Choosing a car wrap is a smart move for the business that wants to make a great first impression, and then create a lasting one. Properly installed, car graphics can last for at least 8 years, creating millions of impressions whether you’re on the move or parked up outside your business premises.
But once your wrap has been professionally installed, do you know how to care for it? If you don’t keep your vehicle livery clean and well maintained, you’ll quickly lose the cool aesthetic and promotional reach that you invested in, because no one will be able to define your message.
Keep your vehicle livery clean
Most vinyl wraps will be able to stand up to an automated car wash, or even a pressure washer if handled correctly, but the best way to care for your vinyl wrap is good old-fashioned hand washing. That way, you’ll control the detergent you use, which should be mild and free from abrasives, the water temperature and the pressure applied. Use a squeegee after the final rinse to remove excess water and dry with a microfibre cloth.
Deal with difficult contaminants
Bird droppings and bug splats can ruin the look of your car wrap and even obscure the message you’re trying to convey. Soften these types of stains with very hot soapy water or a proprietary cleaner. Leave to work for a few minutes and then gently rinse away. Never scrub roughly or use any abrasives that can scratch and tear the vinyl.
Keep vinyl in great shape
Apart from regular cleaning, you need to keep your car wrap in great shape. Never use abrasive polishes or cutting compounds that can damage the vinyl and don’t use polishes or waxes, as these will dull the finish of your car wrap. If there is any kind of wax residue on the surface of the wrap, then remove with a proprietary all-purpose cleaner. You can also use mineral spirits or household bleach and water depending on the finish of your wrap to keep it looking its best.
Store out of direct sunlight
Your vehicle livery reacts very much like car paint to repeated exposure to direct sunlight and pollutants in the atmosphere. It will eventually start to degrade and can then begin to peel, so try to keep your wrapped vehicle in a garage, under a carport or in a shaded area during the day. This can also help to protect your car graphics from acid rain. If you don’t have a garage, consider investing in a cloth cover for your van or car – this will help prevent discolouration of your car graphics.
Use the best materials
To keep your vehicle wrap looking its best, use the best materials for the job. If you want to create a long-lasting, premium quality wrap, then consider cast vinyl, which can last at least 8 years when applied correctly. At The Sussex Sign company, we’ll be happy to advise you on the best materials for your car livery in East Sussex, to maximise ROI and to help your car graphics generate impressions wherever you are. Contact us today by calling or emailing us.