Caring for Your Vehicle Graphics...

Care for your vehicle graphics like you would any fine paint finish. Using high quality products designed specifically for car care, these cleaning and maintenance procedures will help keep your vehicle graphics looking their best.

1. Wash regularly
• Wash whenever the car appears dirty. Contaminants allowed to remain on the graphic may be more difficult to remove during cleaning.
• Rinse off as much dirt and grit as possible with water.
• Use a wet, non-abrasive detergent such as VION Car Care Cleaner and a soft, clean cloth or sponge.
• Rinse thoroughly with clean water. To reduce water spotting, immediately use a silicone squeegee to remove water and finish with a clean microfibre cloth.
2. Automated car washes
• Brush-type car washes are not recommended as they can abrade the film and cause edges to lift or chip, as well as dulling the film’s appearance. Brushless car washes are acceptable.
3. Pressure washing
• Although hand washing is the preferred cleaning method, pressure washing may be used, providing these conditions are strictly followed:
• Ensure the water pressure is kept below 2000 psi (14 MPa).
• Keep water temperature below 80°C (180°F).
• Use a spray nozzle with a 40 degree wide angle spray pattern.
• Keep the nozzle at least 300mm (1 foot) away from and perpendicular (at 90 degrees) to the graphic.
• Beware holding the nozzle of a pressure washer at an angle to the graphic, as it may lift the edges of the film.
4. Difficult contaminants
• Soften difficult contaminants such as bug splatter, bird droppings, tree sap and similar contaminants by soaking them for several minutes with very hot, soapy water as early as possible. Rinse thoroughly and dry.
• If further cleaning is needed, test one of these products in an inconspicuous area to ensure no damage to the graphics. Spot clean the contaminants.
• Do not use rough scrubbing or abrasive tools, which will scratch the film. Wash and rinse off all residue immediately.
5. Fuel spills
• Wipe off immediately to avoid degrading the vinyl and adhesive. Then wash, rinse and dry as soon as possible.
6. Polish and wax
• Most standard graphic films and overlaminates can be polished or waxed with a high quality car wax.
• Before use, test and approve in an inconspicuous area. Do not use any abrasive polishes or cutting compounds.
• 3M do not recommend any polishing or wax product for the matt or textured films.
7. Store indoors or under cover whenever possible
• Vinyl graphics (just like paint) are degraded by prolonged exposure to sun and atmospheric pollutants, particularly on the horizontal surfaces such as bonnet, boot lid and roof.
• Whenever possible, store in a garage or at least in a shaded area during the day. At night protect the car from dew or rain, which may contain acidic pollutants (a common problem in many large metropolitan areas).
• When a garage is not available, consider using a cloth car cover at night. If your graphics start to discolour or turn brown (which is caused by acidic pollution), immediately remove the graphics from the vehicle to avoid staining the underlying paint.