How to wash your vinyl wrap
This is how you should wash your car with a vinyl wrap OR COLOR CHANGE PAINT PROTECTION FILM
This advice goes for 3m VINYL wraps, Avery, KPMF, Stek, Pure PPF and COLOR CHANGE PAINT PROTECTION FILMS
The video above demonstrates how we wash cars that are currently wrapped in color change vinyl. This particular truck was wrapped in KPMF Blue Black Iridescent. But the same rules apply for a 3m vinyl wrap, Avery vinyl wrap, or any color change PPF like Stek and PurePPF.
Here is a short and sweet summary of the process:
- FIRST RINSE THE VEHICLE - Use clean water to remove loose dirt and debris.
- NEXT USE A GENTLE PH NEUTRAL SOAP – Pick a wrap-safe, pH-neutral car soap (no harsh chemicals).CarPro Reset, Meguiar's Gold Class
- USE A SOFT MICROFIBER - Wash from top to bottom, one section at a time, with light pressure and never push too hard
- RINSE YOUR SOAP OFF - Make sure no soap is left behind and drys on the surface
- DRY WITH A SOFT AND CLEAN MICROFIBER - Pat dry instead of dragging the towel to avoid scratching. If dragging, use a very large towel with some quick detailer spray to help lubricate as shown in the video.
Here are some critical Do's and Don'ts when washing a wrapped car. These are directly from the manufacturers
DO
✔ Wash your car every 2 weeks or sooner if dirty
✔ You can use touchless car washes if hand washing isn’t possible
✔ Immediately spot clean bird droppings, bugs and sap
✔ Use IPA isopropyl alcohol (diluted) to clean tough spots (70% Mixed with water)
✔ Pressure wash safely under 1200 psi, a 40° wide fan nozzle, and at least 12″ away from the vehicle
✔ Park in the shade or indoors when possible to reduce UV fading as the sun will age your wrap more rapidly
DON'T
✘ No washing for the first 48 to 72 hours after installation.
✘ No automatic brush washes or stiff bristle brushes
✘ No wax or polish with petroleum distillates or carnauba waxes
✘ No harsh chemicals (acidic, alkaline, or even alcohol based unless provided by the manufacturer)
✘ Never aim your pressure washer at wrap edges or at steep angles.
✘ Never use any abrasive sponges, stiff brushes, or scrubbing pads.
Proper care will keep your vinyl wrap looking as perfect as the day you first picked it up. Gentle washing, quick spot cleaning, and avoiding harsh tools will protect both the wrap and your paint. Treat it right, and your vehicle will turn heads for years to come. If you have any further questions, feel free to reach out to us at Xclusive Autoworks and Paint Protection. We are always happy to help.
