Learn these tips to maximize the life of your car wrap.

5 Ways to Protect Your Car Wrap

Proper care is essential if you have invested in a car wrap. Follow these five tips for effective car wrap care to keep your vehicle looking great:

1. Clean Your Wrap Regularly

Regular cleaning is essential for maintaining the appearance of your car wrap. Use a gentle soap and water solution or specialized vinyl cleaner to remove dirt and debris from the surface of the vinyl. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive tools that could damage the material.

2. Dry Thoroughly

After washing, dry your car completely before storing it away or driving it again. This is especially important in areas with hard water or high humidity levels. Water droplets can leave mineral deposits on the film, dulling its finish over time.

3. Avoid Parking Under Direct Sunlight

Avoid parking your car under direct sunlight for extended periods, especially in a hot climate. This can cause the vinyl material to expand or contract, which may lead to cracking or peeling over time. Park in shaded areas or use a covered garage when not in use.

4. Get the Damage Fixed

While car wraps are durable, they can still get damaged from exposure to weather conditions or accidents on the road. Ignoring these damages can lead to more significant problems later on, such as peeling or fading of the wrap material. Whether it is a scratch from a stray branch or a dent from another vehicle in the parking lot, any damage can compromise the integrity of your car wrap and potentially cause further damage over time. Getting damages fixed will help maintain your car wrap’s overall appearance and effectiveness.

5. Hand Wash Your Car

Avoid using automatic car washes as they use harsh chemicals and brushes that can damage the vinyl material of the wrap. Instead, handwashing is best for cleaning and maintaining the quality of the wrap. Using a soft cloth or sponge with mild soap and water is recommended instead.

To learn more about protecting your car wrap, as well as best practices for maintenance and care, contact Wrap Guys America. Our team can be contacted through our online contact form, and we’ll gladly answer any questions you have about our services.

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Learn how to care for your matte car wrap.

4 Ways to Protect Your Wrap in Winter

To protect your vinyl wrap throughout winter, keep the following tips in mind:

1. Keep Your Wrap Clean

High volumes of rain and snow fall during winter, leaving dirt and other deposits on your wrap. To minimize the risk of damage over time, you will need to clean your vehicle wrap every two weeks with soap and warm water. Failure to remove these deposits in a timely manner can result in various forms of damage, especially if dirt gets under the surface in between sections. While regular cleaning is crucial, be sure to avoid washing your car in freezing conditions as this will cause ice to form on your vehicle and driveway.

2. Clear off Snow Before it Turns to Ice

While clearing snow from your vehicle can be an inconvenience, it is a crucial task for car wrap care. Snow that is left on the surface of your vehicle may turn to ice overnight, especially if freezing rain occurs. This ice can then stick to the vinyl and become extremely difficult to remove without damaging your wrap. If any snow starts to build up on your vehicle, be sure to brush it off as soon as possible.

3. Avoid Ice Scrapers

While scrapers are great for removing ice from your windows, they should never be used on a vinyl wrap as they can puncture it or cause it to start peeling. If you need to remove ice from the surface of your vehicle, a soft brush is often the best option. While this tool will require a bit more time and effort, using it will drastically reduce the risk of wrap damage.

4. Be Conscious of Salt and Sand

Driving in snowy conditions often means driving through road salt and sand. These substances can get stuck to your vehicle’s wheels, wheel wheels, and undercarriage, potentially damaging vital components. If salt lands on your vinyl wrap, it can quickly start to corrode it and leave lasting damage. Once your vehicle is safely parked, use a soft brush to remove all substances from the surface of your vehicle.

To learn more about protecting your vinyl wrap and effective maintenance techniques, get in touch with the experts at Wrap Guys America. Our team can be reached through our online contact form and will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding our services.

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Read about 3 tips to maximize the life of your car wrap.

5 Common Mistakes When Cleaning a Vinyl Car Wrap

When cleaning your car wrap, it is crucial to avoid the following mistakes:

1. Using a Car Wash

While car washes are convenient and can save you time, they are not the best choice for wrapped vehicles. Most car washes utilize high-pressure sprays and other elements that can damage your wrap or cause the edges to peel. When it is time to clean your wrap, the best way to do so is by hand with a bucket of soapy water and a soft sponge.

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2. Using High-Pressure Wash

Pressure washers can be used to clean a wrapped vehicle, though it is crucial to exercise caution when doing so. When pressure washing a vinyl wrap, make sure that the water pressure does not exceed 2000 psi (14 MPa) or 180 °F (80 °C). When spraying, keep the sprayer at least 1 foot away from the vehicle and maintain a perpendicular angle to ensure great results while minimizing the risk of damage.

Learn some simple tips for maintaining your vehicle wrap.

3. Using the Wrong Cleaning Products

Certain cleaning products can compromise the quality of your vinyl wrap and cause fading or other forms of damage. When cleaning your wrap, it is important to avoid the following types of products:

• Cleaners with an oil base
• Kitchen and bathroom cleaners
• Oven cleaner
• Engine degreaser
• Solvents

When cleaning your wrap, it is recommended to use waterless wash products, isopropyl alcohol diluted in water, or warm soapy water.

Find out how to properly care for a vehicle wrap during the summertime.

4. Letting Stains Dry

Stains of all sizes should be wiped away as soon as you notice them. Leaving them to sit for too long on your wrap can cause permanent damage. Hardened stains like bird droppings, flattened insects, and tree sap become more difficult to remove over time and can cause rips or other forms of damage when attempting to remove them. If a difficult substance has been left on your wrap for a long period of time, you can soak the affected area in hot soapy water to soften the stain and attempt to gently remove it with a sponge.

5. Waxing, Polishing, and Buffing

One of the biggest mistakes when caring for a vinyl wrap is attempting to use wax or polishing products on it. If you attempt to polish, buff, or wax your vinyl wrap, you will cause it to age faster and scratch it. Your vinyl wrap can be glossy, matte, or metallic based on your preferences, but this finish cannot be changed after the wrap has been installed.

To learn more about vehicle wrap care or to discuss the details of your project, get in touch with the team at Wrap Guys America. We can be reached through our online contact form and will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding our services.

The post 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Washing a Vinyl Car Wrap appeared first on Wrap Guys America.

Learn about the different types of car wrap finishes.

3 Tips for Effective Car Wrap Care

Matte wraps are more porous than glossy and chromatic wraps, making them more susceptible to damage from improper care. To keep your matte wrap in pristine condition, consider the following tips:

1. Use the Right Cleaning Products

Matte wraps can start to become glossy over time if you use the wrong cleaning products or techniques. That is why it is important to avoid using waxes, polishes, or conventional car wash soaps when cleaning them. This means you will need to choose cleaning products that do not have any wax or polishing agents in them. Consider using a combination of matte care products and a liquid paint coating dedicated to matte finishes to provide effective protection from staining, fading, and etching.

Learn some simple winter car wrap maintenance tips.

2. Avoid Rough or High-Pressure Washing Methods

Matte vinyl wraps should be cleaned using a two-bucket wash system. By using matte car wash soap and plush wash mitts, you can effectively clean your vehicle’s surface without contamination or the risk of glossy spots. Once the car has been washed, simply dry it with clean microfiber towels or compressed air to minimize abrasion. If you need to remove dried-on contaminants such as bugs, bird droppings, or mud, try using a chemical cleaner that will safely break down the contaminants and gently remove them with a microfiber towel.

Learn more mistakes to avoid when washing a vinyl car wrap.

3. Make Small Repairs Yourself, Leave Larger Repairs to a Pro

3M vinyl and other premium materials are sometimes referred to as self-healing wraps as small forms of damage can easily be repaired with a heat gun. For small dents or imperfections in the wrap, simply heat the surface with a heat gun or hairdryer by keeping it 6-12 inches away from the surface. As the wrap heats up, it will eventually smooth back out and look like new again. For larger dents or damage, contact a professional to ensure that it is repaired correctly.

Find out everything you need to know about matte car wraps.

To learn more about our matte car wraps or to discuss your vehicle wrap project, get in touch with the team at Wrap Guys America. We can be reached through our online contact form and will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding our services or your wrap design.

The post How to Care for Your Matte Car Wrap appeared first on Wrap Guys America.

Learn about the different types of wrap finishes and their unique qualities.

3 Ways to Minimize Wear for Your Car Wrap

To ensure lasting durability and minimize wear for your vehicle wrap, consider the following tips:

1. Keep it Clean

While vinyl wraps require less maintenance and cleaning than paint, they still need to be routinely cleaned to dislodge foreign objects such as coffee, insects, bird droppings, and dirt. To clean your wrap, you only need a soft sponge and warm soapy water. By gently cleaning your wrap every two weeks, you are maximizing the appeal of the design while ensuring that no substances have a chance to bake onto the surface. Failing to clean your wrap can result in substances completely adhering to the surface, and these will likely cause damage when attempting to remove them.

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2. Store Your Vehicle in a Safe Location

Prolonged exposure to harsh sunlight and other difficult weather conditions can cause damage to your wrap over time. To minimize exposure to the elements, it is best to park in covered areas such as garages and underground parkades whenever possible. This will protect your wrap and your vehicle from various forms of damage, maximizing the usable life of the vinyl and minimizing the chance of weather-based damage such as fading.

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3. Avoid High-Pressure Water and Wax

While you may be tempted to use a pressure washer or an automated car wash to clean your vinyl wrap, neither of these methods are recommended. Both methods feature intense water pressure and chemicals that can damage the vinyl. In some cases, the pressure can cause the wrap to rip and you will need to pay for repairs or a replacement. If you must use a pressure washer, be sure that the pressure is no greater than 1,000 PSI and that no harsh chemicals are used. In addition to high-pressure water, you should avoid using wax on your wrap as it will degrade the vinyl and increase the chance of damage.

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To learn more about our vehicle wrap services or to discuss the details of your project, get in touch with the team at Wrap Guys America. We can be reached through our online contact form and will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding our services.

The post 3 Tips to Maximize the Life of Your Car Wrap appeared first on Wrap Guys America.

Learn about some questions to ask before choosing a vehicle wrap provider.

3 Reasons to Replace Your Car Wrap

If any of the following situations apply to your vehicle wrap, it may be time to replace it:

1. Your Company Branding Has Changed

If you used a wrapped vehicle to advertise and promote your business, products, or services, you need a wrap that reflects your current brand standards. Most business wraps feature your company name, logo, and other important information. If any of this information changes over time, you will need to replace portions of your wrap to align with these changes and maintain consistency. Inaccurate business information on your wrap can negatively impact your reputation and give potential clients the impression that you are disorganized. While partial wraps are suitable for changes to information and text, a full wrap replacement may be needed if you undergo a full rebrand or change your colors.

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2. Your Wrap Has Faded or Become Damaged

While our high-quality vinyl wraps are highly durable and designed to last, they are not impervious to rips, tears, bubbles, fading, or other forms of damage. Accidents, flying debris, prolonged extreme weather, and improper care are the most common causes of wrap damage. While small tears or bubbles may be difficult to notice at first, they can quickly expand over time. If your wrap is starting to show signs of visible damage, it may be time to replace it. This is especially true for business wraps, as a damaged wrap can have a negative impact on your reputation.

Read all about some of our favorite vehicle wrap trends.

3. Your Wrap is More Than 5 Years Old

Every vinyl vehicle wrap from Wrap Guys America is designed to last 7-9 years, but you may choose to update your wrap before then for a variety of reasons. Whether you want to try a new look for your personal vehicle or feel like a new advertising approach would be more effective, both are valid reasons to replace your wrap. Changing up a wrap design every 4-5 years is often recommended for businesses as viewers may get used to your old design over time and start to ignore it, reducing the potential for lead generation.

Find out more information about how long vinyl vehicle wrap lasts.

To learn more about car wrap care or to inquire about replacing your existing wrap, get in touch with the team at Wrap Guys America. We can be reached through our online contact form and will be happy to discuss your car wrap project.

The post When Should You Replace Your Car Wrap? appeared first on Wrap Guys America.

Find out when you should replace your car wrap.

Why Car Wraps Can Start to Peel

Car wraps can start to peel for a variety of reasons. Many of these issues arise from improper installation, but some wraps start to peel due to poor care or vehicle damage. Car wraps can start to peel due to:

• Greasy or dirty paint at the time of installation. Vinyl wraps should only be applied to thoroughly cleaned and degreased paint to ensure consistently strong adhesion.
• Scratches, dents, or rust at the time of installation. A vinyl wrap will only amplify these issues by bubbling or starting to peel where scratches and dents are located.
• Impacts or stone chips while driving. Though a vinyl wrap is durable, it can be damaged by a significant impact or stone chip. This is especially true for vehicles that are often driven on the highway.
• Damage or scratching from a gas pump or electric charger. Ensure that you are carefully inserting and removing these objects every time they are used.

Learn more about replacing a vehicle wrap.

Things to Avoid

To maximize the usable life of your vehicle wrap, there are many mistakes to avoid when washing a vinyl car wrap or maintaining it. These include:

• Car wash facilities. Automatic and manual car wash facilities often utilize a higher water pressure than vinyl can handle. It is best to stick to cleaning your vehicle by hand if it has been wrapped.
• Avoid cleaning products with an oil base, degreasers, and solvents. Warm soapy water or waterless wash products tend to work best.
• Waxing, buffing, and polishing. A vinyl wrap can be matte, glossy, or metallic at the time of installation without the use of these products. Wax or polish can damage a wrap or make it age faster, reducing durability.

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If your car wrap is starting to peel, it is important to have it inspected by a professional like the team at Wrap Guys America. Contact us by phone at info@wrapguyamerica.us or through our online contact form to speak to an expert. We will work with you to answer any questions and deliver the perfect solution for your vinyl car wrap.

The post What to do if Your Car Wrap is Peeling appeared first on Wrap Guys America.

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Summer Vehicle Wrap Tips

Some car wraps can last for 7 or more years if cared for properly, which is why Wrap Guys America guarantees our vinyl wraps for 5 years. Even if your vehicle wrap uses UV resistant 3M vinyl, it can still take damage in the summer due to sun, heat, and regular use. Some tips to care for your vehicle during summertime to ensure that it lasts as long as possible include:

Hand Wash Regularly

Make sure that you do not take a wrapped vehicle through an automatic car wash and avoid using a pressure washer on it. Instead, make sure that you wash the vinyl wrap by hand on a regular basis without the use of abrasives or harsh soaps and detergents. Schedule the wash times for days or times of day that are not too hot, as rubbing the wrap during high temperatures can cause damage to it.

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Store the Vehicle in Shade

If possible, avoid keeping the wrapped car in direct sunlight. UV light can be harmful to any wrap, although some types of vinyl are more resistant to it than others. Park in shady areas whenever possible to ensure your wrap lasts as long as possible.

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Apply a Polish

Certain polishes and waxes can be applied to help your wrap resist UV light and heat. Talk to your wrap provider to find out what kind of finishes can be applied to your specific kind of vinyl wrap to protect it.

Learn all about winter car wrap maintenance.

If you would like to learn more about how to care for a car wrap in summer, or to find out about our vinyl wraps and services, please contact Wrap Guys America so that we can help you find the information you need.

The post How to Care for a Vehicle Wrap in Summer appeared first on Wrap Guys America.

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Car Wrap Maintenance Tips for Winter

Vinyl car wraps are extremely durable, but they are not invincible. If not maintained properly, they are able to scratch, fade, and peel. Some of the best ways to keep your vehicle wrap looking new include:

Avoid Using Ice Scrapers on Your Vehicle Wrap

When you live in a colder climate, frost or ice often accumulates on your windows. If any of your windows have a vinyl wrap covering them, resist the temptation to scrape the ice off. Your vinyl vehicle wrap can scratch or peel if you attack it too aggressively with a scraper. Instead of using a scraper, get outside a little bit earlier and turn on your car’s defroster. This will protect your car wrap and has the added advantage of giving you a warm car to drive!

Learn some simple tips for maintaining a car wrap.

Remove Road Salt from Your Vinyl Wrap

Salt can do immense damage to any vehicle finish, be it a vinyl wrap or a paint job. If not cleaned off of your vehicle wrap, road salt can deteriorate the vinyl and cause the color to fade. Although salt helps to keep roads safe in winter, it can brutally damage your vinyl vehicle wrap, not to mention anything else it is left in contact with. Make sure that you regularly clean the salt off of your vehicle.

Keep Your Vehicle Wrap Clean

Winter weather often brings dirty road conditions with it. Between slush or rain covered roads, vehicle oils, and mud, your vinyl vehicle wrap will often get very dirty. It is important to remember that this filth does not only look bad but also wears down the underlying vehicle wrap. It is useful to get into the practice of cleaning your vinyl wrap every two weeks or so. Avoid using a pressure washer, as this can also wear down your car wrap.

Learn how to care for a vehicle wrap in the summer.

For more winter car wrap maintenance tips, or to find out about any of our vehicle wrap services, contact Wrap Guys America at info@wrapguyamerica.us or fill out a contact form on our website and we will get back to you.

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Find out how to properly care for a vehicle wrap in the summertime.

How to Clean a Car Wrap

The best way to clean a car wrap is by hand washing it with water and a mild detergent, using only soft cloths and sponges. Before washing the car, it is important to ensure that the detergent does not contain any abrasive components, alcohols, or solvents. When washing the vehicle wrap, first rinse the car with clean water and then start at the top of the vehicle and work your way down. Be careful not to scrub the surface too hard or to accidentally lift the edges of the wrap’s film. While using an automatic touchless car wash in Seattle is also acceptable, it is important to avoid car washes that use waxes that contain petroleum distillate, as this can cause damage to the vinyl wrap.

Learn all about the mistakes you should avoid when washing a vinyl car wrap.

The Benefits of Proper Vehicle Wrap Maintenance

Proper vehicle wrap maintenance will not only help enhance the overall look of the car but also prolong the life of the graphic images on the wrap. Maintenance is especially important in congested areas throughout Seattle where damage to the car wrap is more likely to occur. Congested areas can also mean increased pollution or smog, which can lower the resiliency of a wrap and allow for increased UV exposure.

Learn some simple winter car wrap maintenance tips.

If you would like to learn more about maintaining your vehicle wrap in Seattle, or if you are interested in one of our vehicle wrap services, please contact Wrap Guys America at info@wrapguyamerica.us or by filling out a contact form on our website.

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