Vinyl Graphics Care & Maintenance - Vinyl Graphics Knowledge

Care of Vehicle graphics

Precautions:

To properly care for your vehicle graphics, take the following precautions:

Do not allow fuels to stay in contact with the vinyl for extended periods of time.
Clean all spills as soon as possible.
Wash your vehicle weekly to keep road grime and debris from causing wear on the vehicle graphics. Follow the washing guidelines below.
Do Not Use solvent or petroleum based cleaners, waxes, or polishes on your installed vinyl graphics.

Washing guidelines

Hand washing:

Hand washing is the best way to wash your vehicle graphics.

Use a soft, non-abrasive cloth and mild (solvent and alcohol-free) cleaner. Always test any cleaning solution on a small section of the vinyl graphics before using. Always read the warning labels on car care products for proper safety instructons.
Avoid unnecessary scrubbing that could damage your vehicle graphics.
Do not wash with a mechanical brush. Brushes can cause vinyl graphics to chip or peel around the edges and scratch the surface. They can also cause the graphic to fade and dull the appearance of the clear coat of over-laminate.
Remove stubborn contaminants with a non-abrasive citrus-based cleaner, mineral spirits, or isopropyl alcohol. Always test any product on a small, inconspicuous section of the vinyl before using.
Rinse immediately and thoroughly with clean water.
Let the vehicle air dry or dry with a clean, microfiber cloth.
Hand wax the vehicle graphics every 2 to 3 months to keep your graphics protected from the elements. Do not use a buffer. Use a synthetic wax or polish designed for vinyl vehicle graphics, such as Turtle Wax® Ice®, Meguiars® Ultimate Quik Wax®, Adams® or Chemical Guys® Vinyl Care Products. Always test any product on a small, inconspicuous section of the vinyl before using, and follow manufacturer’s directions and suggestions for frequency.
DO NOT USE SOLVENT OR PETROLEUM BASED WAXES OR CLEANING PRODUCTS.

Automatic Car Wash:

The next best method of washing your vehicle graphics is a commercial "Touch-Free" car wash.

Select a car wash that uses a soft cloth or a foam washing wheel.
Avoid facilities that use excessive pressure in their sprays.
Skip the heated drying process.
Even if you visit an automatic car wash often, hand wash your vehicle periodically to keep your graphics residue-free.

Pressure Washing

This method should only be used when all other cleaning methods have been exhausted. Pressure washing can cause the graphics to lift around the edges and peel away from the vehicle.

Select a car wash that uses a soft cloth or a foam washing wheel.
Avoid facilities that use excessive pressure in their sprays.
Skip the heated drying process.
Even if you visit an automatic car wash often, hand wash your vehicle periodically to keep your graphics residue-free.

Minor vinyl repair

During the life of the graphics, you may experience some minor lifting of the vinyl in certain small areas. These areasncan and should be fixed as soon as possible. Contact us for instructions.

Major vinyl repair

If your vehicle graphics become damaged in an accident or due to abuse or vandalism, they can be replaced. To get the best color match, the entire side or rear of the affected vehicle graphic may need to be replaced. Partial replacement is also an option. Contact us to arrange for purchase of replacement graphics.