Finally, you decided to go for a car body wrap. You just got out of the shop, and you love the finish of your vehicle. It looks like a brand-new vehicle and feels like it, too. Car body wraps are a great way to revamp your vehicle. Now comes the part where you have to be cautious.
Proper care of your car body wrap will ensure its longevity and preserve its finish. People tend to believe that once the installation is done, they can forget it. This is partly true, but it does require minimal maintenance. It is mostly about things that you should avoid and not neglect.
The finish of your car body wrap depends to a large extent on the installer, but it also depends on the maintenance performed after the installation.
This blog covers common mistakes after wrapping and how to avoid them for a flawless, long-lasting finish.
Mistake #1: Washing It Too Soon
Installation by professional detailers, like Colibri Car Wrap and Detailing, will ensure a smooth finish. And when the job is done, you might be tempted to make it sparkle with a good wash. Your vehicle might have been at the detailer’s shop, and you might want to ensure that it is cleaned thoroughly. But hold on to the thought for a few days and let the wrap ‘breathe’ before it comes into contact with soap and water.
The car body wrap is installed with strong adhesives. These adhesives need proper curing time to form a bond with the paint. It takes around 48-72 hours after installation for the bond to set. Washing it before the adhesives are fully cured can trap moisture under the film. The moisture will weaken the adhesion, and the wrap might lift at the edges. Soap and pressure can also cause bubbling of the vinyl film or silvering. It’s like waiting for your nail paint to dry before washing your hands or jumping into a pool.
It is advisable to wait for 3-5 days before washing after installing a car body wrap. If you think the car needs cleaning before that, wipe it gently with a microfibre towel and distilled water.
Mistake #2: Using the Wrong Cleaning Products
Vinyl coatings and paint react differently to cleaning products. The usual car shampoos and household cleaning detergents that are generally acceptable for cleaning paint may not work well for car body wraps.
The cleaning products that can dull the car body wrap are petroleum-based cleaners, strong solvents, or degreasers. Automatic car wash soaps or “shine-enhancing” detergents are also not recommended for vinyl films. These products can cause the wrap to fade and become brittle. They can also cause peeling and lifting at the edges.
What you can use instead are mild, pH-balanced car soaps with soft sponges or microfibre towels. Use clean, distilled, lukewarm water for cleaning. This will ensure that the film’s finish is not affected.
While washing, wash top-down. Start from the roof and work your way to the bottom. Rinse the soap thoroughly to remove soap residue, which can leave streaks. Use separate towels for washing and drying to avoid scratching the film.
Mistake #3: Parking Under the Scorching Sun All the Time
The car body wrap is essentially a vinyl film. It expands under intense UV exposure and contracts when cooled. When the vehicle is parked in the glaring sun all the time, the film is exposed to constant expansion and contraction. This causes stress on the adhesive. In the long term, the adhesive may harden or lose flexibility. This can make removal of the film (if and when you change your mind) difficult.
Constant sun exposure can cause the colour to fade, especially for red, orange and neon tones. Glossy wraps may dull and lose their shine. Matte wraps can turn patchy or glossy in spots.
The better way to maintain the car body wrap is to park in the shade or under a carport whenever possible. If it is not possible to avoid parking in the sun for prolonged durations, use a light, breathable car cover. There is also the option of UV-protective ceramic coating or wax over the car body wrap. You can ask the detailers if the coating is compatible with the vinyl film.
Mistake #4: Ignoring Immediate Damage or Edge Lifting
Most people tend to ignore small issues till they become too big to ignore. A small lifting at edges may not seem like a big deal, but if left unattended, it can be a gateway for air, water and moisture. These elements get trapped under the car body wrap and spread the damage. Before you know it, you have to replace entire panels.
What are the potential causes of edge lifting? Aggressive washing can damage the film and cause edge lifting. If the installation is not done in a professional shop, it tends to lift at the edges. Reputable places have experience with the installation and tend to wrap it well according to the body of the vehicle. Poor installation will also cause the edge to lift around the tricky parts, such as edges and mirrors. Lifting can happen due to daily wear around the high-touch areas.
To catch any damage early, it is better to run a check once a week. Run your fingers along the seams and corners gently and ‘feel’ for any uneven surfaces. Watch out for bubbles, cracks or slight peeling.
Do not try home fixes by pressing on the film or heating it with a hairdryer. The adhesion issues can worsen with such methods.
Take your car to the detailers and have them reseal and blend it. If left neglected, entire panels may have to be replaced later.
Mistake #5: Using Wax or Polishing Compounds on Vinyl Wraps
We all like a shiny car that looks sleek. For that extra shine, wax is the best solution. But wraps react differently to wax. Wax tends to leave white stains on matte or textured wraps. On satin or metallic wraps, it can create uneven shine. Polishing can cause micro-scratches.
The safer alternatives are wrap-safe detail sprays (vinyl-specific). You can also opt for polymer or ceramic coatings made for vinyl.
Mistake #6: Neglecting Routine Cleaning
Dust and pollution bond strongly to vinyl. Bird droppings, sap and bug splatter can burn the surface of the car body wrap. Acidic contaminants leave stains if not cleaned.
Clean the wrap once every two weeks for normal use cars, and every week if it is routinely parked outdoors.
Mistake #7: Using Automatic Car Washes with Brushes
The spinning brushes can scratch and tear the wrap’s surface. They may also carry dirt from previous vehicles and are best avoided. Automatic car washes can cause edge lifting, micro-tears in the film and loss of gloss.
It is better to try a gentle hand wash at home or touchless car washes.
Conclusion
A car body wrap is not a high-maintenance installation. It does not need pampering, just the right kind of attention. It calls for minimal maintenance. Wraps are marketed as durable and protective, and they are. But regular attention is needed to maintain that long-lasting finish.
It is recommended to check the wrap at professional detailers like Colibri Car Wrap and Detailing one month after installation. A regular check-up once every 6-12 months thereafter may be all the maintenance required.
