SURFACE PREPARATION:
All vehicles should be cleaned with a mild detergent and water solution before any vinyl application.  Do not wax vehicle before application of any graphics. Vinyl will not stick if waxed.

REMOVAL:
When removing vinyl graphics from a vehicle; use heat to soften the vinyl for easier removal. In some cases the vinyl can remove some paints if the paint was not properly applied to the surface. If the surface of where the vinyl is going to be applied is damaged, you will need to have the vehicle  repainted before application. New painted vehicles should have at least a 2 week curing time before vinyl is applied.

CAUTION:
Avoid any abrasive car washes, as the brushes will create swirls in the surface of the laminate, the same as it does to the paint of a new car. The brushes may also lift the edge of the vinyl, in crevices, seams, or moldings and cause them to lift prematurely. The same caution applies to cloth car washes that move from side to side.

Avoid “Touch-less” Spray Car Washes as the force of the jet spray may also cause the vinyl to lift in crevices. Some also use powerful solvents that are not good for your graphics or the paint of your vehicle. The sprays also beat sand or grime into the graphics causing a sanding effect over time.

We recommend using a Coin Operated Spray Car Wash, but stand back to reduce the pressure of the spray hitting the vehicle. Be very sensitive to areas around door handles moldings, mirrors and glass.  Use a sponge or rag to soap and clean the panels. You don’t need to baby it, but be careful to avoid accidentally lifting the graphics in sensitive areas. Be gentle with window graphics, especially window perforated film.

Avoid using the rear windshield wiper and only use when absolutely necessary, as it will scratch the laminate over time and reduce visibility. It is best to clean any grime and sediment off of your rear window with a wet squeegee to avoid scratching.

Avoid using your rear defroster, use only when absolutely necessary as it can potentially reduce the lifespan of the see through perforated window film.

Avoid winding the windows up and down frequently to avoid scratching, if they are covered with graphics.

Do not use an ice scraper on any window that is covered with vinyl especially perforated window film as it could scratch and damage the graphics.

CLEANING:
Hand washing is the best way. Use a mild detergent and water solution with a nonabrasive rag or sponge to clean the vehicle. Avoid excessive scrubbing. When rinsing spray hose from top down and allow the water to run over the graphics. Let vehicle air dry. If normal cleaning procedures don't work to remove debris try to spot clean the area with Isopropyl Alcohol.

If you do need to run the vehicle through a pressure washer here are some things to consider:
Water Tempature should be 72 degrees
Spray nozzle opening 40 degree wide pattern
Spray angle 45 degree
Angle of Graphic 90 degree (vertical)
Distance from graphic 15"
Water pressure <= 800 PSI
Length of time 30 seconds

Contaminants that may be on your graphics:

Tar, Oil, or Diesel:
Wipe with 3M Citrus based Industrial Cleaner or a rag dampened with Kerosene, Mineral Spirits, or Heptane. Do not use any other solvents.

Pollen or Fungus:
Wash the graphic with a 3-5% sodium hypochlorite solution (full-strength household bleach) or mild liquid detergent and water. Rinse with clean water immediately.

Crayon, Lipstick, or similar materials:
Select an appropriate solvent and test it in an inconspicuous area to ensure it removes the contaminant without damaging the graphic. This must be done on a customer test and approve basis. Wash immediately with mild liquid detergent and water, then rinse with clean water.