Care & Maintenance

How to take care of your newly wrapped vehicle

Keep your wrapped looking fresh and lasting.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I WASH MY VEHICLE WRAP?

Wash your wrap once a week or more often if your vehicle is frequently exposed to dirt and pollutants. You should hand wash it using a nice automotive sponge or a soft, clean cloth. We recommend a gentle automotive detergent from any good brand, or pick from the following:

  • 3M® Car Wash Soap 39000
  • Meguiar’s NXT Generation®
  • Deep Crystal® Car Wash
  • 3M® Quick Detailer Spray Wax

For a more cost effective alternative you can wash applied vinyl graphics with a blend of clean water and a mild car wash or detergent (i.e. Dawn®, Joy® or Ivory®).

Always rinse with clean water after washing.

CAN I TAKE MY WRAPPED VEHICLE INTO A DRIVE-THROUGH CAR WASH?

No, you can bring your wrapped vehicle to a wand wash, but hand washing is safer and more thorough. Brush car washes may be too rough on the film, causing it to peel or lift at the edges. Car washes that only use wands and no brushes are safe for most wraps. Keep the spray nozzle at least 12 inches away from the car’s edges. Avoid holding the the spray nozzle at an angle.

WHAT SHOULD I USE FOR SPOT CLEANING?

Use Simple Green or a mix of 2 parts isopropyl alcohol, 1 part water for spot cleaning. Rinse the area with cool water after cleaning. Do not use tire dressing as it may splash on the wrap and stain. Avoid wiping the wrap when it’s hot out.

CAN I PRESSURE WASH MY VEHICLE WRAP AT HOME?

If you want to pressure wash your wrap, keep it below 2,000 psi. Use a spray nozzle with a 40 degree wide angle spray pattern. Keep the temperature below 140°F and keep the spray nozzle at least 12 inches away from the car’s edges. Avoid holding the the spray nozzle at an angle.

HOW DO I CLEAN BIRD DROPPINGS, INSECTS, TREE SAP, AND OTHER DIFFICULT STAINS?

Clean difficult stains immediately. Letting them sit may permanently damage the wrap. Soak the affected area for a few minutes with warm, soapy water. Rinse completely and dry with a microfiber cloth. Use one of the following solutions:

  • 3M® Citrus Base Cleaner
  • Meguiar’s Gold Class™Bug & Stain Remover
  • Denatured alcohol
  • 2 parts isopropyl alcohol, 1 part water

WHAT SHOULD I DO ABOUT GAS OR FUEL SPILLS?

Wipe off fuel spills immediately, and then handwash the area. Letting the spill stay for too long will degrade the vinyl.

CAN I PARK MY VEHICLE OUTDOORS FOR LONG PERIODS?

Excessive time under the sun or other outdoor conditions can degrade the wrap on the roof, trunk lid and hood. Try your best to park your car in a garage, under a canopy or shelter. If you must park it outside, look for shady parking areas.

MY VEHICLE WRAP IS TURNING BROWN OR RUST-COLOURED. WHAT DO I DO?

Wraps turn brown due to prolonged exposure to acid from air pollutants. This is typically a result of neglect and failure to follow the above care instructions. It is best to remove the film from your vehicle to prevent damage to the paint beneath it, and reapply that panel of the wrap.

MY VEHICLE WRAP IS PEELING AT THE EDGES. WHY?

Your wrap may begin to peel at the edges due to using incorrect washing methods, dirt and debris getting under the wrap, or lack of care. If peeling occurs, please bring it back to Bananas Creative for inspection.

WHAT PRODUCTS SHOULD I NEVER USE WHEN CLEANING MY WRAP?

  • Solvents
  • Oil-based cleaners
  • Kitchen/Bathroom cleaners
  • Oven cleaner
  • Orange oil
  • Engine degreaser

PROPER CARE OF PERFORATED WINDOW GRAPHICS (VEHICLE)

Avoid using the rear windshield wiper and only use when absolutely necessary, as it will scratch the laminate over time and reduce visibility. It is best to clean any grime and sediment from your rear window with a wet squeegee to avoid scratching.

Avoid using your rear defroster, use only when absolutely necessary as it can potentially reduce the lifespan of the see through perforated window film.

Avoid frequent rolling of windows with graphics in order to avoid scratching. Do not use an ice scraper on any window that is covered with vinyl specially perforated window film as it could scratch and damage the graphics.

*Keep in mind that these are simple guidelines for extending the life of your window graphics. In Matters of safety, common sense should always prevail to ensure maximum visibility at all times

DISCLAIMER      

Damage caused from the following is not covered:

  • Vandalism
  • Wind
  • Rain
  • Hail
  • Sleet
  • Any act of God

Graphics that are “RTA” or “Ready to Apply” and are installed by the client are not covered against lifting or peelings.

Warranty repairs will be done at the Graphic Bacon install facility only.

Any altering or tampering with the graphics installed by Graphic Bacon will result in the warranty being null and void.

No warranty is provided:

  • If the graphic was aggressively washed or not washed properly (automated car washes)
  • From “wear and tear” (stone chips, dents, road rash or accidents)
  • If paint condition includes rust, rust bubbles, paint defects or clear coat failure
  • If the graphic is being applied to stone guard film or paint
  • For wrapped door handles
  • For wrapped mirrors
  • For wrapped door jams
  • For wheel wraps
  • On wrapped surfaces that are primered, sanded, matte, stainless steel surfaces or non painted with clear coat surface
  • If the vehicle wrap was installed more than one year ago
  • If the wrap was installed by another company or installer outside of Bananas Creative

Interested in our services?

We’re here to help!