Vinyl wrap care
How to wash and look after a car wrap
Hand wash gently, choose a cleaner suited to the finish and keep the pressure washer away from seams and edges.
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A simple hand-wash routine
At collection, check when you can wash your car and which cleaners suit the film or coating.
- Rinse off loose gritGet the worst of the dirt off before you touch the vinyl.
- Wash by handUse a soft wash mitt and a mild cleaner suited to your wrap.
- Rinse and dryRemove the soap and dry the car with a clean microfibre towel.
Keep the edges and finish in good shape
- Edges and seams
- Avoid brush car washes, which can mark the film or catch its edges. Follow the film maker’s instructions if using a pressure washer and keep the jet away from seams.
- Satin and matte
- Use products made for your finish. Shine-enhancing waxes and polishes can leave satin or matte film looking uneven.
See 3M’s film care guidance for an example of how advice varies by finish.
Deal with marks before they harden
Soften bird droppings or tree sap with a wrap-safe wash and lift it with a soft cloth. Scrubbing with a pad can scratch the film.
If an edge starts to lift or a mark won’t come off, send us a photo before pulling on the film or trying a stronger cleaner.
