Car wraps are an excellent advertising medium and an effective method to protect the paint job on your vehicles. After getting the wrap installed, it is equally important to properly care for your new graphics to ensure a fresh appearance for an extended time. At Arteest Signs, we use 3M vinyl, the industry’s highest quality vinyl material to ensure that your new vehicle wrap will keep looking vibrant. We recommend three tips to properly care for your 3M car wraps.

Hand wash your vehicle for best results

For best results, we recommend washing your vehicle on a regular basis. For example, if your car is exposed to dirt or other pollutants on a weekly basis, it is a good idea to wash it as soon as possible to avoid build up. We recommend hand washing it using 3M™ Car Wash Soap 39000 or Meguiar’s NXT Generation® Car Wash or Deep Crystal® Car Wash. The best method is to use a soft, clean cloth or sponge and rinse thoroughly with clean water. Use a silicone squeegee to remove water and finish with a clean microfiber cloth to dry the vehicle.

Automated car washes

Car wraps can be cleaned using automated car washes. However, to maintain your vehicle wrap, a few best practices can prevent deterioration:
• Touchless car washes are recommended to maintaini the longevity of your graphic
• Brushless car washes can damage the graphic
• Pressure washing can be performed under the following conditions:
a. Water pressure is kept below 2000 psi (14 MPa).
b. Water temperature is below 180 °F (80 °C).
c. Use a spray nozzle with a 40 degree wide angle spray pattern.
d. Keep the nozzle at least 1 foot (300 mm) away from and perpendicular (at 90 degrees) to the graphic.

Storing your car

Just like any paint job, car wraps can begin to fade when exposed to direct sunlight and atmospheric pollutants for an extended period. To avoid damage, we recommend storing your vehicle in a garage or shaded area. When a garage is not available, consider covering the vehicle with a cloth.

When cared for properly, car wraps are an efficient investment. Make sure to thoroughly discuss the maintenance procedures with your vehicle wrap supplier before installing the wrap on your car. At Arteest Signs, we can advise you on the best strategy to maintain your car wrap. Email us at info@arteest.ca and tell us what you would like to know about wrap maintenance.