What damages vinyl car wraps?
One of the best things about vinyl car wraps is that they are incredibly durable and long lasting. While it is very difficult to damage a car wrap, it is possible. In this article we will cover the top three ways vehicle wraps are damaged and how to prevent them from happening.
Going through a car wash will damage a car wrap
One of the worst things to do to a wrapped car is put it through an automatic car wash. Automatic car washes may be a great option to get an unwrapped car clean, however, the rough bristles and intense water pressure can cause some serious damage to a vinyl wrap. It is important that vehicle wraps are hand-washed only. Below are some of the tools we recommend to wash your vehicle.
When washing a wrapped vehicle it is important to use gentle materials, such as microfiber cloths and solutions meant for vinyl wraps. Most car wrap specialists recommend washing the vehicle once a week to keep it looking good as new during its lifetime.
Continuous sun exposure may cause fading
A common problem owners of wrapped vehicles experience is color fading from the wrap. Fading happens over time, especially when the car is exposed to a lot of sunlight and heat. In extreme cases, heat and sunlight may even distort the vinyl by causing it to shrink or warp. The good news is that it is fairly simple to prevent sun damage from occurring to a wrapped vehicle.
- Try and park the car or truck out of direct sunlight. It is always a good idea to park in a garage when possible as this provides the most protection from the sun and heat. However, if parking in a garage is not accessible try and look for shaded areas.
- Use “wrap-sunscreen” on your wrap. Another great option to protect your vehicle is with special polishes or waxes that are designed to add a layer of protection between the wrap and the UV rays. Much like humans use skin protection on sunny days, vinyl wraps also need a barrier against the damaging rays.
- Wash wisely. If your car needs to be washed it is important to do it either in the early morning or late afternoon/evening. Washing a wrapped vehicle in the heat of the day can lead to tearing or stretching. If you cannot avoid washing in the middle of the day try and use cold water to clean the vehicle.
Accidents will cause damage to wrapped vehicles
Unfortunately accidents are a part of life. Accidents, both minor and major, are likely to cause the most damage out of all the ways a wrap can be damaged. During an accident it is likely a wrap will be ripped or torn. Additionally, any denting or other damage to the body of the vehicle will likely cause the wrap to lift off. In the majority of accident cases a new wrap will need to be applied. Most wrap specialists will recommend not using a vehicle that has been involved in an accident because the wrap may not be able to be applied seamlessly due to imperfections. If possible, always use a car or truck that is in pristine shape.
Colorado Signs and Wraps is Denver’s choice for commercial car and truck wraps. Call us today for a free quote!
