Updated By Vinyl Frog On March 1, 2025
How To Protect Vinyl Wrap?
So you have gotten your car all decked up with a metallic vinyl wrap and it is glittering like a jewel. You are proud of the final look and have been winning accolades since then, so what’s next?
Just like any other product, vinyl wrap has a life too. Its longevity depends on how well it is taken care of. You may think that by investing in a vinyl wrap, you have done your car and yourself a huge favour. Yes, you saved up on paint jobs, protected the pint underneath and enhanced the look without breaking the bank. It was quite the bargain! Now it is time for the next step.
Different Ways To Protect Your Vinyl Wrap
From among the different types of vinyl wraps, you have settled for the one that defines your personality best. Now the vinyl has to be nurtured with utmost care! To enhance the durability of your vinyl wrap, make it long lasting and ensure you get your money’s worth, here are a few things you can do.
Keep It Clean And Dry
Cleaning your vehicle regularly will help keep dirt from damaging the vinyl material. Washing it with soap and water usually gets the job done. However, if there are stains or signs of contamination on your vehicle, consider using a cleaning solution designed specifically for cars or trucks.
After washing your automobile with soap and water or a specialised cleaner, rinse thoroughly with clean water before drying off completely. Use compressed air or soft microfiber towels for drying. Do not use paper towels or newspapers as they will scratch the vinyl surface and cause premature wear on the coating that covers your wrap.
Handy Tips:
No matter how many vehicles you have, you can fully wrap them utilizing every single space available for advertising. A full wrap is more high impact and eye-catching.For spot cleaning of difficult contaminants such as bug splatter and bird droppings, you can use a 2:1 mix of isopropyl alcohol and water. Hand wash your vehicle instead to going to automated pressure car washes.
The Ideal Two Buckets Method:
Use one bucket for washing the car with appropriate mild detergent and water solution, and the other bucket wash it off with clean water. Dry the vehicle using a microfiber soft cloth or a lamb’s wool wash mitt.
- Wash it in a covered area like in a garage or under the shade.
- Do not use harsh cleaning agents such as dishwashing detergent and window cleaner as they can easily damage the wrap in the same way that salt water would.
- Do not use harsh cleaning agents such as dishwashing detergent and window cleaner as they can easily damage the wrap in the same way that salt water would.
- Fuel and lubricant spills have to be cleaned immediately as they discolour the surface.
- Use PH neutral car care products.
- For cleaning fingerprints, keep a small spray bottle of a 50/50 mix of water and isopropyl alcohol in your vehicle with a clean, soft microfiber cloth.
UV Protection
Sun exposure is the bane for a vinyl wrap. Protect your vehicle from direct sunlight and consequently, high temperature. Sunlight not only fades your vinyl wrap over time but can also lead to yellowing, shrinkage and cracking. It is better to park your vehicle in a garage, under an awning or in shade. Always cover your vehicle with a car cover when not in use so that no dust or dirt accumulates on top of your vinyl wrap.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Harsh chemicals are the biggest enemy of vinyl wraps. Avoid at all cost as these may damage the wrap, making it fade and peel off. These include polishes with abrasives and solvents. Solvents may remove the adhesive.
Traditional wash soap or detail spray is to be avoided as well as many of them contain slight amounts of waxes, silicones, and optical brighteners that are detrimental to your wrap. You can use a mild detergent designed specifically for cleaning car vinyl wraps. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully in this regard.
Do Not Use Abrasive Tools
Avoid using scrubbers or brushes when cleaning your car's vinyl wrap. Scrubs and brushes can scratch and gouge the surface, which will cause permanent damage. If your car requires extensive cleaning, consider using a sponge instead of a brush when washing it.
Do Not Scratch The Vinyl!
It may sound obvious, but one of the easiest ways to damage a car's vinyl wrap is by scratching it with metal objects like keys or coins. This will cause permanent damage and ruin the look of your vehicle. Make sure you are careful when getting in and out of your car so that such an incident does not mistakenly occur. Sometimes, people have a habit of mindlessly rubbing fingernails across the surface of cars. Do not indulge in this impulse, as it will scratch your vinyl wrap and cause permanent damage.
Extra Layer Of Protection
As mentioned above, the sun's ultraviolet rays can cause fading, cracking, and peeling of your car's wrap job, not to mention damage to any other parts of your vehicle that are not covered by vinyl wrap. To protect your car from UV rays, you will need to apply a paint protection film to the entire surface of your vehicle's vinyl wrap. Make sure this film is 100% clear and does not have any tint to it. It has three benefits:
- It is water resistant.
- It is transparent so the beauty of your wrap will be visible.
- It gives sun protection and keeps dust and dirt from reaching the vinyl.
Another way to protect your wrap is to go for liquid Nano-ceramic coating, which enhances the life of the vinyl and acts as a shield against damage from water, UV rays and minor scratches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Words
Vinyl Wrap is one of the many design elements that can be used to spruce up any dull space. It not only brings a wow-factor to your automobile but also increases the visual value of your vehicle. With increasing inflation and things getting expensive day by day, it is essential to maintain and protect the assets you currently have, especially your car. Vinyl wrap is the easiest possible way to secure your car’s exterior. Once you have taken the step, simple measures mentioned above will make the wrap last longer and your car will remain a striking jewel for a long, long time.
