Proper Care and Maintenance of Your Vehicle Wrap & Graphics

Taking care of your vehicle wrap and graphics is especially important in Colorado where the sun is intense and the temperature can go from 90 degrees during the day to 30 at night . UV rays, heat, dust, smog, road residue, and mag chloride in the winter all contribute to damaging the graphics on your vehicle. So… how do you maintain a wrapped vehicle? Keeping the vehicle clean helps to extend the life of the graphics. Also parking it for extended times out of the sun is helpful. Turning the vehicle so the same side is not always getting the intense afternoon West or South sun helps as well.

• Hand washing is preferable.
• Use non-abrasive soap or strong cleaning products with solvents and/or alcohol
• Use a soft sponge or cloth
• Not waxing at all is best especially if the graphics have a matte finish. The waxing will make the graphics look “cloudy” on a matte finish
• If you do want to wax, use a product that does not contain petroleum distillate
• Never use an automatic brush on the vehicle
• Fuel spills need to be wiped off immediately with a soft damp cloth. Petroleum will discolor the graphics.

Before washing the vehicle, here a few tips

• Rinse the vehicle with clean water
• Start washing from top to bottom
• Avoid scrubbing
• Rinse immediately with clean water
• Use the light spray when hosing off
• Let it dry itself
• Avoid pressure washers. If the vehicle is excessively dirty make sure the water is cold and the pressure is medium/low.
• If mag chloride gets on the vehicle, wash as soon as possible. The chemicals will harm the graphics

In Colorado, because of the UV Rays and the drastic weather changes, the wrap can turn brown, become discolored and show cracks over time. This is not due to defective vinyl, but the reaction to the harsh environment we live in. Vehicle graphics and wraps are not meant to be permanent and from the manufacturer come with a 3-5 year lifespan. However, in the harsh weather of Colorado, this shortens the lifespan even further and it is recommended to replace your graphics every 2-3 years to keep your vehicle looking sharp. ---------- Quick Summary: Maintaining Your Vehicle Wrap in Colorado Colorado’s environment is uniquely tough on vehicle graphics. Between the high-altitude UV rays, extreme temperature swings, and winter road chemicals like magnesium chloride, your wrap requires specific care to stay bold and professional. Without proper maintenance, the elements can cause browning, cracking, or fading much faster than in other climates. Best Practices for Wrap Longevity: -Wash with Care: Hand washing is best. Use a soft sponge and non-abrasive, alcohol-free soap. Always rinse from the top down and let the vehicle air dry. -Avoid Pressure Washers: High pressure and heat can lift the edges of your vinyl. If you must use a car wash, avoid automatic brushes entirely. -Mind the Sun: Whenever possible, park in the shade or a garage. If parking outdoors, try to rotate the direction of the vehicle so the "afternoon West sun" doesn't bake one side consistently. -Skip the Wax: Never wax matte finishes, as it creates a "cloudy" appearance. For gloss finishes, ensure your wax contains no petroleum distillates. -Winter Maintenance: Wash off road salts and mag chloride as soon as possible, as these chemicals can eat away at the graphic's protective layer.