3M Wrap Care and Restoration

References:

3M Vinyl Wrap Care FAQ

Wash Regularly 

Wash whenever the trailer 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 a spray of water. See “Difficult Contaminants” below, for spot cleaning bird droppings, tar, etc.   

Use a wet, non-abrasive detergent such as 3M™ Car Wash Soap 39000 or Meguiar’s NXT Generation® Car Wash or Deep Crystal® Car Wash 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 microfiber cloth. 

Automated Car Washes 

Vinyl wraps may be run through car washes. Touch less car washes are the best for graphic care. Use of brush car washes (depending upon the frequency and quality of brush) may cause dulling/scratching/lifting edge of the graphics.  

Pressure Washing 

Although hand washing is the preferred cleaning method, pressure washing may be used under these conditions: 

• Ensure the water pressure is kept below 2000 psi (14 MPa).  
• Keep water temperature below 180 °F (80 °C).  
• Use a spray nozzle with a 40-degree wide angle spray pattern.  
• Keep the nozzle at least 1 foot (300 mm) away from and perpendicular (at 90 degrees) to the graphic. 

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. 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: Meguiar’s Gold Class™ Bug and Tar Remover or 3M™ Citrus Base Cleaner. Isopropyl alcohol (IPA) (two parts IPA to 1 part water) or denatured alcohol may also help. Spot clean the contaminants. Do not use rough scrubbing or abrasive tools, which will scratch the film. Wash and rinse off all residue immediately. 

Fuel Spills 

Wipe off immediately to avoid degrading the vinyl and adhesive. Then wash, rinse and dry as in “Wash Regularly” as soon as possible. 

Film Restoration 

The following restoration recommendations will help keep your trailer wraps looking their best. Do not use any abrasive polishes or cutting compounds. Do not use any polishing or wax products on matte or textured films. Use if there is wax or wax residue on the surface, remove with an all-purpose cleaner. Table A shows some available products to help restore your vehicle wrap. Before using, always test and approve in an inconspicuous area.