Car Care

Quick Tips

To get the most out of your product, please try to work within the following:

1. Do not clean your vehicle or have exposed to heavy rain within the first 5 days of installation. The vinyl needs to bond and cure with the vehicle.
2. Regular cleaning after the first 5 days is key. Keeping your vehicle clean from dirt/road grime and pollutants means your signage has the best finish and bond to the vehicle for longevity.
3. Hand wash where you can! While it is ok for low pressure washing, we strongly recommend hand washing with an automotive soft sponge.
4. Wash your vehicle in the shade or avoid washing your vehicle while the body is hot or under direct sunlight.
5. Store undercover when possible. Keep your vehicle looking like new on the road where you need it by keeping it undercover when not in use or away from the eyes of your target market.
6. Report any issues or failings immediately. If there is an area of your signage that has failed within a short period, please advise us straight away as we can action this before it becomes a long term problem.

How to best clean your vehicle

Convential Cleaning Agents

Our wraps and decals (graphics) may be cleaned by using conventional automotive or industrial washing methods. At all times, please follow the detergent manufacturer’s recommendations. Special attention should be given to the length of time the graphics are in contact with the detergent. This time span should not be longer than the prescribed recommendations. Excess detergent should be thoroughly rinsed off.

All cleaning agents should be diluted following the instructions from the manufacturer. The cleaning solution should not be chemically aggressive: preferably in the range within the mild acid or mild alkaline limits (pH 3-11).

Use of solvents and/or abrasive cleaning agents may damage the graphics and should be avoided.

The cleaning procedure is commonly as follows:

• Check if loose dirt particles cover the graphics. If there is, please flush with ample water to remove (loose particles may scratch the surface when using a brush or sponge). A low pressure hose nozzle is suitable for this.
• The diluted detergent solution shall be used to wash the graphics with a microfiber towel. Do not move solid particles with the towel: these should be rinsed off with a hose supplying water. Wash from the top down, so that the dirtiest part is well exposed to the detergent.
• After all dirt is removed, rinse well so that all detergent residues are removed from the graphic’s surface.

High Pressure or Power Cleaning

Our graphics (with the exception of One Way Vision*) can also be cleaned with high pressure cleaning equipment, provided the following conditions are respected:

Maximum pressure: 80 bars (1200 psi)

Maximum water temperature: 70°

Minimum nozzle distance: 75cm

The nozzle should preferably be aimed perpendicular to the graphics to be cleaned – not angled.

Warning: Sharp angled power cleaner jets of water may damage the edges of the graphics and cause delamination. High pressure steam cleaning should not be used as the extreme heat can interfere with the adhesion of the vinyl to the substrate.

*Please note, high pressure or power cleaning cannot be used on One Way Vision, under any circumstances. Cleaning this should only ever follow our hand washing guidelines.

Removal of difficult contaminants after the conventional cleaning process

Most dirt can be removed/washed off by the methods above. However, some dirt particles may stick to the graphics persistently. Typical stubborn dirt, like oil and tar spills, or other road dust, generally require stronger means to remove from the graphics. As stronger dirt removers, such as solvents or solvent containing fluids may damage a graphic, we recommend in those cases to use Avery Dennison Supreme Wrap Care, rather than working with non-sustainable products. Restart the cleaning and maintenance process with this product.