Vehicle wraps are unique in that, unlike other graphics, they are mobile, creating some challenges you don’t face with other visual solutions. With that in mind, in today’s blog, we answer some common questions about car wraps, including “Can You Wax a Wrapped Car?” and “How to clean a wrapped car?” among others.
Just click on the links below to jump to any section of the article:
- Can a Car Wrap Be Under the Sun?
- Can You Wax a Wrapped Car?
- Can a Wrapped Car Get Wet?
- Can a Wrapped Vehicle Be Unwrapped?
- How To Clean a Wrapped Vehicle?
- Does a Car Wrap Devalue the Car?
Can a Car Wrap Be Under the Sun?
Yes, vehicle wraps are made of vinyl, which is a robust material that can be under the sun.
With that being said, the UV rays in sunlight are the agents that contribute the most to the deterioration, not only of car wraps but of your car as a whole.
Parking your car in a garage whenever possible extends the life of your wrap and helps protect other areas of your vehicle exposed to the sun, such as the dashboard and upholstery.
Can You Wax a Wrapped Car?
Using wax or other types of coating on a wrapped car is generally discouraged because these products are formulated for automotive paint, not vinyl.
To protect your wrap, wash your car often, and make sure to remove stains (such as bird droppings or tree sap) as soon as possible. If you let a stain sit for too long, it may end up damaging the wrap.
For more information on how to give maintenance to a wrapped vehicle, refer to the question “How to clean a wrapped car” below.
Can a Wrapped Car Get Wet?
Yes, the inks and the self-adhesive vinyl used for car wraps are designed to withstand the impact of the elements, including water rain.
A wrapped car can be left in the rain without the ink running or the vinyl panels coming unglued.
However, as explained in a previous question, parking your wrapped vehicle in a protected area such as an indoor garage or carport can help extend the life of the wrap.
Can a Wrapped Vehicle Be Unwrapped?
Yes, like with any other wrap (such as building wraps), car wraps can be removed.
If a vehicle wrap is removed by professional technicians, no traces remain on the body and there’s no way to tell that the vehicle was once wrapped.
In some cases, companies unwrap a car only to wrap it again immediately with updated or new graphics. This is one of the benefits of choosing car wraps over other alternatives (such as a conventional paint job), where removal is both expensive and time-consuming.
How To Clean a Wrapped Vehicle?
As a general rule, washing your car by hand is the most gentle method to the wrap. If you don’t have time to wash your wrapped vehicle by hand, you can run it through a touchless car wash.
If possible, steer clear of touch car washes (the type with spinning brushes), as they may damage the wrap.
Does a Car Wrap Devalue the Car?
No, on the contrary: a wrap can help preserve the value of your vehicle.
The exterior of a car degrades as it comes in contact with damaging agents. For example, the sun can cause the paint to fade and flying debris (such as tiny rocks) can chip the paint of a vehicle.
A car wrap creates an extra layer of protection between these agents and the body of the vehicle, safeguarding it against some of the most common types of damage.
CR&A Custom: High-Quality Car Wraps
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