Quick Start (right after installation)
- Curing period: Avoid washing for 7 days so the adhesive can fully cure.
- Post heating is the most important part of the process to ensure no failure of the wrap installed.
- Check edges & seams: Lightly press down any edges if they lift in the first week. If lifting persists, get in touch with your installer.
- Frequency: Wash weekly to fortnightly.
- Shade & cool panels: Wash in the shade with panels cool to the touch.
- Soap: Use a pH-neutral car shampoo. Avoid harsh household detergents.
Method:
- Rinse to remove loose grit.
- Hand-wash with a soft mitt using the two-bucket method.
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Rinse thoroughly.
- Blot dry with a clean microfibre towel or use filtered air. Don’t let water spot in the sun.
Pressure washers (if you must)
- Keep pressure ≤ 1,400–2,000 psi (10–14 MPa).
- Use a wide fan tip (40°), hold the lance ≥ 30 cm from the surface.
- Spray at a shallow angle, away from edges and seams.
- Never use hot water over 40 °C on the film.
- Bird droppings, bug splatter, tree sap, road tar, fuel drips: Clean ASAP. The longer they sit, the higher the chance of staining.
- Safe approach: Soften with warm water and pH-neutral soap, then gently wipe.
- Tar/sap remover: Use a wrap-safe citrus/tar remover. Apply to a microfibre (not straight to the panel), wipe gently, then wash the area again.
- Isopropyl alcohol (IPA 70%): Light spot clean only. Wipe off and re-wash.
Polishing, Waxing & Protection
- Gloss wraps: You may use a polymer sealant or wrap-safe spray sealant. Avoid products with petroleum distillates, naphtha, or abrasives.
- Matte/satin wraps: Do not polish or wax with gloss-enhancing products—these can create shiny patches. Use a matte-safe sealant only.
- Ceramic coatings: Many are compatible with vinyl, but always check the film manufacturer’s guidelines and the coating’s data sheet first.
- Automatic car washes with brushes (they can lift edges and scratch the film).
- Strong solvents, heavy degreasers, cutting compounds or abrasive pads.
- Clay bars on dry film (can mark the surface)—use plenty of lubricant if claying is necessary.
- Prolonged exposure to diesel/fuel; rinse and wash immediately if spilt on the wrap.
- High-heat sources close to the wrap (exhaust tips, heat guns, steam cleaners).
- Australia’s UV is no joke. Whenever possible, park under cover or use a breathable car cover.
- Regular washing plus periodic sealant helps resist UV fade and keeps colours looking fresh.
Aftercare for Edges, Seams & Textured Films
- Dry edges carefully—blot, don’t rub across the seam.
- For carbon fibre or other textured films, use soft brushes and gentle mitts to clean in the texture without scuffing.
Tyres, Wheels & Underbody
- Wheel cleaners can mist onto panels and stain wraps. If using acidic/alkaline wheel cleaners, mask or rinse surrounding wrap immediately.
- Avoid flinging harsh tyre shines onto the wrap; apply carefully and wipe any overspray.
- Road grime and bugs build up fast on highways. Carry a small kit: microfibre, quick detailer/wrap-safe spray, and a litre of water.
- On coastal trips, rinse off salt spray promptly.
- Small scuffs or lifted edges can often be re-tacked or panel-replaced without redoing the whole car.
- Typical lifespan varies by film, colour and care—good maintenance in Australian conditions can see 3–7 years of solid appearance.
Care Checklist (copy for your workshop or garage)
☐ pH-neutral shampoo
☐ Two buckets + grit guards
☐ Soft wash mitt & microfibre towels
☐ Wrap-safe spray sealant (gloss or matte-specific)
☐ Citrus/tar remover
☐ 70% IPA (spot clean only)