Are you ready to wrap?

Vehicle wraps are a great way to advertise a business or add flair to a plain-looking car, van, or truck. A very important part in beginning the process is preparing the surface. The last thing you want is a shoddy-looking finish for your vehicle wrap or a small particle of dirt to disturb the adhesion process. Here are the simple and straightforward steps to get your vehicle prepared.

Step 1: Overall General Cleaning

Your vehicle needs a general overall clean with basic mild soap and water. All wax and debris must be removed from the surface. Hand washing is the best method. Use a microfiber cloth with a mixture of a general dish soap mixed in a large bucket of water.

Step 2: Cracks and Corners

Pay extra attention to those cracks and corners when cleaning the surface. This will help the wrap to adhere properly when all those little faults are scrubbed and smoothed out.

Missing a fault can cause the wrap adhesive to fail, which then costs even more time and money to get it right. Take the time to thoroughly go over the entire surface to avoid costly errors or having to start the process again.

Step 3: Cleaning Solution

Once you’ve thoroughly cleaned the entire surface, a cleaning solution should be applied. Mix equal parts isopropyl alcohol and water to make the solution. Spray directly onto the surface and immediately wipe with a lint-free cloth. This solution completely cleans the surface of soap, water, or any remaining dirt.

Step 4: Dry

Using another microfiber cloth, it is now time to dry the surface completely. It’s a good idea to take the time needed to dry all over the vehicle. Once your vehicle is totally dry, you’re all set to wrap.

Follow these simple and easy steps to prepare your vehicle for a sleek wrap that hugs all the curves and corners without any lumps or bumps. This is a time-consuming job, but it will be well worth it for the finished product. Cutting corners, such as not making sure the vehicle surface is completely clean, will result in the wrap not adhering properly to the surface.

If you’ve invested in a vinyl wrap for your vehicle, you need to know how to care for it the right way. Insufficient maintenance can mean your wrap, over time, will deteriorate or degrade which is the last thing you want.

Here are some tips on how to care for your wrap and keep it looking like it’s brand new:

Cleaning the car

• Dirt and acid are a vinyl wrap’s two worst enemies, so make sure your car is kept clean.
• Don’t use brush type automatic car washes. They are too harsh and will rub or chip away your wrap.
• Hand washing is the recommended method for keeping your car clean.
• Use a soft, non-abrasive cloth and a mild cleaning solution.
• Wash your car at least once a week, more if you notice it has become dirty.
• Rinse off dirt using low-pressure water. No power hoses!
• Soak stubborn dirt for a few minutes before wiping clean. Don’t use any abrasive scrubbing methods.
• Rinse thoroughly.
• Let the car air dry, or you can dry it off using a microfibre cloth, do not use a heat drying method.

Sun exposure

• Prolonged exposure to the sun can fade and degrade your wrap.
• Keep your vehicle out of sunlight when not in use.
• Use a garage or covered driveway to park your car in at home.
• If you don’t have a covered area, use a tarp to cover your car on sunny days.
• When out and about, park in sheltered or in shaded areas.

Waxing

• Most standard vinyl wrap can be polished using wax of high quality.
• Don’t use any polishes that are abrasive or that contain any cutting compounds.

Perforated window film

If you have perforated window film, make sure you do not:

• Open the windows.
• Use heating or defrosting elements.
• Use windshield wipers.

By taking care of your vinyl wrap the right way, you can ensure that you get to enjoy it for the maximum time possible and stop it from degrading even when exposed to dirt and pollutants. Regular maintenance and cleaning will have your vehicle looking like it just rolled off the showroom floor and keep heads turning when you drive on by!