posted by vinyl frog on August 24, 2022

How To Remove Stains From Vinyl Wrap

A vehicle wrapped to perfection with a perfect sheen is a definite head turner. Keeping the vinyl wrap in impeccable condition requires the right knowledge and perseverance. When it comes to vinyl wrap, maintaining it is a pretty simple equation. The better you care for it, the better it will look. Who does not want their car to look brand spanking new? There is no rocket science involved and you can easily increase the durability of your vinyl wrap by taking precautionary measures. However,

if you have left the maintenance of your car up to fate and encountered problems with stains, we have got you covered!

Maintenance of vinyl wrap is particularly important for those used in commercial advertising. Unkempt looking brand vehicles dampen the brand image and customers begin to lose trust. It is essential for those businesses involved in vinyl vehicle advertisements to keep both the vehicles and their wraps in pristine condition.

How to remove stains from vinyl wrap?

Even if you are a careful person you are bound to slip up once or twice and accidentally stain your vinyl surface. That should not mean you have to spend a fortune on replacement so let’s look at what you can do for different types of stains.

Dust, bug splatter and bird droppings can etch your matte vinyl wrap. Oil and gasoline spill also damages the vinyl. Make sure these are cleaned there and then with a soft, plush wash mitt.

Hand wash: It is not recommended to put your vinyl wrapped vehicle in a drive-through car wash. The most simple and effective way to remove non-sticky stains is by hand washing the vinyl surface. Putting warm soapy water on the stain and rinsing it off is your best bet against the dirt or undemanding splotches. This method will also ensure that the quality of your vinyl wrap does not deter and is completely safe to use! If you encounter gasoline spills, bird droppings, tar, or tree sap, it is recommended to use this method as soon as possible. By taking immediate action, the stains will not harden and ruin your vinyl.
Stain Remover/ Cleaner: If your vehicle’s vinyl wrap has stubborn stains and debris you can use spot cleaners. Stain removers which are not oil based and are manufactured for vehicle stain removal are ideal to use. Simply, leave the cleaner on the stain for a few minutes and using a microfiber cloth, rinse it off with water.
Isopropyl alcohol: Alcohol in its pure form is abrasive to vinyl wraps, however if used in small, controlled quantities. Isopropyl alcohol is suitable for cleaning your vinyl wrapped vehicle but not directly. Two parts isopropyl alcohol to one part water makes a cleaning solution that will take out the sturdiest stains.

For spot cleaning of difficult contaminants and fingerprints, keep a 2:1 mix of isopropyl alcohol and water in a spray bottle and a microfiber cloth handy.

It is important to note that while using stain removers and isopropyl alcohol a small portion of the vinyl wrap should be tested before applied thoroughly.

What should you avoid while cleaning vinyl wrap?

It is easy to get carried away while cleaning and doing so excessively will damage your vinyl wrap. You should avoid the following to keep your vinyl prim and pristine:

Rubbing and scrubbing away at stains with abrasive cleaners and tools will do more harm than good.
Make sure to avoid sponges and sandpaper as well as cleaners not designed for vinyl wrap or vehicles.
Avoid oil-based cleaning solutions as well.
Do not take a vinyl wrapped vehicle to a drive-through car wash or even a pressure wash. This will wear down your vinyl wrap and reduce longevity.

Avoiding stains in the future

Everyone wants their cars or trucks to look spotless, and that too with minimum effort. To avoid the hassle of cleaning altogether you can make a few changes in your vehicle and habits. Firstly, proper storage, away from harmful UV rays and uncertain weather conditions is key to avoid stains. Storing your vehicle in a garage, under a canopy or getting a car cover can save you a lot of time and money.

If you are looking for a more permanent solution you can invest in a protective film on your vinyl wrap. Waxing coatings also offer substantial protection against the weather and other external elements.

Applying vinyl wrap on your bumper is not a very difficult job. Here’s how it is done:

Start the process with a smooth, clear surface and make sure there is no debris or dust on your bumper.
The area where you are applying the vinyl on your bumper should not be in direct sunlight, however it should be well-lit.
Measure and cut your vinyl according to the design and surface area. Make sure all nooks and corners of the bumper are wrapped.
It is better to do it in sections. Do not consider your bumper as a one whole piece, especially the front bumper.
Wearing gloves carefully remove the adhesive backing of the vinyl and layer onto the bumper.
Using a squeegee go over the vinyl to remove bubbles and ensure the adhesive lays flat.
Using a utility knife, weed out excess vinyl and finish the process with a heat gun. This will activate the adhesive and now all you have to do is to wait for the adhesive to set.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Words

Brand and personal images rely on the appearance of their assets. To give the best possible impression to others, keep your vinyl wrap looking fresh, clean, shiny and stain-free. It is not as difficult. Just requires the right products and timely action so that the stains do not set in and damage the car wrap.