7 Sure Fire Ways to Keep Your Vehicle Graphics Looking Like New

Ever wonder how to keep your vehicle graphics looking fresh and new? The best method for washing your vehicle graphics? What products are safe to use? Follow these tips on caring for your vinyl graphics to keep them looking their best!

1 – Keep vehicle graphics clean

Wash your vehicle regularly to keep contaminants from become difficult to remove. Rinse away as much as you can with water. Use non-abrasive detergent like 3M™ Car Wash Soap 39000. Make sure the cloth or sponge you use is soft.

2 – No brush washes

Brush car washes can cause the graphics to chip and the edges to lift. Non-brush automatic car washes are okay.

3 – Avoid pressure washing vehicle graphics

Hand washing is your best choice, but pressure washing is also acceptable. Make sure the pressure is less than 2000psi and the temperature is below 180°F. Hold the nozzle at least a foot away, at a right angle to the graphic to prevent the edges from lifting.

4 – Spot clean with the right products

Soften tricky spots with hot, soapy water. If that doesn’t work, test any products in a small area before you use them on the whole graphic. We recommend 3M™ Citrus Base Cleaner. Spot clean the area and rinse any residue right away.

5 – Clean fuel spills right way

Wipe up any fuel immediately and wash the area as soon as possible.

6 – Limit exposure to the elements

You want to protect your graphics from sun damage and acidic pollutants from the rain or air. Whenever possible, store your wrapped vehicle in the shade or in a garage. If you don’t have a garage, you can use a cloth car cover at night. If the wrap starts to turn brown, that’s a sign of damage from acidic pollutants. You’ll need to have a professional remove the wrap immediately to prevent any damage to the vehicle’s paint.

7 – Use the right restoration products

The type of products you can use depends on the finish of the graphics. Don’t ever use abrasive polishes on vinyl graphics. Polish and wax should not be used on matte or textured films. Make sure you always test a product in a small area before using.


These are just a few tips to keep your vinyl graphics looking sharp. If you have questions or would like more information, please give us call or send us a message!