How to Take Care of Your Vehicle Wrap or Decals
A professionally installed vehicle wrap is an investment — it turns your vehicle into a moving advertisement for your brand. Like any investment, proper care is key to keeping it looking sharp and ensuring it lasts as long as possible.
At Century Signs, we use premium wrap films from 3M and Avery Dennison, both known for durability and performance. However, even the best films can fail prematurely if they’re not maintained properly. This guide covers the best practices for cleaning, maintaining, and protecting your wrap, based on manufacturer recommendations.
1. The First 48 Hours After Installation
Your wrap needs a short “curing” period before it’s ready to face the elements.
✅ Do:
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Wait at least 48 hours before washing your vehicle.
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Keep the vehicle indoors or in a shaded area when possible.
🚫 Avoid:
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High-pressure washing.
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Scraping or picking at edges and seams.
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Parking under trees that drop sap or debris.
2. Regular Cleaning
Keeping your wrap clean is the most important part of maintenance. Dirt, pollutants, bird droppings, and road grime can damage the film if left for too long.
How Often to Clean
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Ideally, wash once a week or as soon as the vehicle appears dirty.
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In coastal or industrial areas, wash more frequently to remove salt and pollution.
Recommended Cleaning Method
Hand washing is best.
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Rinse off loose dirt with clean water.
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Use a soft sponge or microfiber cloth with mild detergent (pH-neutral, no strong solvents).
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Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
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Dry with a silicone squeegee or microfiber towel to prevent water spots.
💡 Tip: Use 3M Car Wash Soap 39000 or Avery Dennison Supreme Wrap Care Cleaner for best results.
3. What to Avoid
Some cleaning methods and products can permanently damage your wrap or cause lifting at the edges.
🚫 Never use:
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Pressure washers above 2,000 psi or with water hotter than 180°F (80°C)
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Spray nozzle closer than 12 inches (30 cm) from the surface
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Harsh chemicals, degreasers, or solvents (including isopropyl alcohol above 70%)
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Automatic car washes with brushes (they can scratch and lift edges)
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Waxes or polishes containing petroleum distillates or abrasives
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Tire shine or silicone-based products near the edges of the wrap
4. Spot Cleaning
If you notice stubborn spots like bird droppings, tree sap, or bug splatter:
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Soak the affected area with warm, soapy water for several minutes.
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Gently wipe with a microfiber cloth.
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Rinse and dry.
For tougher contamination, use Avery Dennison Power Cleaner or 3M Citrus Base Cleaner, but always test on a small area first.
Never scrub aggressively or use metal brushes/sponges.
5. Polishing and Waxing
If you have a gloss finish wrap, you can use a non-abrasive wax or polish to enhance shine.
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Use only waxes labeled as safe for vinyl wraps.
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Apply lightly and remove residue carefully.
🚫 Do not polish matte, satin, carbon fiber, or textured wraps — it can cause shiny spots or permanent finish changes.
Need Help or Have Questions?
If you’re unsure about a product or cleaning method, we’re happy to guide you.
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Phone: (604) 892-2218
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Email: info@centurysigns.com
6. Storage and Parking
Prolonged exposure to sunlight, pollution, and harsh weather can fade or degrade your wrap faster.
Best Practices:
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Whenever possible, park indoors or under shade.
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If stored outside, use a cloth car cover (avoid plastic).
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Keep the vehicle clean before covering it — trapped dirt can scratch the surface.
7. Pressure Washing (When Necessary)
If hand washing isn’t possible and you must use a pressure washer:
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Use a maximum pressure of 2,000 psi.
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Keep water temperature below 180°F (80°C).
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Use a 40-degree wide spray nozzle.
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Hold the nozzle at least 12 inches from the surface.
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Keep the spray at a 45-degree angle to the wrap (not perpendicular).
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Avoid spraying directly at seams or edges.
8. Aftercare for Partial Wraps and Decals
For vehicles with partial graphics or decals:
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Treat the wrapped and unwrapped surfaces the same way when cleaning.
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Be extra gentle around decal edges.
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Avoid scraping ice or snow with hard tools around graphics.
9. Winter Care
Salt and de-icing chemicals can damage vinyl films if left on the surface.
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Wash frequently during winter months.
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Dry the vehicle completely after each wash.
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Inspect edges regularly for lifting or damage.
10. Warranty Notice
Improper care, neglect, or use of harsh cleaning methods can void your wrap warranty. To maintain warranty coverage:
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Follow all maintenance recommendations above.
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Document any major cleaning or detailing work if done by a third party.
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Contact Century Signs if you notice lifting, bubbling, or color changes early on — don’t attempt DIY repairs.