How to Wash a Car Wrap – And Maintain It

What Does a Car Wrap Do?

Car wraps are a popular resort for vehicle owners today who wish to protect the original paint job of their car while providing it with a new look. Unlike traditional paint jobs, car wraps offer flexibility of design and easy removal. The basic function of a car wrap is to give an added layer of protection to the exterior of your vehicle against minor scratches, sun damage, and other elements.

Why Car Wrap Extra Care is Important?

For car wraps, proper care is quite essential if one wants to ensure the wrap's longevity.It is a very durable but special process because, unlike paint, wraps require some special kind of care. The material is usually made out of vinyl, and this can be susceptible to harsh chemicals, abrasives, and even proper washing techniques. Failure to give proper care to the wrap may result in fading, peeling off, or loss of luster, and it will not look as appealing on your car.

Difference between a vinyl wrap and paintjob on a car.

By this, you will be able to find the correct way to take care of your car. A vinyl wrap can be defined as a large kind of decal attached onto the car's original paint. It will give protection just the same way as paint does, but it does not oxide with the car surface. Thus, while it can protect the paint on a car, a vinyl wrap still requires extremely gentle care to avoid its own damage—more resistant to wear, paint jobs do not hold up well, yet they do not offer the same easy personalization that is offered by a wrap.

Park in the shade, use a car cover, or at least keep the wrap from direct and prolonged sunlight to maintain the surface of the wrap, which fades color. It's also useful to apply non-abrasive sealants to the wrap for protecting it from very fine scratches and preserving the wrap glossy and shiny. Do remind yourself: the better you take care of the wrap, the more time you'll be able to enjoy its luminous appearance.

Washing a Car Wrap

Washing a car wrap is a little different from washing a painted car. Check out the following how-to guide:

Only Hand Wash: The use of automatic car washes is strongly discouraged; they are stringent on wraps. Instead, use a sponge or microfiber cloth and mild car wash soap.

High-Pressure Washers: High-pressure sprays can lift the edges of the wrap and cause it to peel. If you really have to use a pressure washer, keep it at a low setting and maintain a safe distance.

Dry Carefully: Dry with a microfiber cloth free of dirt in order to avoid water spots and streaks.

Use a Wrap-Safe Polish: If you want to add that little bit of extra shine, make sure to use a polish specifically made for vinyl wraps.

Keeping your car wrap clean not just keeps it looking good but too from getting damaged. With proper care, the wrap can last for years, continually showing off your ride looking fresh off the lot.

FAQs

Is a car wrap high maintenance?

Not really, but it will need to be taken care of, as in cleaned without defacing and protected from harsh elements to stay good.

How does one take care of a wrapped car?

Through a hand wash using a mild soap and some avoidance on occasion of the use of high-pressure washers and wrap-safe products.

How long does a wrap stay on a car?

A wrap indeed, under proper care, can last at least 3 to 7 years, sometimes even maximum 10 years.

What should I avoid doing with a wrapped car?

The car should not be cleaned with abrasive cleaners, and also, it should be avoided from driving through machine-driven car washes and prolonged exposure to sunlight due to parking.

Does Your Car Wrap Tear Easily?

Even though car wraps are tough, they can tear when exposed to sharp objects or high-pressure washing.