want applied to the vehicle.
Unfortunately, environmental pollutants and general road dirt can damage your wrap, causing it to lift. Maintaining your wrap properly can extend its life. Here are some tips on how to keep your wrap in top condition for longer.
Washing Your Car
It’s important to keep your vehicles clean, not only for the sake of image but to keep the wrap in good condition too.
Avoid taking your vehicle through automatic car washes where large roller brushes are used. These are too harsh and can tear and damage the vinyl wrap. Garage pressure washers are also unsuitable for use on wraps, as they are too strong and can cause the vinyl to lift.
The best way to clean your wrapped vehicle is to have it hand washed. The vehicle should be rinsed with clean, warm water to get rid of loose surface dirt, and then sponged from top to bottom with a soft cloth or sponge. Use a standard car wash detergent or mild washing-up liquid.
To achieve a good shine and finish off the job, just wipe the car over with a solution of warm water and green cleaner, applied with a soft cloth or sponge. Remove excess water with a chamois leather; don’t use a plastic stripper, as this could tear the vinyl.
It’s best not to apply wax to your car, as this can smear the wrap. Matt-finish wraps will be left with shiny patches that will ruin the look and could make any text difficult to read.
Treating Tough Stains
If your vehicle is kept outside, it may be vulnerable to staining by bird droppings or tree sap, and if you do a lot of motorway driving, your wrap can be left covered with splattered insects.
Don’t be tempted to scrub at these contaminants to try to remove them. Simply make up a solution of hot water and detergent, and then soak the affected areas for a few minutes. Rinse the soap away with clean, warm water, and then dry thoroughly with a chamois leather.
For more information on car scratch repairs London, why not contact us to speak to our team of experts at Smartway.
